Joo Ho-young: "Baek Seon-yeop is a war hero, treatment should not differ... Veterans Affairs Director: 'No disagreement on burial at National Cemetery'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, requested Park Sam-deuk, head of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, to give full honors to General (ret.) Baek Seon-yeop, a 6.25 War hero, amid controversy over his burial at the National Cemetery.

On the afternoon of the 28th, Joo met with Park at the National Assembly floor leader’s office and said, "There are even talks about exhumation (破墓, digging up the grave), and many people are worried and angry about the issue of honoring General Baek."

He added, "General Baek was the first four-star general of the Republic of Korea Army who risked his life multiple times to defend the Nakdong River front and lead us to victory during the 6.25 War, and he is revered as a hero even by the U.S. military. Since the new head of the Liberation Association took office, there have been differing opinions from ours regarding the burial system at the National Cemetery, which is concerning. What is the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs’ stance?"

According to Joo, a Ministry official recently visited General Baek and conveyed that "it is difficult to bury him at the Dongjak-dong National Cemetery," recommending burial at the Daejeon National Cemetery and mentioning that even if buried at Dongjak-dong, there is a possibility of exhumation.

In response, Park Sam-deuk said, "General Baek is eligible for burial at the National Cemetery. We do not consider any other opinions on this matter." However, he explained, "Regarding whether it is the Dongjak-dong Seoul National Cemetery or the Daejeon National Cemetery, the Seoul National Cemetery is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Defense, not the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and since it is full, we suggested that he could be buried at the Daejeon National Cemetery."

Nevertheless, Joo pressed again, saying, "I heard that the burial plot at the Seoul National Cemetery was already secured in consultation with the family," to which Park replied, "Since General Baek is a general, he should be buried in the generals’ section, but the Seoul National Cemetery is full, which is why we mentioned this."

Joo stated, "There must be no disrespect in honoring the elderly general’s contributions to defending the country, and if there was consultation with the family, that should take precedence." He continued, "The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has set responsible veterans affairs contributing to national unity as its work goal. Please ensure that there is no difference in honors due to the influence of some ruling party members advocating exhumation for pro-Japanese collaborators or those who have differing views on General Baek."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.