[2023 National Audit] From Army to Navy, the 'Hong Beom-do Controversy' Continues

Opposition Lawmakers Attack Over 'Hong Beom-do Ship Renaming'
Navy Chief: "No Review, A Matter for Careful Consideration"

During the National Assembly audit of the Naval Headquarters, ideological disputes between the ruling and opposition parties continued over the renaming of the Hong Beom-do-class ship. Previously, a fierce debate also took place during the National Assembly audit of the Army Headquarters regarding the relocation of the bust of General Hong Beom-do within the Korea Military Academy.

On the 24th, at the National Assembly audit held at Gyeryongdae in Chungnam for the Naval Headquarters and Marine Corps Command, Navy Chief of Staff Lee Jong-ho responded to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Ki Dong-min asking, "What are your opinions on the renaming of the Hong Beom-do-class ship?" by saying, "There has been no special internal discussion," but added, "I have reviewed the criteria and procedures for ship name changes, as well as cases of changes within our navy and foreign navies."

Chief of Naval Operations Lee Jong-ho taking an oath at the National Assembly inspection [Image source=Yonhap News]

Chief Lee stated, "There is currently nothing under review, but if necessary, I believe we should take time to gather various opinions," and showed a cautious attitude by saying, "If historical facts are proven and there is a national consensus, a change may be necessary, but we are making a careful judgment."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, who returned to the National Defense Committee that day, also emphasized, "Recognizing General Hong Beom-do's achievements and creating a bust as a symbol of the military or naming a ship Hong Beom-do-class is a very important matter," and added, "The military should neither be involved in nor entangled in political disputes." He repeatedly asked what conclusion would be reached if an order to review the abolition of the Hong Beom-do-class ship were issued, to which Chief Lee replied, "We plan to maintain it." Earlier, Defense Minister Shin Won-sik had stated that the issue of renaming the ship would be delegated to the Navy Chief of Staff.

During the National Assembly audit of the Army Headquarters held the previous day, ideological disputes surrounding Hong Beom-do also arose. The People Power Party criticized General Hong Beom-do's history of joining the Communist Party and pointed out that having his bust located within the Korea Military Academy was inappropriate, while the opposition party countered by urging to stop ideological disputes. Army Chief of Staff Park Jeong-hwan stated, "While his achievements in the anti-Japanese movement are great and should be respected, having the bust inside the Korea Military Academy is not appropriate," and added, "(Promoting the relocation of the bust outside the academy) is part of correcting an act that clouds the perspective on the enemy and shakes the identity of the academy."

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