DP Blasts Kim Hyungseok for 'Liberation Was Allied Gift' Remarks as 'Historical Coup' and 'Disgusting, Shameful'

Jeong: "Denial of National Independence Achieved Through Blood and Sacrifice"
Kim: "Director Kim Spouts Sophistry"

The Democratic Party of Korea strongly criticized Kim Hyungseok, director of the Independence Hall, for his remarks during the commemorative address at the 80th Liberation Day cultural celebration, in which he stated, "From a global historical perspective, Korea's liberation was a gift obtained through the Allied victory in World War II." The party denounced his comments as a "historical coup" and called them "disgusting and shameful."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, referred to Kim's remarks at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th, stating, "Last year, we once again defended the light of democracy through a revolution of light. However, even now, historical coups that seek to take away that light continue."

Kim, who was appointed as director of the Independence Hall on August 8 of last year during the presidency of Yoon Suk Yeol, previously sparked controversy for espousing the New Right historical perspective in lectures to conservative groups. He advocated for the establishment of a 'National Foundation Day,' arguing, "August 15, 1945 is not Liberation Day," and "Before 1948, there were no Korean citizens, only Japanese citizens."

He explained that "it is true that there are different perspectives on the history of liberation," and said he was "introducing a global historical viewpoint" regarding liberation. However, organizations such as the Liberation Association have called for his resignation, asserting that he "directly undermined the value of the independence movement."

Jeong condemned Kim's remarks as "appalling and outrageous," and criticized, "How can the director of the Independence Hall deny the history of independence, which was achieved through the blood and sacrifice of our people, in a Liberation Day address?"

Kim Hyungseok, director of the Independence Hall, is waiting for Democratic Party lawmakers who visited the Independence Hall's Gyerenuri Hall in Cheonan, Chungnam on the 14th to review materials for the investigation of the appointment truth of the Independence Hall director, and is stating his position to the press. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

Jeong further stated, "The underlying intention of designating National Foundation Day as August 15, 1948, is the ruinous argument that 'there was no country before that date, so there was neither patriotism nor treason; there was no pro-Japanese collaboration, and the history of the independence movement is not our own.' This is a distortion of history and a denial of the spirit of the Constitution," adding, "Only the complete end of insurrection and the thorough eradication of anti-constitutional forces will prevent the repetition of our tragic history."

Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also strongly urged for Kim's dismissal, stating, "To protect history and the spirit of independence, we demand Kim's immediate removal," and harshly criticized, "It is disgusting and shameful to have to witness such a person in office."

Kim Byungki argued, "Anyone who distorts history and denigrates the patriotic martyrs who devoted themselves to the nation is a traitor today. If we allow such people to remain, we cannot claim to be free from treason ourselves."

He further stated, "Kim Hyungseok's remarks are not a simple mistake or an academic claim, but a blatant denial of the blood and sacrifice of our patriotic martyrs and independence activists. Yet, instead of apologizing, he continues to make excuses about 'various perspectives on liberation.' He is mocking the people by packaging historical distortion as so-called national unity."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th. 2025.8.18 Photo by Kim Hyunmin