SEOUL — In a significant divergence from tradition, independence fighter groups and opposition parties boycotted the government's official Liberation Day ceremony in Seoul, choosing instead to hold their own event to honor Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The Heritage of Korean Independence (HKI), a state-funded association comprised of descendants of independence fighters, led the alternative ceremony at Hyochang Park, joined by other activist groups and opposition lawmakers. This marked the first time such groups have organized a separate event on this nationally significant day. The boycott stemmed from controversy surrounding the appointment of Kim Hyoung-suk as president of the Independence Hall of Korea, whom critics accuse of harboring pro-Japanese sentiments. HKI and opposition parties have denounced Kim's historical views and have called for his resignation, fearing his leadership could undermine the legacy of Korea's independence struggle.
HKI's chief, Lee Jong-chan, criticized the current historical narrative as distorted by pro-Japanese views, asserting that recognizing August 15, 1948, as national foundation day would diminish the significance of Korea's liberation on August 15, 1945. The government has denied plans to shift the recognition but has faced persistent skepticism. Meanwhile, opposition leaders and civic groups continued their protest by marching to the presidential office, underscoring their dissent against the government's handling of historical commemorations and personnel appointments.