Divisive arguments do not serve our society
On the 75th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule on Aug. 15, Kim Won-woong, president of the Heritage of Korean Independence (HKI), prompted a cantankerous division. On a day when national solidarity should be touted, Kim criticized first President Syngman Rhee for collaborating with pro-Japanese groups. Kim also said Korea was the only country that has a national anthem composed by a traitor. He added that the bill to excavate 69 graves of "traitors" and "pro-Japanese soldiers" from Seoul National Cemetery should be approved.
Kim may have wanted to use the significant day as platform to touch upon Korea's lingering debate on its pro-Japanese legacy during and after colonial rule. But by choosing to give a political spin in his speech made during an official ceremony ― and just before that of President Moon Jae-in ― he puts the wisdom of his intentions under glaring scrutiny.
In Korea's tumultuous modern history, the merits and faults of our public figures have often been debated. In line with that, President Rhee was an independence movement leader who served as president of Korea's interim government in China during colonization. His critics point out he worked with some pro-Japanese figures in the process of building the South Korean government.
Kim's seemingly sudden attack on the national anthem and its composer has prompted outrage from the main opposition United Future Party and a call for the government to clarity its stance. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea defended Kim, with former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon saying Kim made such a remark in his official capacity as HKI chief.
Seventy five years after Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule, there is ample room for us to discuss with equanimity and balance the merits and faults of our public figures. It may well be more be in line with Kim's capacity as HKI president to come up with a constructive plan to do so.
On the 75th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule on Aug. 15, Kim Won-woong, president of the Heritage of Korean Independence (HKI), prompted a cantankerous division. On a day when national solidarity should be touted, Kim criticized first President Syngman Rhee for collaborating with pro-Japanese groups. Kim also said Korea was the only country that has a national anthem composed by a traitor. He added that the bill to excavate 69 graves of "traitors" and "pro-Japanese soldiers" from Seoul National Cemetery should be approved.
Kim may have wanted to use the significant day as platform to touch upon Korea's lingering debate on its pro-Japanese legacy during and after colonial rule. But by choosing to give a political spin in his speech made during an official ceremony ― and just before that of President Moon Jae-in ― he puts the wisdom of his intentions under glaring scrutiny.
In Korea's tumultuous modern history, the merits and faults of our public figures have often been debated. In line with that, President Rhee was an independence movement leader who served as president of Korea's interim government in China during colonization. His critics point out he worked with some pro-Japanese figures in the process of building the South Korean government.
Kim's seemingly sudden attack on the national anthem and its composer has prompted outrage from the main opposition United Future Party and a call for the government to clarity its stance. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea defended Kim, with former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon saying Kim made such a remark in his official capacity as HKI chief.
Seventy five years after Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule, there is ample room for us to discuss with equanimity and balance the merits and faults of our public figures. It may well be more be in line with Kim's capacity as HKI president to come up with a constructive plan to do so.
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