As controversy grows over the qualifications of Kim Hyungseok, the newly appointed director of the Independence Hall of Korea who is embroiled in debates regarding his 'New Right-leaning' tendencies, similar voices of criticism were raised at the 79th Liberation Day celebration held in Gyeongnam.
On the morning of the 15th, the Gyeongnam Provincial Government held the 79th Liberation Day celebration at the Convention Hall of the Changwon Convention Center (CECO).
About 500 people attended the ceremony, including Governor Park Wansu, Provincial Council Chairman Choi Hakbeom, Superintendent of Education Park Jonghun, Major General Kim Jongmuk of the 39th Infantry Division, Director Cho Kyungcheol of the Gyeongnam Eastern Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, independence patriots and their families, and local residents.
Park Hyungin, head of the Gyeongnam branch of the Liberation Association, and the Gyeongnam branch itself, who had previously boycotted a luncheon invitation from President Yoon Sukyeol in protest of Director Kim's appointment, were also present.
Hyungin Park, head of the Gyeongnam branch of the Korea Liberation Association, is speaking at the 79th Liberation Day celebration hosted by Gyeongnam Province. Photo by Seryeong Lee
Park took the stage to read a commemorative address on behalf of Lee Jongchan, President of the Liberation Association, and expressed his discomfort, saying, "This should be a celebratory occasion, but I feel heavy-hearted."
He said, "During his interview, the current director of the Independence Hall, Kim Hyungseok, answered 'Japan' when asked what the nationality of our people was during the Japanese colonial period," and added, "He claims that Korea's liberation was not on August 15, 1945, but rather on August 15, 1948, when the government of the Republic of Korea was established."
He pointed out, "To say that Korea did not exist at the time because Japan ruled Joseon is to deny even the Liberation Day celebrations held after August 15, 1945."
Park emphasized, "This colonial view of history held by the new director is in line with Japanese claims. Our people did not recognize the Japanese government at the time, which is why countless independence activists, including Ahn Junggeun, fought against Japan."
He further stated, "Because the Republic of Korea exists today thanks to their dedication and sacrifice, someone like Kim Hyungseok, who holds a colonial view of history, is not qualified to be the director of the Independence Hall, a sacred site of the independence movement built with donations from the people. I ask the people of Gyeongnam to uphold the spirit of the independence movement."
The Gwangbok Association Gyeongnam Branch is shouting for the resignation of Kim Hyungseok, the new director of the Independence Hall, after the 79th Gyeongnam Liberation Day Celebration Ceremony. Photo by Lee Seryeong
After the ceremony, the Gyeongnam branch of the Liberation Association held up placards and banners on stage opposing Kim's appointment and called for his resignation.
They chanted slogans such as, "How could our nationality have been Japanese during the colonial period? Pro-Japanese director of the Independence Hall, step down," "Pro-Japanese director who damaged our national spirit, resign voluntarily," "How can a sacred site of national spirit have a pro-Japanese director?" and "Let us protect the spirit of independence of the Republic of Korea."
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