A city oblivious to the Korean War

Choi Hyuk
The author is the head of the Namdo History Forum.

The country is torn over a commemorative project for musician Jeong Yul-sung (1914-1976). Jeong had a conflicting career as an anti-Japanese fighter and a communist loyal to China and North Korea. Veterans’ groups related to the April 19, 1960, Student Revolution and the May 18, 1980, Gwangju Democratization Movement are raising their voices, saying that the project commemorating Jeong, a communist composer for the North Korean and Chinese forces that invaded us during the Korean War, should be completely eliminated. The Korean War Abductees’ Family Council also filed a complaint with the prosecution against Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung. Gwangju residents are increasingly concerned about the city’s image.

In fact, the current controversy over the Jeong Yul-sung memorial project is a by-product of the sudden wave of friendly exchanges between Korea and China following the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. South Korea and China fought each other during the 1950-53 Korean War. Before their diplomatic relations, Koreans antagonized China, saying, “Drive out the barbarians.” However, after being ordered to expand exchanges with China, Korea pursued common things to grow friendship and push away sensitive issues like politics and security.

The promotion of Communist Jeong Yul-Sung was a result. Gwangju and its Nam District, where Jeong’s birthplace is, and nearby Hwasun city, South Jeolla, where Jeong grew up, launched the memorial project in earnest. They turned a blind eye to the fact that Jeong was a member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and participated in the Korean War as a member of the People’s Liberation Army. They even ignored the fact that he was loyal to North Korea’s Kim Il Sung regime. Three administrative agencies have allocated a total of 11.6 billion won ($8.7 million) for the commemorative projects over the past 10 years since 2014, including 5 billion won for the construction of a memorial park for Jeong.

The Park Geun-hye administration suspended its friendly diplomatic stance toward China due to the friction over the U.S.-led deployment of the Thaad antimissile system in Korea. But the city of Gwangju expanded the Jeong Yul-sung project further. In the process, “Communist Jeong” was missing. While some local media outlets and individuals raised objections citing his Communist career, the city completely ignored their voices.

A memorial project for someone should be based on how he or she has contributed to the country and people and what can be learned from their spirit. Jeong reportedly moved to China at the age of 19 and started an anti-Japanese battle. But he joined the CPC in 1939 at the age of 26 and confronted the South Korean military as a member of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army during the Korean War. His music was for the CPC and fits the Chinese taste. Furthermore, he was dedicated to Kim Il Sung and the Korean People’s Army across the border.

In that respect, we have no reason to celebrate Jeong Yul-sung. Some may argue that he has a history of anti-Japanese fights, but national traitor Lee Wan-yong (1858-1926) was also a nationalist who tried to save the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and our people when he was young. He served as the second president of the Independence Club and supported tearing down the Yeongeunmun Gate, a symbol of toadyism, and building the Independence Gate. But he sided with Russia first and then became Japan’s hound and sold off the country to the imperialists of Japan. A memorial project for Lee cannot be promoted just because of his early career in the independence movement. The same is true for Jeong.

There are numerous sites commemorating the anti-Japanese volunteer army in Gwangju. Is the city revering anti-Japanese fighters, patriotic sites and families as much as the tenacity and efforts in honor of Jeong Yul-sung? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The graves of the volunteer army are very humble and covered with thick weeds. Maintenance and explanations of anti-Japanese activity sites are also substandard. It is hard to find politicians who shout “I will work for the nation and the people.” Gwangju is suffering again in one way or another.

Translation by the Korea JoongAng Daily staff.