"Intentional Provocation," Strong Criticism
"Leading Japan's Historical Whitewashing," Yoon Administration Criticized
Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized the report that the opera "Madama Butterfly," in which the Japanese national anthem Kimigayo was played, was broadcast on KBS on August 15, Liberation Day, calling it "either a loss of sanity or a deliberate provocation." On the same day, Lee posted an article titled "Kimigayo on Liberation Day of all days?" on his Facebook.
At midnight on the same day, KBS 1TV aired "KBS Commentary," which broadcast a recorded performance of the opera "Madama Butterfly" held at the Seoul Arts Center on June 29 last month. The performance includes a wedding scene of the characters, during which the Japanese national anthem Kimigayo is played. The characters also appear on stage wearing kimonos.
Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized the report that the opera "Madama Butterfly," in which Kimigayo was played, was broadcast on KBS on Liberation Day, August 15, calling it "either out of one's mind or a provocation with intent." [Photo by Lee Jae-myung Facebook]
Lee pointed out, "The disappearance during Dokdo defense training, removal of Dokdo sculptures, neglect of the Sea of Japan notation, suspension of posting cases of Dokdo invasion, Korea-Japan military exercises near Dokdo, labeling Dokdo as a foreign (diplomatic mission location), recognition of Dokdo as a disputed area, and countless other acts of neglect and collusion in the invasion of Dokdo are acts of national humiliation," adding, "The independence fighters underground would be heartbroken. Why on earth is this happening?"
On the same day, in another post on Facebook, Lee said, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration is regressing history," and added, "While frequently exercising veto power over the livelihood of our people, it leads efforts to whitewash Japan's history by only 'giving away'." He also criticized the Yoon government, saying, "If we ignore the common-sense call to correct the past and move toward the future and instead regress history, we will never escape the judgment of the people and history."
Meanwhile, as the controversy grew, KBS stated, "The broadcast was originally scheduled for the end of July but was postponed to the early morning of Liberation Day due to Olympic coverage," and added, "Considering the changed schedule, the production team failed to accurately verify and review the appropriateness of the timing, and we deeply apologize once again for causing controversy on the meaningful Liberation Day."
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