President Lee Criticizes Northeast Asian Foundation Over Hwandangogi Mention
Presidential Office: "Not an Endorsement or Order for Research"
Jin Joongkwon: "A Simple Apology Would Suffice, But the Issue Is Escalating"
Amid growing criticism in the political sphere over President Lee Jaemyung's mention of "Hwandangogi" during a ministry work briefing, Jin Joongkwon, a professor at Dongyang University, stated, "An apology for the slip of the tongue would suffice, but the explanation from the presidential office is only making the problem worse." On December 14, Professor Jin commented on his social networking service (SNS), "'Hwanppa' (followers of Hwandangogi) was a fad that faded 25 years ago, so I don't understand why it is suddenly resurfacing," adding, "Hwandangogi has suddenly become a 'historical document' in the field of history."
Previously, on December 12, President Lee asked Park Jihyang, Chairperson of the Northeast Asian History Foundation, "There is a 'Hwanppa' debate regarding history education, isn't there?" When Chairperson Park replied, "I'm not familiar with it," President Lee continued, "People who advocate and research Hwandangogi are disparagingly called Hwanppa, aren't they? There is currently a dispute over research into ancient history, isn't there?"
Chairperson Park responded, "The arguments of professional researchers are much more convincing than those of so-called amateur historians, so we have no choice but to accept their opinions." During the questioning, President Lee also asked, "Isn't Hwandangogi a historical document?" to which Chairperson Park answered, "History is centered on historical sources," and "Basically, we place emphasis on documentary sources." The conversation concluded with President Lee stating, "Ultimately, there seems to be a fundamental difference in perspective and stance on how to view history. It is a matter for consideration."
The opposition parties have poured criticism over this conversation. Kim Eunhye, Chief Policy Representative of the People Power Party, stated on December 14, "Hwandangogi belongs in the realm of belief, not history. That is why the academic community has classified it as a forged document," adding, "While the president is free to believe whatever he wants, it is dangerous to impose personal convictions on history." She further pointed out, "When pseudo-history is claimed to be verifiable history, meaningful dialogue becomes impossible."
A large bookstore in downtown Seoul displays the book "Hwandangogi," which deals with ancient Korean history. Photo by Yonhap News
On the same day, former leader Han Donghun also criticized, "When an ignorant authority tries to teach experts and the public, disasters occur," adding, "President Lee's 'Hwandangogi' incident is problematic because he artificially created confusion by turning a 'non-issue' into something that appears to be a significant controversy, which exposes his ignorance and frivolity." He continued, "If we follow President Lee's logic, then conspiracy theories such as the 'flat earth theory' or the 'moon landing hoax' would also need to be meaningfully addressed by state institutions just because there is controversy."
He further criticized, "Given that President Lee has previously sent several messages supporting proponents of the authenticity of Hwandangogi, he either actually believes in its authenticity or, as he himself put it, he may be a 'Hwanppa.' The presidency is not a position to display immature personal preferences."
Kim Namjoon, spokesperson for the presidential office, explained to the media on December 14, "President Lee's remarks regarding Hwandangogi during the Northeast Asian History Foundation work briefing do not indicate agreement with these claims, nor did he instruct any research or review on the matter," adding, "The intention was to ask those responsible for establishing the nation's historical perspective to conduct research on various historical issues as they are, and to fulfill their roles under a clear historical perspective."
Professor Jin interpreted President Lee's raising of the "Hwandangogi" debate as a sign of social regression. He argued, "The Nazis sent archaeologists to trace the origins of the Aryan race, and the Japanese Empire dug up foreign graves to find the Mimana Nihonfu, but ultimately found no evidence. All of this happens when science becomes subservient to myth."
He added, "I have a foreboding feeling that this is not just a simple mistake or a lack of culture on the part of the president," and continued, "Humanity has long transitioned from mythos (storytelling) to logos (rational explanation), but recently there is a marked trend of returning from logos back to mythos."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
