Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, "Let's Create a Korea That Recognizes Each Other Beyond Left and Right and Unites"

Unveiling Ceremony of Lee Seungman and Truman Statues

Attendance by Jo Gapje, Kang Seunggyu, and Shin Beomcheol

Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo said at the unveiling ceremony of the statues of Presidents Syngman Rhee and Truman held at the Chilgok Dabudong War Memorial on the 27th, “Today is a meaningful day to declare the ‘War of Victory’ through the power of the private sector,” adding, “Starting with the erection of these statues, we will make this an opportunity to recognize each other beyond political differences and create a united Korea.”

The unveiling ceremony was attended by about 500 people, including Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Jo Gap-je, representative of the Statue Construction Promotion Group, Kang Seung-gyu, Senior Secretary for Civil Society at the Presidential Office, Shin Beom-cheol, Vice Minister of National Defense, Bae Han-cheol, Chairman of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council, Kim Jae-wook, Mayor of Chilgok County, as well as key government officials, heads of organizations, and national merit recipients.

The unveiling ceremony of the statues of Syngman Rhee and Truman is taking place, attended by Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk, Cho Gap-je, representative of the statue erection committee, and others.

The unveiling ceremony, held under the theme of “A Great Meeting,” proceeded in the order of video screening, opening ceremony and national anthem, introduction of guests, explanation of the purpose and progress of the statue construction, commemorative speeches, presidential congratulatory remarks, welcome speeches, greetings, and the statue unveiling performance.

The statues of Presidents Syngman Rhee and Truman were commissioned and produced by the private sector, which formed the Statue Construction Promotion Group, and were created by Kim Young-won, the country’s top sculptor who also made the King Sejong statue in Gwanghwamun Square.

At the unveiling ceremony, Governor Lee Cheol-woo said, “In 2021, they visited our province to request cooperation for the location, and now I am deeply moved that the statues have finally been properly established at this sacred site of national defense,” adding, “I consider the civilians who pushed for today’s statue unveiling as heroes no less than Presidents Syngman Rhee and Truman.”

He continued, “Gyeongbuk suffered great damage from the recent extreme heavy rains, and we are making every effort not only to recover but also to restore daily life,” and said, “Despite the disaster situation, we could not postpone the statue construction any longer, so on this day marking the 70th anniversary of the armistice, we have prepared a meaningful time to once again declare the victory of the freedom defense camp.”

Furthermore, he emphasized, “It is only natural to erect statues of Presidents Syngman Rhee and Truman in Gyeongbuk, the battleground of the Nakdong River defense line,” and “We must ensure that future generations know the will to protect Korea’s liberal democracy.”

Governor Lee also said, “If you look at the ‘Mount Rushmore’ in the United States, the faces of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln are carved into the mountain. Although they made mistakes, America honors their historical achievements,” adding, “The whole world honors its national heroes, so there is no reason we cannot do the same.”

Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo is giving a speech at the unveiling ceremony of the statues of Syngman Rhee and Truman.

He then stated, “We should take this opportunity to engrave modern historical heroes like Syngman Rhee on our currency, commemorating the heroes of the founding, industrialization, and democratization of Korea,” emphasizing, “There is no reason why Korean heroes should not be recorded on our currency.”

In conclusion, Governor Lee said, “I will strive to ensure that President Syngman Rhee, a national leader, receives a proper evaluation,” and “Starting with the erection of these statues, we will honor the victorious history of Korea and promote reconciliation between the figures and history that made today’s Korea.”

Gyeongbuk is a sacred place of national defense, having produced the largest number of independence patriots in the country with 2,455 people (accounting for 14% nationwide), with sites related to the unification of the Three Kingdoms, anti-Japanese struggles, and the Korean War. It is also at the center of Korea’s success story, achieving industrialization and democratization in the shortest time, inheriting the spirit of Hwarang and Seonbi, and driving economic growth through the Saemaul Movement.

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