Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Recommends Immediate Suspension of Jeong Yulseong Project

Gwangju City Says "Cannot Stop" Demolition Recommendation of Bust and Memorial Facilities

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has recommended that Gwangju City and others immediately halt the 'Jeong Yul-seong Commemoration Project' and dismantle already installed commemorative facilities such as the Jeong Yul-seong bust as soon as possible. This is the first time since the Yoon Suk-yeol administration elevated the Veterans Affairs Office to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs that a correction has been recommended regarding local government affairs.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 11th, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik held a press conference at the Seoul Veterans Office and pointed out the impropriety of the Jeong Yul-seong commemoration project in Gwangju City and others, stating, "Jeong Yul-seong not only composed military songs such as the Far East Army March and the Korean People's Army March that boosted the morale of the North Korean People's Army and Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the Korean War, but also directly participated as an enemy soldier in the invasion from the south, leading efforts to threaten the Republic of Korea's system."

In Gwangju City, as part of the commemoration project, 'Jeong Yul-seong-ro (road name)' and the 'Jeong Yul-seong Street Exhibition Hall' have been established. Inside the exhibition hall, a bust of Jeong Yul-seong and a bronze relief sculpture are also installed. Gwangju City is also promoting the 'Jeong Yul-seong Historical Park Construction Project' and the 'Jeong Yul-seong Exhibition Hall Construction Project.' Additionally, in Hwasun County, Jeollanam-do, there is a Jeong Yul-seong hometown house exhibition hall, and at Neungju Elementary School in Hwasun County, commemorative facilities such as a bust and murals of Jeong Yul-seong have been installed.

Minister Park explained, "The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs recommended Gwangju City and others to immediately halt these projects and correct existing projects based on Article 184 of the Local Autonomy Act." Article 184 of the Local Autonomy Act stipulates that the head of a central administrative agency may provide advice, recommendations, or guidance regarding local government affairs.

Minister Park added, "While respecting the autonomy of local governments, we cannot tolerate the establishment or retention of commemorative projects for figures that contradict the identity of the Republic of Korea," and stated, "If the recommendation is not implemented, a correction order will be immediately issued pursuant to Article 188 of the Local Autonomy Act." Article 188 of the Local Autonomy Act stipulates that if a local government head's order or disposition is deemed to violate laws or harm the public interest, the competent minister may order correction in writing.

Meanwhile, Gwangju City is reportedly taking the position that the Jeong Yul-seong commemoration project has been promoted for a long time and a significant budget has already been invested, so it cannot be stopped.

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