Legal Advice Sought on Office Occupation and Eviction
Tensions Escalate Ahead of Veterans Ministry Audit
Controversy Over Statement: "Liberation Was a Gift Obtained Through Allied Victory"
Kim Hyungseok, director of the Independence Hall, is leaving the press conference venue after holding a press conference titled "Setting the Independence Hall Straight" at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 8th, while receiving protests from civic groups. 2025.9.8 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
It has been reported that Kim Hyungseok, director of the Independence Hall, is considering legal action as the occupation of his office has continued for nearly a month. Director Kim has been under pressure to resign after sparking controversy with his Liberation Day address, in which he stated that "liberation was a gift obtained through the victory of the Allied Powers," and some members of the Liberation Association protesting this have occupied his office.
According to materials submitted by the Independence Hall and others to Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jungmoon, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, on the 16th, the Independence Hall recently sought legal advice from a law firm regarding the illegal occupation of the director's office and related assemblies. Since August 20, more than 10 members of the Liberation Association and others have been staging a sit-in, calling for Director Kim's resignation in the hallway in front of the director's office and in Conference Room 1, citing issues with his Liberation Day address. As a result, Director Kim has been unable to go to his office and is staying nearby.
In its request for legal advice, the Independence Hall stated, "Legal counsel is needed to restore normal operations of the building," and inquired about possible legal measures such as requesting (or ordering) voluntary departure, enforcing eviction, and filing claims for damages. In particular, they asked whether crimes related to unauthorized occupation of facilities, obstruction of business, and stalking could be applied. Additionally, they inquired whether a counter-suit could be filed against members of the Historical Independence National Action and the Anti-Japanese Alliance, who are occupying the Gyaerenuri Hall of the Independence Hall and have announced plans to file a complaint against Director Kim after security staff attempted to prevent them from installing canopies.
Kim Hyungseok, director of the Independence Hall, is holding a press conference titled "Restoring the Independence Hall" at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 8th. After the press conference, Director Kim engaged in a heated argument with Moon Jinseok and Lee Jaegwan, members of the Democratic Party representing the Cheonan district, and left the National Assembly amid protests from civic groups. September 8, 2025 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
The law firm responded that charges such as trespassing, refusal to leave, obstruction of business, and violations of the Act on Assembly and Demonstration could be applied to the sit-in occupation. It also stated that it would be possible to file for an injunction to prohibit obstruction of business and a main lawsuit seeking prohibition of interference with operations. In particular, regarding the injunction to prohibit obstruction of business, the firm noted that if the right to be preserved and the necessity of preservation are well substantiated, the injunction is likely to be granted.
The Independence Hall is reportedly reviewing legal action based on these legal opinions.
Director Kim sparked controversy in his Liberation Day address last month by stating, "From a global historical perspective, Korea's liberation was a gift obtained through the victory of the Allied Powers," which was criticized for downplaying the sacrifices and dedication of independence activists.
As a result, the Board of Audit and Inspection and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs have launched audits. At a press conference at the National Assembly on September 8, Director Kim stated, "The status of the Independence Hall, as a sanctuary of the spirit of independence and a public institution, is facing a serious challenge."
Lawmaker Lee Jungmoon said, "Director Kim violated the articles of incorporation of the Independence Hall and hindered its operation," adding, "I hope the special audit by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will be concluded swiftly so that the Independence Hall can return to normal as soon as possible."
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