Lee Jong-chan, President of the Kwangbok Association, "We Must Actively Oppose New Right's Historical Distortion"

Attendance at the Gwangbokhoe Gwangju Branch Work Report Event

"The reason the Republic of Korea has remained strong until now is because of the spirit of the independence activists who fought for our freedom."

On the afternoon of the 7th, Lee Jong-chan, President of the Gwangbokhoe, made this statement while attending the '2024 Business Report of the Gwangbokhoe Gwangju Metropolitan City Branch' event held at the Veterans Hall in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Lee Jong-chan, Chairman of the Gwangbok Association, is delivering a greeting at the 'Gwangbok Association Gwangju Metropolitan City Branch 2024 Business Report' event held on the afternoon of the 7th at the Veterans Hall in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.
[Photo by Park Jin-hyung]

President Lee explained the role and importance of the Gwangbokhoe organization while introducing the spirit of the independence movement from the past. He said, "Today, the Republic of Korea has proudly entered the top 10 in the world, and many people seem to believe this was possible because of democratization struggles and industrialization."

However, he emphasized, "The fundamental reason that united the hearts of the people before that lies in the spirit of the independence movement." President Lee stated, "We still need the spirit of the independence movement" and "The Gwangbokhoe must unite under a clear identity."

He added, "But these days, the spirit of the independence movement is gradually being forgotten," and stressed, "To properly uphold this noble spirit, a relentless struggle at the level of the Gwangbokhoe is necessary."

President Lee said, "After assuming the presidency of the Gwangbokhoe, we established an academic research institute under its umbrella," and pointed out, "We must actively respond to the continuous rise of New Right figures taking advantage of the fading independence spirit."

Regarding the New Right historical perspective, he said, "They have idolized former President Syngman Rhee and are playing tricks with the founding date of the Republic of Korea," and added, "President Rhee never claimed to be the founding president."

He introduced, "President Rhee gave a speech on August 15, 1948, stating that the government being established today is a revival of the provisional government founded in 1919 during the March 1st Movement." He corrected, "Quoting President Rhee directly, 1948 marks 30 years since the founding of the Republic of Korea, and in 2024, it will be the 106th anniversary of the founding."

He continued, "There are people within the New Right faction making strange claims that confuse the public, but the Gwangbokhoe must firmly establish its position and correct history through relentless efforts," urging action.

In conclusion, President Lee emphasized, "The Gwangbokhoe exists to affirm the existence of the Republic of Korea," and said, "We must take pride while keeping in mind the highest goals we aspire to."

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