Launch of Busan Promotion Committee for Fundraising to Build the ‘I Seungman President Memorial Hall’

General Promotion Committee Chairman Shin Jeong-taek Elected Chairman of Sewoon Steel

Citizens of Busan have united for the construction of the 'President Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall,' symbolizing national unity.

'Lee Seungman Presidential Memorial Hall Construction Fundraising Busan City Promotion Committee' Launch Poster. [Image source=Busan Promotion Committee]

On the 20th, the Busan Metropolitan City Promotion Committee for Fundraising to Build the President Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall was launched, with over 400 representatives from Busan’s economy, politics, civil society, education, professional sectors, youth, and women participating.

Busan holds great historical significance as the last stronghold during the Korean War and served as the wartime capital that led the war to victory by forming a wartime cabinet.

The Busan Promotion Committee for Fundraising consists of over 70 economic leaders representing Busan’s key industries such as steel, transportation, construction, and shipbuilding; about 150 civil society organizations including the Busan Federation of Teachers’ Associations (16 organizations), the Federation of Disabled Persons’ Organizations (40 organizations), the Busan Design Organizations Federation (24 organizations), the Busan NGO Citizens’ Coalition (30 organizations), the Busan Content Industry Federation (9 organizations), and the Busan Federation of Arts Associations (8 organizations); various professional groups; former local government heads; and city and district council members from all walks of life. Shin Jeong-taek, chairman of Sewoon Steel, serves as the overall promotion committee chairman.

Notably, Kwon Byung-gwan, chairman of the Busan branch of the Liberation Association, who had conflicts regarding the founding period of the nation, also participates in the Busan Promotion Committee. Additionally, Kim Kwang-ho, chairman of the Independence Memorial Hall Promotion Committee, who had suffered pain due to former President Syngman Rhee in the past, has agreed to join as part of a historical reconciliation effort.

Through this launch, the Busan Promotion Committee for Fundraising plans to promote the significance and necessity of building the President Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall, encourage participation, and shape public opinion until the construction of the memorial hall is fully underway.

Promotion activities will include posting banners and sending text messages containing the significance of the memorial hall’s construction. In addition, the Busan Promotion Committee will hold an inaugural ceremony soon and begin full-scale activities.

Planned activities include ▲ the “Know Syngman Rhee Correctly” campaign ▲ promotional activities combined with culture and arts ▲ viewing related videos ▲ exploring Syngman Rhee-related history in Busan, the wartime capital ▲ and hosting lectures, forums, and talk shows.

Shin Jeong-taek, overall promotion committee chairman of the Busan Promotion Committee for Fundraising for the President Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall, said, “The Busan Promotion Committee for Fundraising was formed with the purpose of creating an opportunity to unite a divided nation,” adding, “We hope it will serve as a cornerstone for national integration and development based on a correct understanding of history.”

Following the establishment of fundraising headquarters by three national movements (Saemaul Undong, Barugesalgi Undong, and the Korea Freedom Federation) and the Veterans Association, Lee Chang-jin, general head of fundraising for the President Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall Construction Promotion Committee, who led the launch of the Busan Promotion Committee for Fundraising, stated, “Many citizens need to participate in the construction project of the President Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall, which laid the foundation for a free democratic nation,” and added, “We hope this movement will become an opportunity for all citizens to unite together.”