"'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng' Korea History Top Instructor: 'I watched because it was hot... Judgment is up to each person'"

Jeon Hangil Evaluates Lee Seungman Documentary 'Geon-guk Jeonjaeng'
"Naturally Focused on Positive Achievements... Judgment Is Up to Each Individual"

Jeon Han-gil, a top instructor of Korean history for civil servants, commented on the movie Geon-guk Jeonjaeng (The Founding War), which deals with former President Syngman Rhee, saying, “This film naturally focuses on Syngman Rhee’s positive achievements,” and added, “The judgment is up to each individual.” On the 15th, Jeon shared on his YouTube channel community ‘Kkotboda Jeon Han-gil’ that he had watched Geon-guk Jeonjaeng, which he described as one of the hottest recent films.

[Image source= YouTube channel 'Kkotboda Jeonhangil' community capture]

Jeon said, “Like movies about Roh Moo-hyun and Kim Dae-jung, this film does not focus on the protagonists’ dark pasts but aims to inspire by highlighting their good achievements. The film presents the accomplishments of the Republic of Korea’s first president, Syngman Rhee, in a documentary style, with the intention of saying, ‘At least let’s acknowledge these achievements,’ and ‘Let’s correct some of the misinformation that has been spread so far,’” he explained.

He added, “Since the general election is approaching, political parties and their staunch supporters seem more sensitive due to calculations about electoral gains and losses, but I hope everyone just watches it coolly and leaves the evaluation to each person. Don’t be gaslighted by so-called ‘history experts’ who are biased. They often only talk about achievements favorable to their own agenda while hiding and deceiving about unfavorable facts,” he criticized.

He continued, “Whether it’s a movie or a book, if there is something sensitive, watch it first before commenting. Those who haven’t seen it should keep their mouths shut. The judgment is up to each individual. Don’t act high and mighty trying to teach others,” and said, “I’m not a historian, just an ordinary citizen, and I will share my very personal thoughts on this film,” before giving his evaluation.

“Both merits and faults must be judged... Those who haven’t seen it should keep quiet”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

First, regarding Syngman Rhee as an ‘independence activist,’ Jeon said, “At that time, colonial Joseon was powerless and Japan was too strong, so he judged that independence through armed struggle was difficult and believed in ‘diplomacy’?securing independence by borrowing the power of great powers centered on the United States. There were many misunderstandings in this process,” he explained.

About Syngman Rhee as the ‘first president,’ he said, “He enacted reforms such as the Anti-National Activities Punishment Act (Anti-National Law), the National Security Act in 1948, and the Land Reform Act and Disposition of Confiscated Property Act in 1949,” but also pointed out, “It is very regrettable that the Anti-National Special Committee’s investigation, formed under the Anti-National Law, was obstructed and shortened, allowing the ghosts of unpunished pro-Japanese collaborators to revive and continue to divide public opinion to this day.”

He emphasized, “After the Korean War, the signing of the ‘Korea-US Mutual Defense Treaty’ and the stationing of US troops in Korea have allowed the Republic of Korea to live in a war-free era even after 70 years. The great achievement of Syngman Rhee’s negotiations and the stationing of US troops to maintain peace must never be underestimated.” However, mentioning the constitutional amendment through the ‘four-five’ (sasa-oip) revision for long-term rule and the April 19 Revolution, he analyzed, “The final dictatorship of the Syngman Rhee government is inevitably subject to negative evaluation.”

People Power Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon is answering reporters' questions after watching the documentary film "The Founding War," which highlights the life and politics of former President Syngman Rhee, at a movie theater in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 12th.

He said, “History and historical figures must be evaluated by weighing both merits and faults in any event or person,” adding, “‘I hate so-and-so unconditionally’ or ‘I like so-and-so unconditionally’ cannot be a proper evaluation. Whether to emphasize merits or faults is up to each individual.”

The film Geon-guk Jeonjaeng has stirred public interest as a documentary, boasting a promotional tagline of “The founding of the Republic of Korea and the history of President Syngman Rhee that schools never taught,” and is approaching 500,000 cumulative viewers. As screenings are being certified mainly by the ruling party, the film is emerging as a subject of ideological dispute in political circles.

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