CEO COLUMN

Published Dec-2023, [No.295]
Subject Establishing the 'Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall'

  I once visited the 'Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall' in Hwajinpo, Goseong-gun during my summer vacation in Gangwon Province. The entrance was narrow, the facilities were old, and the maintenance seemed inadequate. I vividly remember the nauseating smell of mold that made me constantly sneeze during the visit. The wax figures depicting President Syngman Rhee and First Lady Francesca were covered in dust and looked worn out. The furniture, including the sofa used during their lifetime, showed signs of serious damage due to the lack of proper preservation.

 The items and documents on display were also poorly maintained, evident from the strong smell of mold and visible marks. Dead pests like flies and mosquitoes were abundant, making me question whether this place was truly a fitting memorial for a former president. It left me feeling uncertain about its status as a presidential memorial.




 South Korea, a country that can be considered the home of the founding father and the first president, Syngman Rhee, should feel ashamed for not properly establishing a memorial hall dedicated to him. When looking at various countries around the world, one often experiences envy while observing the statues or memorial halls built to honor and revere their national founding figures.

 Fortunately, with the approaching celebration of Liberation Day on August 15th, the 'Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall Construction Steering Committee' has been formed. Kim Hwang-sik, former Prime Minister, leads as the chairman, and individuals who were previously in opposition to the late president, such as those associated with the April 19 Revolution and progressive politicians, are participating. It's expected to transcend political divides and embody a 'history of reconciliation.'

 Five sons of former presidents, including Lee In-soo, the son of Syngman Rhee, as well as those of Park Chung-hee, Roh Tae-woo, Kim Young-sam, and Kim Dae-jung, share a sense of concern about the lack of a memorial hall for the first president. They have decided to contribute beyond political affiliations to support this initiative. The committee emphasizes that 'The Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall will serve as a space of remembrance, recording and showcasing the national identity and the founding principles of South Korea. It will tell the story of how our people overcame various challenges to build the free, prosperous, and democratic nation we have today.'"




 Syngman Rhee (1875-1965), born in Neungnae dong, Pyungsan gun, Hwanghae-do, now in North Korea, spent his childhood studying classical texts at a private school. He enrolled at the 'Baejae School,' founded by American missionary Appenzeller, where he studied Western theology and political ideologies. Rhee established the first modern Korean daily newspaper, the 'Maeil Shin-bo' opening new horizons for modern Korean press. Engaging in modern civic and reform movements, he was accused of involvement in the conspiracy to dethrone King Gojong and was imprisoned for 5 years and 7 months.

 Even while in prison, he operated a 'Prison Library' contributing various editorials to the press to awaken civic consciousness. His work 'The Spirit of Independence' encapsulated his longing for independence and political ideologies. After his release, he went to the United States, enrolled at George Washington University, obtained a master's degree from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. from Princeton University. Upon his return to Korea, he devoted himself to education and fostering students' growth and faith primarily through the YMCA.

 Later, he moved to Hawaii, engaging in publishing, media activities, and initiating church and educational institutions. He actively participated in the independence movement, aligning with the March 1st Movement and becoming the inaugural interim president of the 'Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea' established in Shanghai under the French Concession. He emerged as a prominent leader of the Korean national movement.




 After the liberation, in an unprecedented state of chaos, Syngman Rhee led the 'Counter-Traction Movement' and supported the conduct of general elections under UN supervision. Elected as the chairman in the 'Constituent Assembly,' he oversaw the drafting of the South Korean Constitution and the Government Organization Act, paving the way for the establishment of a democratic republic under the constitution.

 In the presidential election held in the Assembly, out of 196 members, he obtained an overwhelming 180 votes, becoming the 'First President of the Republic of Korea' and gaining recognition from the UN as the 'sole legitimate government' in the Korean Peninsula. Immediately after the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25th, he facilitated the immediate intervention of UN forces, preventing the communist takeover of the Korean Peninsula.

 During the armistice negotiations, he engaged in intense diplomatic battles with the United States, leading to the signing of the 'Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea' in October 1953. Post-war, South Korea achieved political, economic reconstruction, and development under the security umbrella of the South Korea-US alliance, receiving military and economic aid from the United States. It emerged as an economic powerhouse and a formidable military force, known as the 'Miracle on the Han River,' unparalleled in many parts of the world.

