The 79th Liberation Day was marked by Speaker of the National Assembly, Woo Won-sik, as he refused to attend the government’s celebratory event, opting instead to pay his respects at the graves of independence fighters. Despite his opposition to the current administration’s historical viewpoint, he made it clear that he would not politicize the conflict as the leader of the legislative branch. Woo visited the graves of independence fighters at Seoul National Cemetery in the morning, followed by a tribute at the Monument for Forced Laborers in Seoul with fellow lawmakers.
By choosing to abstain from both government and commemorative events, Woo aimed to alleviate concerns about a divided Liberation Day. His decision to skip the government’s ceremony was a result of deep reflection on his duty to uphold the Constitution and mediate between parties, despite the challenges it posed as the head of the parliament. Woo, a descendant of independence activist Kim Han, has been a vocal advocate for resolving historical conflicts and actively promoting diplomacy, as evidenced by his recent actions regarding contentious issues like the UNESCO registration of Japan’s industrial sites.
In a bid to foster unity, Woo hosted a luncheon for descendants of independence fighters after visiting the Seoul National Cemetery, expressing his hope for resolution amidst the discord seen in this year’s Liberation Day. Through his actions, Speaker Woo reaffirmed his commitment to preventing further division among those who sacrificed for the nation’s independence.
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