'New Right' Independence Hall Director Kim Hyungseok Faces Fierce Protests at National Assembly, Claims "Democratic Party Is Behind It" Before Retreating

Kim Hyungseok, Director of the Independence Hall, known for his "New Right" stance and previously stirring controversy with remarks such as "Liberation was a gift obtained through the victory of the Allied Powers," held a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on September 8, 2025. During the event, he faced intense protests from descendants of independence activists and other citizens.

Kim Hyungseok, Director of the Independence Hall, is leaving after finishing a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 8th, where he engaged in a heated exchange with Moon Jinseok, Senior Deputy Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who protested the holding of the press conference. Photo by Yonhap News

At the press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office, Director Kim stated, "Certain media outlets are leading false reports regarding the content of my Liberation Day congratulatory address, and some organizations are staging sit-ins at the Independence Hall." He added, "I will respond confidently within the bounds guaranteed by law." He further claimed, "Members of the Democratic Party of Korea in Cheonan are leading efforts to block my attendance at work."

He also argued that the controversy surrounding his Liberation Day remarks stemmed from "a misunderstanding arising from the failure to distinguish between the meaning of liberation and the value of the independence struggle."

Citizens, including descendants of independence activists, visited the Communication Office that day, chanting slogans such as "Fire Kim Hyungseok!" "Resign!" and "Traitor!" in strong protest. Inside the press conference venue, clashes broke out between supporters of Director Kim and protesting citizens.

The press conference was arranged by Kim Minjeon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party. However, Assemblywoman Kim left the venue during the event, causing further controversy, as regulations require the lawmaker who arranged the press conference to remain present.

Some Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers, including Moon Jinseok, Senior Deputy Floor Leader, requested that the press conference be stopped, stating, "The lawmaker who arranged the event must be present, and since she left early, the press conference should be halted immediately."

Director Kim exited through the back door to avoid reporters stationed at the front, but was quickly surrounded by protesting citizens, resulting in a standoff that lasted more than 20 minutes. At one point, Director Kim confronted a man blocking his way, asking, "Who are you? Why are you preventing me from passing?"

Physical altercations also broke out, with some citizens and members of Director Kim's team shouting and grabbing each other by the collar. During the chaos, one citizen collapsed from exhaustion, and a woman fell and hit her head during a scuffle, prompting emergency responders to intervene.

Director Kim is facing mounting calls for resignation, not only due to the controversy over his Liberation Day speech, in which he stated, "Liberation was a gift obtained through the victory of the Allied Powers," but also due to suspicions of the privatization of the Independence Hall.