Reevaluation of "Syngman Rhee as the Father of the Nation"... First Selection of 'Independence Activist of the Month'

Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Selects Former President Lee as January's Independence Activist of the Month
First Inclusion After Multiple Controversies Prevented Selection
Minister Park Min-sik Repeatedly Refers to Former President Lee as 'Father of the Nation'

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has included former President Rhee Syngman for the first time in the 'Independence Activist of the Month' selection it makes every month. Due to various controversies such as the March 15 rigged election and the April 19 Revolution leading to his resignation, he had not been finally selected until now. The Ministry chose former President Rhee as the Independence Activist of January 2024. The Ministry has been selecting the Independence Activist of the Month every month since 1992.

Lee Seung-man (Photo by Asia Economy DB)

On the 25th, the Ministry announced the selection of 38 independence activists as the '2024 Independence Activists of the Month' under the theme 'Independence Movement in the World,' including former President Rhee. The Ministry stated, "We selected Rhee Syngman (Order of Merit for National Foundation, 1949), who appealed for Korea's independence to the world," and explained, "Rhee served as the president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai in 1919 and, as chairman of the Korean-American diplomatic committee, engaged in activities such as hosting the Korean Freedom Conference and establishing the Korean-American Association."

The Independence Activist of the Month is selected by the 'Independence Activist of the Month Selection Committee,' composed of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the Liberation Association, the Independence Hall of Korea, and scholars specializing in modern and contemporary history, from a total of 265 nominees recommended by local governments, related organizations, and commemorative societies. In line with the recent atmosphere of 're-evaluation of Rhee Syngman' in the ruling party, the Ministry is reexamining the achievements of the former president. Minister Park Min-sik of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has frequently referred to former President Rhee as the 'Father of the Nation' and has announced plans to promote the construction of a memorial hall for him.