"If Demands Are Not Met, Will Reconsider Joint Events with Cheonan City"
On the 13th, Democratic Party city council members of Cheonan held a press conference at the Cheonan City Hall briefing room, demanding the withdrawal of the appointment of Kim Hyungseok, the director of the Independence Hall.
Amid growing controversy over the qualifications of Kim Hyungseok, the newly appointed director of the Independence Hall of Korea, members of the Cheonan City Council from the Democratic Party of Korea have announced that they will reconsider joint projects with the Independence Hall.
On the 13th, Democratic Party city council members held a press conference at the Cheonan City Hall briefing room, calling for the withdrawal of Kim Hyungseok's appointment as director of the Independence Hall.
They stated, "Professor Kim Hyungseok has glorified Japanese colonial rule and denied the suffering of the Korean people by making remarks in support of the colonial modernization theory," and criticized, "Allowing such a person to serve as director of the Independence Hall in Cheonan, the hometown of independence martyr Yu Gwansun and a sacred place for the nation, is an act that disregards the sacrifices of our national heroes and undermines the value of independence achieved through blood and sweat."
They went on to demand the withdrawal of Kim Hyungseok's appointment and his immediate resignation, the appointment of a director who reflects historical truth and public sentiment, an apology for pushing ahead with the appointment, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
In addition, the Democratic Party city council members stated that if their demands are not met, they would reconsider all joint events held with Cheonan City.
In reality, Cheonan City is collaborating with the Independence Hall on various cultural and tourism projects, including the K-Culture Expo and the opening of the maple tree road at night.
It is expected that if Democratic Party city council members put a brake on these projects by cutting related budgets, there will be significant difficulties in pushing them forward.
Vice Chair Ryu Jeguk said, "Since the appointing authority in this case is the president, there are significant limitations on what the local council can do. We will discuss the matter with local National Assembly members so that lawmakers handle what should be done in the National Assembly, and city council members do what can be done in the Cheonan City Council," adding, "Given the many joint projects between Cheonan City and the Independence Hall, reconsidering these projects and cutting their budgets could be one way to respond until Director Kim's appointment is withdrawn."
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