Won Hee-ryong: "'6.25 Yi Sun-sin' General Baek Seon-yeop Should Be Buried in the National Cemetery After Death"

Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Amid controversy over the burial of retired General Baek Seon-yeop, a hero of the Korean War, at the National Cemetery, Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong emphasized on the 27th that "a place for General Baek must be secured at the Seoul National Cemetery."

Governor Won wrote on his Facebook that "I read an article saying that the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs made disappointing remarks about General Baek," adding, "I was deeply pained by the content that Ministry staff said something to the effect of, 'Kim Won-ung, president of the Liberation Association, circulated a survey related to the amendment of the National Cemetery Act before the general election, and some ruling party members are pushing for the amendment. If this law passes, there is concern that the general, once buried at the National Cemetery, might be removed.'"

He continued, "Fortunately, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs clarified that 'there was no statement about the possibility of removal, and the remarks were made only to share the situation that the Liberation Association is pushing for the amendment of the National Cemetery Act,'" but added, "However, such remarks themselves would cause great wounds to General Baek, who has greatly contributed to the free Republic of Korea."

He further stated, "General Baek is a hero of the Korean War who saved the free Republic of Korea and can be regarded as the 'Yi Sun-sin of the Korean War,'" emphasizing, "It would be very regrettable if he suffers any harm under Korean law, and it must not happen."

He then earnestly requested the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, saying, "If the bill is pushed forward, I sincerely ask that you carefully review it to ensure that those who have worked hard for the Republic of Korea do not suffer misunderstandings or harm under any circumstances."

Finally, he concluded by saying, "General Baek, I heard that your health has recently deteriorated," and added, "You must recover and stay with us for a long time. I deeply cherish the fact that descendants live well thanks to the efforts of patriotic elders like General Baek."