Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Reports to President at Yongsan Ministry of National Defense Headquarters
Oh Eul Kwon, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, stated that the ministry would "resolve the issue themselves" regarding the controversy over the registration of the late Colonel Park Jin-gyeong, who led the hardline suppression during the Jeju 4·3 Incident, as a national merit recipient.
During a presidential work report held at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan on the 18th, Minister Kwon said, "We are deeply sorry for causing great anger among the bereaved families of the Jeju 4·3 victims, the residents of Jeju, and the entire nation."
When President Lee Jaemyung inquired about the grounds for Colonel Park's commendation, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense replied that there was no detailed record of achievements and that the grounds were described only in abstract terms such as national security. President Lee remarked, "It is not logically impossible to grant a commendation," but added, "It seems the bereaved families of the 4·3 victims are extremely angry, so let's look for a solution."
In a follow-up briefing after the work report, Minister Kwon stated, "Since the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs issued the certificate, the ministry must handle whether to acknowledge or revoke it," and added, "Once legal consultation is complete, we will reach a conclusion according to due process."
Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek added, "Since these events occurred between 1945 and 1948, the Eighth United States Army likely has preserved battle records," and continued, "We will make every effort to secure relevant materials by comprehensively investigating these as well as Army records."
Colonel Park, who was appointed as the commander of the 9th Regiment stationed in Jeju in May 1948, led the hardline suppression operations against local residents and has been criticized by 4·3 organizations as being responsible for civilian massacres.
Previously, in October, the Seoul Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs approved the application for national merit registration submitted by Colonel Park's family, based on his military honors.
After the controversy arose, President Lee instructed a review of the cancellation of Colonel Park's merit registration, and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense are currently seeking solutions.
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