A rock monument at the An Jung Geun memorial hall has the writing of former President Park Chung Hee engraved on it, and that is a subject of controversy as it says "hall of the spirit of the Korean nation." Mr. Park was not someone qualified to utter the words "spirit of the Korean nation," because he was an officer in the Japanese military who aimed his gun at the anti-Japanese campaign. It is a comedy and tragedy of history that the saying of a Japanese military man who had a nametag pinned to his clothes saying "I will lay down my life for the Emperor" decorates a sacred hall dedicated to those who died fighting the Japanese. You wonder how the living patriots and the surviving patriots who passed before the engraving must have felt, and you wonder if the Japanese tourists visiting Korea would have engaged in deep reflection about the atrocities of the past having seen that phenomenon. This is a time when Japan is revealing its naked desires with the Dokdo issue and historical distortions. The removal of Park's writing should be the main event at the 95th anniversary of An's death this March 26th.
The problem of Park's handwriting is twofold in character, as it involves dealing with "collaboration" and "dictatorship." According to the Cultural Properties Administration, a considerable number of the official hanging boards and stone markers with the writing by former presidents on them were done by Park, so much in fact that someone has even coined the term "Park Chung Hee handwriting pollution." More sites are under the jurisdiction of other government agencies such as Ministry of Patriots and Veterans' Affairs. They say many are related to the struggle against colonialist Japan and the Imjin wars of the 16th century. That shows you how Park's handwriting was used as a fabrication of his image as a ruler, along with the beatification of general Yi Sun Sin. It was a far cry from approval from the people because it as about covering up his past and dictatorial rule.
The authorities have arrested a man by the name of Yang Su Cheol for removing the sign board with Park's writing on it from Chunguisa, the shrine dedicated to Yun Bong Gil. Kim Yong Sam, the man who removed the Park's bust from Mullae Park on November 5, 2000 and Kwang Tae Yeong, who removed the board over Samil Gate at Jongno's Tapgol Park on November 23, 2001, have both been criminally punished. It is embarrassing to have to watch civic activists carrying out the spirit of the times with their sacrifices. There is discussion about changing the wooden sign on Gwangwha Gate as well, but it is time the authorities have an accurate look at the situation and survey public opinion in order to remove it after establishing rules and principles.
The Hankyoreh, 25 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Japanese Officer's Handwriting Decorates Sites |
