Controversy over the removal of a freedom fighter's statue at a military institute averted, statue to stay put.

Military Academy in Korea keeps figure of independence hero on campus, opposing initial plan to relocate, Reversal sparks fresh debate among public.

, and ASMedia

2025 May 28 . 2:30 PM

2 min read

Military Academy in Korea preserves statue of independence hero; controversial move rescinds... — Military Academy in Korea preserves statue of independence hero; controversial move rescinds previous plan to move statue, igniting public controversy.

Controversy over the removal of a freedom fighter's statue at a military institute averted, statue to stay put.

In Seoul on March 1, 2018, a ceremony was held to unveil busts honoring five independence fighters, among them General Hong Beom-do, at the Korea Military Academy. The event was attended by cadets and other attendees who posed for a photograph during the pomp-filled affair.

General Hong Beom-do, a significant figure in Korean history during the period of Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945), was a prominent leader of the Korean independence forces and played a crucial part in the struggle against Japanese colonization. However, his later life and affiliations have been a subject of controversy, as he was identified as a communist.

The general's military contributions were recognized with a bust at the Korea Military Academy, joining other independence activists such as General Ji Cheong-cheon and Lee Beom-seok, highlighting his importance in Korea's military history. Yet, the controversy surrounding his later life has led to debates about his legacy and the placement of his bust at the academy.

The complexities in General Hong Beom-do's legacy reflect both his contributions to Korean independence and the controversies of his later years. His presence as a national hero in Korean history is marked by his role in resistance against Japanese rule and his prominent commemoration.

The Korean government's decision to honor General Hong Beom-do, despite the controversies of his later years, reflects a complex approach towards recognizing significant figures in the country's history.
The unveiling of General Hong Beom-do's bust at the Korea Military Academy sparked debates around diplomacy, notably as existing bastions of power engage with controversial figures in shaping cultural narratives.
In the realm of education, the controversy surrounding General Hong Beom-do's legacy challenges educators to provide comprehensive sports-analysis, including political context, when teaching students about key figures in Korean history.