 Unfortunately, due to the April 19 Revolution in 1960, Syngman Rhee resigned. He stayed in Hawaii for a while and passed away in 1965 at a nursing home in Honolulu. After the funeral rites held in Hawaii, he was laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Dongjak-dong, Seoul.



 Every president in history inevitably has achievements and mistakes, and while President Syngman Rhee faced criticism for resigning due to the April 19 Revolution, he is now being reconsidered for his contribution in securing the 'Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea,' which laid the cornerstone for security and prosperity.

 The Korean War erupted on June 25th, 1950, following the withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed in Korea for the disarmament of the Japanese forces. Concerned that another conflict, a 'Second 6.25 War,' might occur without any security measures post-war, Syngman Rhee strategically initiated the 'Cliffhanger Strategy' to bring about the birth of the Korea-US treaty.

 A skilled diplomat and a Ph.D. holder from the United States, he pressed for the inclusion of a provision in the Korea-US Mutual Defense Treaty, stating that in the event of war, immediate intervention would be a necessity. He also executed measures like the release of anti-communist prisoners to hasten the agreement on the Mutual Defense Treaty before the Armistice Agreement was finalized.

 The Korea-US alliance effectively prevented a potential second North-South war. Through military aid, including substantial financial support of $5.5 billion until 1988, South Korea's military capability soared, positioning it among the top six military powers globally. Subsequently, South Korea developed into a 'defense industry nation' with diversified arms exports.

 By optimizing defense spending, South Korea achieved robust security, attracting substantial foreign investment, which significantly contributed to its remarkable economic growth. This makes Syngman Rhee an indisputable contributor to South Korea's leap forward."




 When the nationwide fundraising campaign for the 'Syngman Rhee Memorial Hall' construction commenced, actress Lee Young-ae promptly donated 50 million Korean won. In anticipation of potential political backlash, she stated, 'Our family also supports foundations for Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun.' However, the leftist faction launched criticisms and attacks, even resorting to spreading 'fake news.'

 Lee Young-ae then released a statement clarifying her stance: 'It's not about covering up Syngman Rhee's mistakes but rather acknowledging those faults in history while also recognizing his contributions as well.' She emphasized, 'He fortified the foundation of the Republic of Korea, protected us from North Korea's armed aggression, ensuring that we don't become a communist country like North Korea, preventing our children from living in the world's poorest and least free nation.'




 Veteran actor Shin Young-kyun, aged 95, has also expressed his intention to donate a 4000-square-meter plot in the Godeok-dong area of Gangdong-gu, Seoul, for the establishment of a memorial hall. He stated, 'None of the former presidents have initiated a memorial hall for the founding president, Syngman Rhee. President Yoon Suk-yeol has made a significant decision, and as an __expression__ of gratitude and as part of the committee's efforts, I've decided to make this donation.'

 He mentioned that the land holds special significance as it was an area where the former president enjoyed fishing by the riverside. 'It's embarrassing that there isn't a single memorial hall for the founding presidents of South Korea. This former president not only established South Korea but also involved the United States in the Korean War, safeguarding our territory. Without his contributions, the present-day South Korea might not exist' emphasized Chairman Shin Young-kyun."




 The establishment project for the Syngman Rhee Presidential Memorial Hall can be entirely funded by the government budget under the 'Law on Honoring Independence Patriots.' However, it was deemed more desirable to pursue the project with the participation of the entire nation, and thus, it was decided to proceed as a 'civilian-led project' under the 'Law on Honoring Former Presidents.' This would involve covering 70% of the costs through public donations and 30% through government support.

 Our company, under the 'Company mission statement' Fulfilling Social Responsibility through Charity and Donations, annually donates cash and products totaling 100million Korean won. We are immensely pleased to additionally contribute 50 million Korean won toward the significant project of 'Establishing the Memorial Hall for the Founding President.' As a company that prides itself on achieving our corporate vision as a 'century-long enterprise through exports,' We believe in contributing a small support to the national economy. We are willing and ready to actively participate in any future meaningful nationwide initiatives that align with the will of the people.










CEO BAIK, SUNGCHUN

Attached File