Opposition: "Ideological War Extends to Local Governments"
On the 20th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government stated that the Democratic Party of Korea's criticism of Mayor Oh Se-hoon's remarks about former President Rhee Syngman and the construction of a memorial hall is a "denial of historical achievements."
Shin Seon-jong, spokesperson for the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said in a statement that afternoon, "Why do those who deny Rhee Syngman in order to deny the ROK-US Mutual Defense Treaty and the Democratic Party speak with one voice?"
Spokesperson Shin emphasized, "We all know well the achievements of Rhee Syngman, the founding president," adding, "He established the nation by recognizing women's suffrage 23 years earlier than Switzerland, and when North Korea confiscated land under the state's name, President Rhee implemented land reforms so that tenant farmers could own land."
Shin also stated that former President Rhee made the world aware of Japan's imperialistic nature through his thesis titled 'Japan Inside Out.' In 1953, through the ROK-US Mutual Defense Treaty, he prevented the possibility of invasions by North Korea, the Soviet Union, and China after the armistice.
Earlier, Park Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, pointed out in a written briefing, "Following the government and the ruling party, local governments affiliated with the People Power Party, including Seoul City, have jumped into the ideological war," and added, "We must not pass on a society of prejudice to our children."
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