Jeong Se-gyun Proposes Investigation into Ahn Ik-tae's Pro-Japanese Actions and Changing the National Anthem Melody, "Will Consider"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun responded to the investigation into the pro-Japanese activities of Ahn Eak-tai, who composed the national anthem, and the proposal to change the melody of the national anthem by saying, "I will consider it."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 14th, during a government question session held at the National Assembly, Prime Minister Chung responded to the proposal by Lee Hae-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who said, "We should officially investigate all materials related to Ahn Eak-tai held at the German Federal Archives, inform the public of the results, and let the people decide whether to change the melody."

In his inquiry that day, Representative Lee stated, "Ahn Eak-tai supported Nazi Germany and imperialist Japan and led war propaganda," adding, "When we courageously face uncomfortable truths, we will reconsider the dignity of the Republic of Korea."

In response to Lee’s question, "What do you think about the claim that the melody of the national anthem should be changed?" Prime Minister Chung said, "If it is confirmed through historical verification, I personally think that such an issue should be considered," but also added, "However, since it has been called the national anthem for a long time, it is right to have a process of sufficient communication and consultation with the people first."

Regarding the controversial training of regional doctors, Prime Minister Chung said, "This is a situation where words must be chosen very carefully," and added, "This issue caused problems this time. In fact, apart from securing quotas and training regional medical personnel, nothing else was filled in."

He explained, "However, as reports emerged that civil society or local government heads would recommend candidates, it appeared as if it were a hereditary system, which greatly angered young doctors and students," and clarified, "There is absolutely no basis for this. No specific details were decided."

He further added, "Going forward, I hope medical reform will be carried out with mutual respect and encouragement without disputes, and I will promote work in that direction."

Regarding the relocation of public institutions to local areas, Prime Minister Chung dismissed rumors about the relocation of specific institutions as "completely untrue." He emphasized, "The National Balanced Development Committee has only drawn a preliminary plan on how to proceed with the second phase of public institution relocations," and stressed, "There are stories about KBS moving somewhere or Seoul National University being hosted somewhere, but there is absolutely no basis for these."

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