Independence movement organizations, including the Korea Liberation Association, did not attend the government-hosted Liberation Day celebration on the 15th and instead held a separate commemorative ceremony at the Baekbeom Memorial Hall in Hyochang Park.
The reason for holding a separate ceremony was to protest the appointment of Kim Hyung-seok as director of the Independence Hall, who has been embroiled in controversy over the 'New Right' ideology.
This division of the Liberation Day event into a government-hosted celebration and an independence movement organization-hosted ceremony is unprecedented.
The commemorative ceremony hosted by the independence movement organizations was jointly organized by the Federation of Independence Movement Organizations, which includes 37 groups such as the Korea Liberation Association, and the Anti-Japanese Independence Patriots Promotion Federation (Hangdanyeon), composed of 25 organizations dedicated to honoring independence activists.
About 350 people, including members of the Korea Liberation Association, families of independence activists, related commemorative project associations, and organization members, attended. Approximately 100 opposition figures also participated, including Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and lawmakers Park Hong-geun, Kim Yong-man, Kim Byung-joo, Kwak Sang-eon, Lee Eon-ju, Hwang Un-ha, Hwang Myung-sun, Lee Soo-jin, Chun Jun-ho, Kim Yoon, Seo Young-kyo, as well as Jo Guk, leader of the Innovation Party, lawmaker Kim Sun-min, and Yong Hye-in, leader of the Basic Income Party.
In his commemorative speech, Chairman Lee stated, "Recently, distorted truths and low-level historical perceptions tainted by pro-Japanese views have spread, plunging our society into confusion," and explained the reason for holding the separate ceremony, saying, "The Korea Liberation Association could not simply watch this historical regression and damage."
He added, "As part of an unwavering struggle to protect our historical consciousness and identity, we had to demonstrate the resolve of the Korea Liberation Association members," emphasizing, "This is not the beginning of division but a true milestone of unity to commemorate the meaning of liberation with the entire nation united in one mind and purpose."
He continued, "When a nation's historical consciousness and identity are shaken, the foundation of the state is shaken," criticizing the government’s appointment of Director Kim Hyung-seok by saying, "Recently, distorted historical views have been brazenly rampant, and individuals who recklessly interpret history are appearing prominently in positions that handle and educate history."
Independence movement organizations, including the Korea Liberation Association, identified Director Kim as a New Right figure who advocates for designating August 15, 1948, the date the Republic of Korea was established, as the National Foundation Day.
Chairman Lee pointed out, "If National Foundation Day is established, the only thing gained is crowning the first president, Syngman Rhee, as the 'Father of the Nation.' However, we will lose many things. It legitimizes Japanese colonial rule and completely denies the history of the independence movement."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
