On the 15th at the Gwangbokjeol event, a live speech was given instead of the prepared congratulatory address
President of Gwangbokhoe: "The country became pro-Japanese under the Rhee Syngman regime"
Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo stands side by side with Lee Dong-il, head of the Gyeongbuk branch of the Liberation Association, during the national ceremony at the Liberation Day celebration on the 15th.
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Dong-wook] "How can the Liberation Association president's commemorative speech be like this? History is full of twists and turns, making it too difficult to completely settle everything and move on. Also, it is very difficult to judge right and wrong in many aspects."
At the 75th Liberation Day celebration held at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office on the 15th, Lee Dong-il, head of the Gyeongbuk branch of the Liberation Association, read aloud the commemorative speech of Kim Won-woong, president of the Liberation Association. Following the award ceremony, Governor Lee Cheol-woo took the stage and rebutted with an impromptu speech instead of reading the prepared congratulatory address.
Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "Although there were mistakes in the process of transforming our country from the world's worst to the 10th strongest, we must acknowledge the contributions of those who participated in making today's history," advocating forgiveness and reconciliation.
He added, "We live in the 21st century, but the descendants of independence activists still live in hardship as if they are in the Japanese colonial era. We must actively work to create a society where such people can find courage." Attendees applauded several times in response to Governor Lee's congratulatory speech.
Before Governor Lee, Kim Won-woong, president of the Liberation Association, whose speech was read by Lee Dong-il, head of the Gyeongbuk branch, emphasized at the ceremony, "The Rhee Syngman regime appointed pro-Japanese figures to key national positions, who lived in luxury all their lives, turning the Republic of Korea into a country for pro-Japanese collaborators."
The commemorative speech also included statements such as "The national anthem sung at the Liberation Day event was composed by Ahn Ik-tae, who led pro-Japanese activities," "A person who led the suppression of independence fighters is buried in a prime spot at the National Cemetery," "General Paik Sun-yup was a pro-Japanese collaborator who admired Japan," and "The Republic of Korea is the only country that has failed to properly settle accounts with national traitors."
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