SEOUL — The Democratic Party (DP), South Korea's main opposition, has called for President Yoon Suk Yeol to rescind the appointment of Kim Hyoung-suk as the new chief of the Independence Hall of Korea. The opposition criticizes Kim's previous statements that seemingly diminish the significance of Korea's independence movement and appear to justify Japanese colonial rule, sparking significant public and political backlash.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the DP floor leader, during a party meeting, Kim's interpretation of historical events — specifically his comments that South Korea was truly established post-1945 after the end of Japan’s colonial rule — is viewed as undermining the country's struggle for independence. Park emphasized the need for President Yoon to withdraw Kim’s appointment to avoid dishonoring the memory of Korea's independence martyrs. The controversy has intensified to the extent that the DP has threatened to boycott the upcoming Liberation Day ceremony, demanding Kim's removal.
Additionally, the Heritage of Korean Independence, a prominent association of independence fighters and their descendants, has joined the opposition in criticizing the appointment. Its head, Lee Jong-chan, has declared a boycott of the Liberation Day events unless the appointment is revoked. Discussions between Lee and Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk were reported, with Chung assuring that the government does not recognize 1948 as the official founding year of the nation, yet Lee insists on the withdrawal of Kim's appointment.
Kim, for his part, has refuted claims linking him to the "New Right" movement and defended his stance on Japan's colonial rule during a press conference. He argued that his views have been misconstrued and indicated no intention of resigning, despite the growing pressure.