Controversy Arises Over Removal of Independence Army Busts from Korea Military Academy
(Seoul, August 27, 2023)
In a recent development, Chairman Lee Jong-chan (87) of the National Liberation Society has demanded the removal of the busts of Generals Kim Jwa-jin, Hong Beom-do, Ji Cheong-cheon, and Lee Beom-seok from the Korea Military Academy campus. This decision has stirred up a heated debate within the military community, with Lee Hoi-young, founder of the Shinheung Military Academy, describing it as an “anti-historic” move and urging Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop to step down.
Expressing his concerns, Chairman Lee addressed an open letter to Minister Lee Jong-seop, questioning the defense minister’s commitment to the nation. In the letter, he stated, “What kind of defense minister allows the removal of national heroes from the academy? Have we lost our national conscience?”
Lee Jong-chan strongly defended the busts, referring to the enshrined individuals as “heroes of our War of Independence.” He emphasized their historical significance and the everlasting impact they had on the nation. “Their achievements transcend a particular era, as they embody the spirit of overcoming national catastrophes,” Lee Jong-chan expressed.
Furthermore, Chairman Lee voiced his opposition to the planned removal of the bust of General Seon-Yeop Baek and warned that his organization would not stay silent. He, however, acknowledged General Paik Seon-yeop’s commendable qualities acquired during the Korean War but argued that he did not possess the same level of patriotism displayed by the independence heroes.
“Making an anti-historical decision that disregards those who risked their lives for our country is an insult to their sacrifice and a disservice to our nation. As chairman of the Relief Society, I cannot stand idly by,” Lee Jong-chan firmly stated.
Closing his letter, Chairman Lee challenged Minister Lee Jong-seop, asking him to reflect on his allegiance. “I am left with no choice but to question which country you serve as the defense minister. If you lack the ability to judge righteously, I implore you to consider resigning from your position. A defense minister should prioritize the interests of our beloved Republic of Korea,” he concluded.
Contact: alice09@newspim.com
politics | 2023.08.27 21:15
[서울=뉴스핌] Reporter Lee Ji-eun = Lee Jong-chan (87), chairman of the National Liberation Society, called for the removal of the busts of Generals Kim Jwa-jin, Hong Beom-do, Ji Cheong-cheon, and Lee Beom-seok from placing the Independence Army on the campus of the Korea Military Academy on the 27th, and Mr. Lee Hoi-young, founder of the Shinheung Military Academy, calls it an “anti-historic decision” and calls for the resignation of Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop
Chairman Lee said in an open letter to Minister Lee Jong-seop that day, “Which country are you, the defense minister, that has lost its national conscience?”
[서울=뉴스핌] Reporter Yoon Chang-bin = Lee Jong-chan, chairman of the Liberation Council 2023.06.26 pangbin@newspim.com
Chairman Lee said, “The five people enshrined as busts in the Yuksa are the heroes of our War of Independence,” and introduced their achievements, saying, “As you say, they are not limited to a certain period because of the history of overcoming national disasters.”
He warned that “we will not sit idle” regarding the removal of the busts of five independence heroes within the army and reportedly reviewing the installation of a bust of General Seon-Yeop Baek. He also rebutted, “I do not underestimate the qualities that General Paik Seon-yeop has accumulated in the Korean War, but greatly appreciate them. However, from an educational point of view, he did not choose a soldier’s path from a. patriotic level.”
Chairman Lee added, “If you make an anti-historical decision in neglecting those who risked their lives to find the country and greatly appreciate the lucky people, neither I nor our Relief Society can stand the aside.”
Finally, he said, “I have no choice but to ask which country the minister of defense is for you who have lost your national conscience. If you do not have the ability to judge for yourself, I advise you to resign from the defense position. minister is the way to our country, the Republic of Korea.”
alice09@newspim.com
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