On Armed Forces Day, Criticism of 'Inverted National Identity'
Referencing Teacher Han Yuhan, "Not a Single Monument"
Criticizing Jeong Yulseong, "History and Common Sense Distorted"
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said on the 30th, a day before Armed Forces Day, "These days, there are incidents happening everywhere that shake the identity of the Republic of Korea," adding, "It is now time to correct this."
On the same day, Mayor Oh posted an article titled "Overturned National Identity" on Facebook, stating, "Armed Forces Day should be a day to ask ourselves who we are and what we fought for."
In particular, Mayor Oh pointed out, "Armed Forces Day is a day soaked with the blood and sweat of countless people who fell defending this land. Because of the Armed Forces, we are living in the Republic of Korea today," and added, "However, these days, there are incidents happening everywhere that shake the identity of the Republic of Korea."
He also mentioned Han Yu-han, an independence activist and anti-Japanese musician. Mayor Oh said, "As a member of the Liberation Army, he fought against Japanese imperialism and created 'Gukgi,' 'Amnokgang March,' and 'Homeland March,' singing for the freedom and independence of our people. After liberation, he contributed as an educator in Korea. However, his name has been almost forgotten, and not a single monument has been erected in his honor."
On the other hand, referring to Jeong Yul-seong, who was controversial for his activities in North Korea and China, he wrote, "He was affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party and the North Korean Communist Party and composed songs praising the North Korean socialist regime and the Korean People's Army, including the 'March of the Korean People's Army.' During the Korean War, he invaded the Republic of Korea as a North Korean soldier." He then stated, "Nevertheless, some local governments commemorate him and have even created streets, parks, and music festivals named after him," arguing, "This shows how distorted our history and common sense have become."
Mayor Oh also emphasized, "National identity is a compass." He said, "If that compass points in the wrong direction, where are we heading? It is now time to correct this. We must remember those who devoted themselves to freedom and democracy again. We must correct our history and reflect on those who should truly be commemorated so that the country they protected can move in the right direction."
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