[Defense Brief] Korea Military Academy Must Decide on Relocation of Hong Beom-do Bust

There are artworks that embody human achievements and values. Statues are one such example. Ancient statues depicted historical events and mythological stories. In modern times, they also convey cultural, religious, and philosophical values, as well as commemorate the glory of wars and heroes.

In Korea, the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin is representative. The first statue was erected in 1952, 16 years before the Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue at Gwanghwamun in Seoul. It is located at Bukwon Rotary in Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam. At the time, it was made by the Navy Shipyard (now the Maintenance Depot), which possessed the most advanced casting technology in the country. It stands 4 meters 82 centimeters tall and 1 meter 40 centimeters wide, making it the largest statue in Korea at the time of its creation. It was designated as Changwon City's first modern architectural structure. This statue later became a model for large Admiral Yi Sun-sin statues in Korea.

The government also took the initiative to erect statues. In 1968, the 'Patriotic Martyrs Ancestral Statue Construction Committee' was formed and statues of 15 great figures were erected. The subjects of these statues included Gang Gam-chan, Kim Dae-geon, Kim Yu-shin, Saimdang, King Sejong the Great, Shin Saimdang, Wonhyo, Yu Gwan-sun, Yun Bong-gil, Yi Sun-sin, Yi I, Yi Hwang, Eulji Mundeok, Jeong Mong-ju, and Jeong Yak-yong. Statues of King Sejong the Great have also been erected overseas, such as at Los Angeles City College (LACC), a place frequented by many Koreans. It was erected last year ahead of Hangeul Day (October 9). It is the first statue at a public university in the United States.

There are also statues of scientists. At KAIST in Jangdae-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, there are seven busts. These are scientists selected by nine institutions affiliated with the Daedeok Special Zone. They include Dr. Woo Jang-choon, a geneticist and breeder; Heo Jun, author of the Donguibogam; Choi Mu-seon, Korea’s first gunpowder developer; Jang Yeong-sil, a scientist from the Joseon Dynasty; Dr. Lee Won-cheol, a pioneer in astronomy and meteorology; Dr. Lee Sang-soo, the first and sixth president of KAIST; and Dr. Choi Soon-dal, the key figure behind the development of Korea’s first satellite, "Uri Byul 1." The last spot is left empty for a future Nobel Prize winner in the field of science.

However, statues sometimes become controversial, contrary to their founding purpose. Examples include the erection of the statue of Baek Seon-yeop in Dabu-dong, Chilgok-gun, Gyeongbuk, and the vandalism of the statue of Jeong Yul-seong in Yangnim-dong, Gwangju. The erection of statues of the first President Syngman Rhee in Seoul and former President Park Chung-hee in Daegu has also sparked heated debates. Conservative and progressive camps present sharp opposing views on statues. It is an 'ideological confrontation.'

The military is no exception. The bust of Hong Beom-do at the Korea Military Academy is a representative case. It was installed in 2018 during the Moon Jae-in administration, but last year controversy arose over him being a "figure associated with communism." Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, when he was a member of the National Assembly, raised issues about General Hong Beom-do’s membership in the Soviet Communist Party and argued that the bust should be relocated. However, after being appointed minister, his stance softened. At a press conference with reporters in November last year, he said relocating the bust would not be easy.

Even within the same government, ministers have different views. Former Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik attended the 80th anniversary memorial ceremony for General Hong Beom-do in October last year and opposed relocation, saying, "There will not be the slightest neglect in honoring General Hong Beom-do." On the other hand, his successor Kang Jung-ae stated during her confirmation hearing in December last year, "Because there are various controversies regarding General Hong Beom-do’s actions, a re-examination is necessary."

The issue of relocating General Hong Beom-do’s bust should be decided by the Korea Military Academy. Although public opinion has been gathered for over a year, it is just an excuse. They should not be swayed by public opinion. As an educational institution that trains officers to protect the liberal democratic system, it must make a clear decision. It must stand proudly before cadets and officers.