Kim Dong-yeon: "President Yoon's March 1st Speech, Shameful to the Patriotic Martyrs"

A post and photo uploaded by Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, on his social media.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon advised President Yoon Suk-yeol to definitely read the "March 1st Independence Declaration" on the 104th anniversary of the March 1st Movement. Governor Kim further emphasized that among past presidents, President Yoon is the first not to mention Japan's past history in his March 1st commemorative speech, and that cooperative partners must be based on sincere apologies and responsibility.

On the 1st, through a post on his social network service (SNS), Governor Kim introduced, "At the March 1st commemorative ceremony held today at Dodamso (the former governor's official residence), Hwang Ui-hyung, head of the Gyeonggi Branch of the Liberation Association, read the March 1st Independence Declaration," adding, "Despite his considerable age, I was deeply moved listening to his clear and powerful reading of each word."

He especially noted, "The content of the March 1st Independence Declaration contains philosophies and values that we living today must engrave in our hearts," and questioned, "Later, I read President Yoon Suk-yeol's March 1st commemorative speech and want to ask if he has ever read the full text of the Independence Declaration even once."

He continued, "'Did we lose our country because we were not properly prepared for changes in world history?' Is this an attempt to justify Japan's infringement on our national sovereignty?" and asserted, "'A cooperative partner sharing universal values' must be based on sincere apologies and responsibility."

Furthermore, he criticized, "It is said that this is the first time a president has not mentioned past history in a March 1st commemorative speech," calling it "a shame to the patriotic martyrs who shouted for independence 104 years ago."

Governor Kim recommended, "The March 1st Independence Declaration contains a philosophy pursuing the nation's independence, justice, humanity, survival, and dignity," urging, "Please be sure to read it at least once."