SEOUL — The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has called on President Yoon Suk Yeol to rescind the recent appointment of Kim Hyoung-suk as the head of the Independence Hall of Korea, citing his past remarks which critics claim justify Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. This appointment has triggered widespread condemnation, particularly from entities dedicated to preserving the legacy of Korea's independence movement.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim's historical perspective, which includes comments made in December suggesting that South Korea was established post-1945 after Japan's rule, diminishes the significance of Korea’s struggle for independence. During a party meeting, Park demanded not only the withdrawal of Kim's appointment but also an apology from President Yoon to maintain the dignity of the country’s independence martyrs. The DP has threatened to boycott the upcoming Liberation Day ceremony if the appointment stands, underlining the political stakes of this controversy.
Further complicating the issue, the Heritage of Korean Independence, an organization representing descendants of independence fighters, has also expressed its disapproval. Its leader, Lee Jong-chan, announced plans to join the DP in boycotting the Liberation Day events, underscoring the depth of the backlash. In response, Yoon’s chief of staff, Chung Jin-suk, attempted to placate critics by affirming that the government does not recognize 1948 as the national founding year, a detail conveyed in a discussion with Lee Jong-chan, who insisted that Kim’s appointment be retracted first.
Kim Hyoung-suk defended himself against these accusations, denying alignment with the "New Right" ideology that critics allege he supports. At a press conference, he refuted claims that he dismisses the sacrifices of independence activists or defends Japanese colonialism, stating he has no plans to resign despite the growing opposition.