Independence Hall Union Vows Strong Action to Ensure New Director's Resignation

“A Devastating Situation Where I Cannot Face the People Just Two Days After Taking Office”

The labor union of the Independence Hall of Korea has called for the resignation of Director Kim Hyungseok after the decision to cancel the 79th Liberation Day celebration ceremony and hold only cultural events.

On the 12th, the Emergency Response Committee of the 17th Independence Hall Labor Union and the Public Research Union Korea Independence Movement Research Institute Branch issued a statement announcing the start of a campaign for the resignation of the newly appointed Director Kim.

The union stated, "In the past, the directors of the Independence Hall have been descendants of independence activists or renowned scholars in the field of independence movement history, starting with the first director, Ahn Chunsaeng, who was a fifth cousin of Ahn Junggeun and a member of the Korean Liberation Army. However, the new Director Kim Hyungseok, regardless of whether he is a descendant of independence activists, has caused great public concern by making claims that reassess the actions of pro-Japanese collaborators and undermine the value of the independence movement."

The union continued, "At the time of his inauguration, he mentioned, 'We must re-examine the errors in the Biographical Dictionary of Pro-Japanese Collaborators and ensure that no one is unjustly labeled as a collaborator,' which clearly shows he does not fully understand the grave mission entrusted to the director of the Independence Hall. Furthermore, by abruptly canceling the Liberation Day celebration the next day, he revealed a disturbingly light attitude toward the significance of Liberation Day. Within just two days of his appointment, the Independence Hall has reached a deplorable state, unable to face the public."

The union announced that it would launch a campaign for the resignation of the new director and appealed for nationwide support.

The union emphasized, "The members of the Independence Hall have unanimously agreed that the new director cannot properly fulfill his role as the leader of the Independence Hall, which stands as a symbol of national autonomy and the spirit of independence. The appointment of the current director has deeply hurt the descendants of independence patriots whom we have long respected, and the public we have sought to engage with is now criticizing and turning away from the Independence Hall."

They added, "We apologize for the great concern and anxiety caused by the appointment of the new director. The Independence Hall Labor Union will carry out a strong campaign to ensure the resignation of the new director and asks for public attention and support so that we may once again stand before the people with pride."

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