Controversy Over Incheon Landing Operation Commemoration Ordinance... Civic Groups Oppose, Saying It Imprints a "War City" Image

Civil society groups in Incheon are raising critical voices, arguing that the expansion of commemorative projects for the 'Incheon Landing Operation,' which reversed the tide of the Korean War, will only reinforce the image of Incheon as a 'war city.'

The Incheon City Council plans to submit the ordinance proposal titled 'Ordinance on the Promotion of Incheon Landing Operation Commemorative Projects in Incheon,' jointly proposed by eight city council members, to the plenary session on the 5th of next month. The ordinance includes grounds for Incheon City to promote educational, academic, cultural, sports, tourism projects, and veteran memorial projects to inherit and develop the spirit of the Incheon Landing Operation.

Based on the ordinance, the city can jointly promote or entrust commemorative projects for the Incheon Landing Operation with public institutions and private organizations. Additionally, the mayor of Incheon can award organizations or individuals recognized for their contributions to inheriting and developing the spirit of the Incheon Landing Operation. The ordinance also allows for projects related to the excavation and preservation of historic sites and the installation and management of commemorative facilities.

Lee Myung-gyu, the city council member who spearheaded the ordinance proposal, said, "The historical significance and importance of the Incheon Landing Operation are comparable to the Normandy Operation," adding, "Through various projects commemorating the Incheon Landing Operation, we hope that the spirit of freedom, peace, and patriotic valor will be passed down to future generations."

The Incheon City Council's push to enact this ordinance is to institutionally support the commemorative projects envisioned by Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok. In November 2022, Mayor Yoo visited Normandy in northern France to inspect the Normandy Landing Operation memorial facilities and planned to gradually expand the Incheon Landing Operation commemorative projects. He envisions hosting an international event in 2025, marking the 75th anniversary, with participation from the heads of state of the eight countries involved in the landing operation and veterans.

Until now, commemorations have been limited to ceremonies centered on veterans and bereaved families, but the plan is to hold a large-scale international event comparable to the French Normandy Landing Operation.

Members of Incheon civic groups hold a press conference on the 29th in front of Incheon City Hall, urging the suspension of the ordinance promoting the Incheon Landing Operation commemoration project.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, some civic groups in Incheon oppose the ordinance, arguing that in the context of the ongoing division of the Korean Peninsula, large-scale commemorative projects have no practical benefit and could negatively impact inter-Korean and international relations.

On the 29th, six civic groups, including the Incheon Civil Society Solidarity and the Incheon Headquarters of the South Side Committee for the Implementation of the June 15 Joint Declaration, held a press conference at Incheon City Hall. They stated, "Incheon borders North Korea through areas such as the West Sea Five Islands and Ganghwa Island. Considering the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations, Incheon's role in peace on the peninsula is more critical," and questioned, "Is institutionalizing large-scale commemorative projects for the Incheon Landing Operation truly in the interest of Incheon citizens at this time?"

They continued, "Incheon has built an international reputation as a 'peace city,' establishing itself as a peaceful and safe city. However, repeated large-scale commemorative events for the Incheon Landing Operation will imprint the image of 'war city Incheon' and a city of anxiety," urging the suspension of the ordinance proposal.

These groups also emphasized, "During the Incheon Landing Operation, out of 120 households and 600 residents living on Wolmido Island, about 100 people died, and the entire village was burned down," stressing, "Incheon City and the government are passing responsibility back and forth regarding the sacrifices and repatriation measures for the original residents of Wolmido Island. Responsible measures need to be established."

The Incheon Landing Operation, launched on September 15, 1950, involved 261 vessels from eight countries including South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and is recorded as the largest landing operation since World War II. The allied forces attacked the flanks of the North Korean army, recapturing Seoul within 90 days and dramatically reversing the tide of the Korean War.

The Marado ship is conducting a naval review during the '73rd Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation Victory Commemoration Ceremony' held last year near the waters off Palmido. September 15, 2023.
[Photo by Incheon City]