Lee Seungman Memorial Association: "No Mistake in Veterans Affairs Director's Use of 'Doctor' Title"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] In response to the controversy over Veterans Affairs Commissioner Park Sam-deuk referring to former President Rhee Syngman as 'Doctor,' the Rhee Syngman Founding President Memorial Association (hereinafter the Memorial Association) visited Commissioner Park and officially stated that the title 'Doctor' is not incorrect at all and does not belittle former President Rhee Syngman.

According to the Memorial Association on the 23rd, Secretary General Moon Mu-il met with Commissioner Park Sam-deuk at the Seoul Regional Veterans Office in the afternoon and conveyed the Memorial Association's position, saying, "'Doctor' is not at all a belittlement of former President Rhee Syngman, and we regret that some media criticized Commissioner Park Sam-deuk."

Secretary General Moon also stated, "We heard that the Commissioner would personally attend the memorial ceremony, which pleased the bereaved families and members of the Memorial Association, and we were quite satisfied with the content of the Commissioner's memorial speech."

The meeting took place after the Memorial Association held an internal meeting following the 'title' controversy that arose after the memorial ceremony for former President Rhee Syngman and then requested a meeting with the Veterans Affairs Office.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Park became the center of controversy on the 19th during the 55th anniversary event of former President Rhee Syngman's passing by referring to the former president as 'Doctor' instead of 'President.' At that time, Commissioner Park mentioned the former president's title seven times in his memorial speech, all expressed as 'Doctor.' It began with the opening line, "Today, we solemnly and reverently mark the 55th anniversary of the passing of Doctor Rhee Syngman," and ended with the condolence, "Once again, on the 55th anniversary of Doctor Rhee's passing, we offer our deep condolences." The word 'President' was only mentioned in parts such as "He served as the Provisional President of the Republic of Korea, the first President, and played a pivotal role as an independence activist," and "He established the presidential system."

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