'Director of the Independence Hall Who Denied "Liberation in 1945," Admits It After 2 Months'

Previously, when asked, "I will not comment"
"Respecting government policies from a public official's standpoint"

Kim Hyung-seok, the director of the Independence Hall of Korea, who sparked controversy by refusing to answer whether he acknowledges Korea's liberation, has finally given a response after two months.

On the 22nd, during the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee audit, Kim answered "Yes, I acknowledge it" when asked by Shin Jang-sik, a member of the National Innovation Party, "Do you acknowledge that the Republic of Korea was liberated in 1945?"

Previously, on August 26th, Kim was asked the same question at a full meeting of the Political Affairs Committee. However, at that time, he said, "If I am to speak as the director, I would not make that statement." When further asked, "So is it not a yes or no?" he replied, "That is correct."

Kim Hyung-seok, Director of the Independence Hall [Photo by Yonhap News]

On the same day, Shin also asked him, "Do you think our people’s nationality during the Japanese colonial period was Japanese?" In response, Kim began by saying, "After the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan in 1965," but when Shin interrupted, saying, "Please answer yes or no," Kim continued, "The historical fact is..."

When Shin interrupted again, Kim answered, "As a public official, I respect our government's policies." He added, "I believe there is no need to discuss my personal views here."

Kim assumed office on August 8th. He is known to hold the view that "the founding of the Republic of Korea began with the establishment of the Provisional Government in 1919 and was completed with the establishment of the government in 1948." In response, organizations such as the Liberation Association have opposed him, claiming he is a New Right figure advocating the "1948 founding theory," and have called for his appointment to be withdrawn.

Earlier, during his interview as a candidate for director, when asked, "Was the nationality of our people Japanese during the Japanese colonial period?" he reportedly answered that it was "Japanese," adding, "That is why the independence movement was carried out to regain national sovereignty."

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