"Young People Don't Understand" vs "Uncomfortable with Mourning" Park Chung-hee Memorial Altar, Diverging Views (Comprehensive)

41st Anniversary of Former President Park Chung-hee's Death: Citizens Disagree at Memorial Altar
Mourners "Revived the Economy... More Faults than Merits"
20s and 30s "Why Remember a Dictator in the Square?" Complaints

At 1 p.m. on the 26th, the memorial incense altar for the 41st anniversary of the death of former President Park Chung-hee was set up behind King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon, Heo Mi-dam, Kang Joo-hee, Kim Young-eun] "President Park Chung-hee is not a dictator.", "Young people just don't understand."

Opinions among citizens are divided over the memorial altar set up for the 41st anniversary of former President Park Chung-hee's death. Some citizens expressed condolences, saying "It is tragic that he passed away," and "It brings tears," while young people showed a critical attitude, questioning, "Why on earth are we commemorating a dictator?"

At around 12:30 a.m. on the 23rd, the Our Republican Party set up two tents behind King Sejong in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The altar was open from 10 a.m. on the 24th until 6 p.m. on the 26th, and citizens came to pay their respects to the former president.

The Our Republican Party explained the background of the memorial, stating, "Even if they abandon the founding President of the Republic of Korea, Syngman Rhee, the prosperous and strong President Park Chung-hee, and the freedom and unification President Park Geun-hye, it is our party's value to firmly and strongly honor them."

Citizens' opinions are divided into two. Some believe that the achievements of the former president should be evaluated, while others criticize him as a dictator. Citizens met near the altar on the previous day (26th) expressed the view that he should be mourned.

Mr. Kim (75), who said he came from Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, to Gwanghwamun Square, said, "It is only natural to set up a memorial altar for President Park Chung-hee, whom all Koreans respect," adding, "When I was young, many people starved to death, but now there are no such people. It is possible because President Park laid that foundation. People should not forget those times."

On the afternoon of the 26th at 1 PM, supporters of former President Park Chung-hee created a memorial altar behind King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno, Seoul, to commemorate the 41st anniversary of former President Park. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

There were also complaints about the police near the altar. Mr. Kim said, "The atmosphere is too bleak and awkward because of the police. Still, this is our former president's memorial altar, but the police surround and monitor it, so it inevitably creates psychological pressure." He continued, "Previously, they installed gates and forcibly made perfectly fine people undergo inspections, engaging in intense psychological warfare, and I think it's the same now."

He emphasized, "I deliberately took time to come here and visit the altar, but the atmosphere is not conducive to sincere mourning. We are living today because of President Park Chung-hee."

Ms. Park, a 67-year-old woman, showed the same attitude. She said, "I come every day since the 41st anniversary memorial altar was set up," and expressed frustration, "We like the president ourselves, especially since his achievements are great, so we come by car even from far away to pay respects. I don't understand why there are so many complaints around here."

On the other hand, some citizens said they could not understand the installation of the altar in Gwanghwamun Square and the act of commemorating the former president itself. Mr. Park (27), an office worker, criticized, "There are so many police gathered here; I think it's a waste of manpower," adding, "President Park may have achievements like economic development, but he was a dictator. Is he someone worthy of such commemoration?"

Another citizen, Mr. Yoo (24), said, "I don't understand why a dictator is being commemorated in the middle of Gwanghwamun," and added, "Given the current situation, I hope such commemorations are restrained."

On the 26th, a banner reading "President Park Chung-hee, we really miss you!" was installed at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Photo by Kim Young-eun youngeun928@asiae.co.kr

Mr. Lee, a company employee in his 40s, also said, "Isn't a square a place for everyone to use?" and bluntly stated, "Park Chung-hee is a politically controversial figure, so openly commemorating him like that is not appropriate." He raised his voice, saying, "Park Chung-hee's daughter was even impeached, so (the altar) is somewhat uncomfortable to see."

Meanwhile, there are also opinions that it is not a big deal. Ms. Ko (30) said, "I think everything has two sides. Anyway, our country is a democracy, and (Park Chung-hee) contributed to our country's development, so I think holding protests or memorials like this is an individual's freedom."

Meanwhile, amid the divided opinions among citizens regarding the memorial for the former president, in the political sphere, Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, was harassed on the 26th while attending a memorial ceremony at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul.

At the ceremony, the People Power Party leadership, including Chairman Kim, Floor Leader Joo Ho-young, and Secretary-General Jung Yang-seok, attended. After the ceremony ended and Chairman Kim left, supporters of former President Park Geun-hye and conservative YouTubers followed him, shouting, "Why did the red commie come?", "Don't ruin conservatism," and other loud remarks. Chairman Kim showed no particular reaction and left the venue.

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