Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
Colonial-era debate heats up on Liberation Day
Heritage of Korean Independence (HKI) President Kim Won-woong delivers a congratulatory speech during a ceremony hosted by the government to mark the 75th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan in Seoul, Saturday. HKI, a Seoul-based organization, is aimed at upholding the spirit of independence. Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
By Yi Whan-woo
A political divide over whether late national figures should be stripped of honor for their “pro-Japanese past” during the 1910-45 colonial era intensified on Liberation Day, Saturday.
The progressives have been seeking to “wipe the vestiges of pro-Japanese collaborators,” including those who conservatives view as patriots for their contribution to a nascent Korea after its liberation from imperial Japan in 1945.
The two sides collided again, Saturday, when Kim Won-woong, an anti-Japan activist and son of independence fighters, brought up the issue during a ceremony in Seoul attended by President Moon Jae-in on the 75th anniversary of liberation.
Kim was invited to deliver a congratulatory address as the president of Heritage of Korean Independence (HKI), a Seoul-based organization tasked with upholding the spirit of independence.
He accused the Republic of Korea's first President Syngman Rhee of “colluding with pro-Japanese figures” to consolidate his power post-liberation, and national anthem composer Ahn Eak-tai of “pro-Japan as well as pro-Nazi” activities.
Kim also called on moving the graves of 69 “traitors” whose bodies are buried at a national cemetery as part of efforts to straighten out history.
Kim's remark immediately led to backlash from conservatives, including Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong.
In a separate commemoration ceremony on Jeju Island, Won skipped his scripted speech and spoke off the cuff against Kim after a HKI representative read Kim's address on his behalf.
“I find it most regrettable for Kim to have some to read a biased historical opinion as a congratulatory address,” Won said, adding he can “never agree” with such an opinion that divides society.
Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon added fuel to the colonial-era debate when he posted on Facebook criticizing the government for “denigrating” the legacy of Korean War hero Paik Sun-yup.
Ban referred to the government's less-than-expected support for Paik's burial at Daejeon National Cemetery amid a controversy over Paik's past as a Japanese Army officer during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule.
“This year's Liberation Day commemoration was tainted by Kim Won-woong who is only good at deepening the political and social rift,” Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) commented on Facebook.
Another UFP lawmaker, Her Eu-na, said Kim Won-woong's remark is merely intended to foster anti-Japanese sentiment to raise the government's approval rating and therefore he should be fired from his job.
Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Song Young-gil backed Kim on Facebook, saying, “It's shameful to see pro-Japanese collaborators being buried at a national cemetery.”