Ph.D. in Confucian Philosophy · CEO of Jeongik AcademyDear Fellow Citizens,

The Republic of Korea is currently in turmoil. The words of one person, Lee Jae-myung, are shaking the very foundations of our nation.

His remarks about the Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion were not mere mistakes. They were an expression of madness that denied the legitimacy of the Republic of Korea's founding and its constitutional order.

He said the following about the Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion:

"It was an act of resistance against unjust orders because they could not point their guns at the people."

However, this is a reversal of the truth. The Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion was not an 'act of defiance' but a 'rebellion'.

Those who took up arms at that time fired at the people. Thousands of lives were lost, including police officers, teachers, public officials, women, and children.

To glorify and justify them is a traitorous discourse that undermines the concept of loyalty within the Republic of Korea's military and denies the spirit of our founding.

Fellow citizens, Lee Jae-myung's remarks are not simply a historical interpretation but a declaration of war on our national identity. He calls the Yeosu-Suncheon rebellion an act of defiance and labels the South Korean Labor Party's uprising a 'righteous action'. This is no different from asserting that 'this nation was founded incorrectly'.

It is a tragic reality that someone who denies the legitimacy of our nation's founding holds power in the Republic of Korea.

How much would our ancestors, who risked their lives to protect the freedom and rule of law in this nation, weep if they witnessed this scene?

It is as if the gunshots of Yeosu-Suncheon are echoing again. Those gun barrels are now aimed at truth and justice.

We must not forget the historical fact that Lee Deok-gu, the commander of the South Korean Labor Party during the Jeju April 3rd Incident, issued a formal declaration of war against the Republic of Korea on October 24, 1948.

On that day, his declaration read: "Dogs of Syngman Rhee, lackeys of the Americans, we will avenge the grievances of the people."

A few days later, the Yeosu-Suncheon rebellion broke out. In other words, what Lee Jae-myung calls 'justified defiance' was an extension of an armed challenge against the Republic of Korea.

Fellow citizens, what we must do now is clear. We must stop Lee Jae-myung's lies and madness.

We cannot allow his words to become textbooks and those textbooks to corrupt the conscience of our children.

He has already denied the Republic of Korea himself. Therefore, the people have no reason to recognize him as a leader any longer.

Lee Jae-myung must resign immediately. This is our duty as citizens, our moral obligation, and the way to live without shame before history and future generations.

The position Lee Jae-myung occupies was established through the trust of the people. However, if he has defiled that position with lies and madness, stepping down is the least he can do. That would be the only way to uphold the 'justice' he speaks of.

Fellow citizens, this nation was not built easily. Countless young men shed blood for the two words, 'Republic of Korea'. When forces seeking to dismantle this nation rise again through historical distortion, the only power that can stop them is the people's noble spirit (Ho Yeon Ji Ki).

If we remain silent, history will flow backward once more. Therefore, now is the time to act.

It is time to defend the truth against madness and protect freedom against distortion.

Let us engrave the words of this poem by Hueffer, "We must take the steering wheel away from the madman," into the hearts of the people.

Now is the time for the people to take that steering wheel away themselves.

This is the last act of conscience to protect the Free Republic of Korea.

Lee Jae-myung must apologize to the nation and resign immediately! The people must awaken! All citizens must read and spread this manifesto of 'Hanmi Ilbo'!

Shin Baek-hoon, Ph.D. in Confucian Philosophy · CEO of Jeongik Academy

※ Columns by external contributors may not reflect the editorial stance of this publication.