Around 300 government and political figures attended the 'Summoning Park Chung-hee' book launch event held on the 23rd, making it a grand success. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

A meaningful event was held in Jongno to shed new light on the life and philosophy of President Park Chung-hee.

The book launch event for Woo Jong-chul's new work, 'Summoning Park Chung-hee,' and the inaugural ceremony for the production committee of the documentary film of the same name, took place at 2 p.m. on the 23rd at Challenge Hall on the 2nd floor of the Kyowon Tour Building in Chonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

This event was prepared to celebrate the publication of 'Summoning Park Chung-hee,' which reinterprets the foundation of national development and spiritual heritage left by former President Park Chung-hee from a modern perspective, and simultaneously to re-examine the value of Park Chung-hee's spirit, which should be remembered anew amidst the crises facing South Korea today.

The event was a great success with the attendance of approximately 300 figures from government and politics. Former Chairman of the Park Chung-hee Memorial Foundation, Seo Seung-hee, gave a special lecture on the theme 'Park Chung-hee's Miracle Economic Policy,' and former Ambassador to Ukraine, Lee Yang-gu, delivered a special lecture on 'Recent International Affairs and South Korea's Path,' heating up the atmosphere.

Kim Seong-hye, the leader of the People Power Party, congratulated the publication through a written congratulatory message. Leaders such as Cho Won-jin, leader of the Our Republican Party, former lawmaker Hyun Kyung-dae, former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Yoo Ki-june, former Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Cho Dae-hwan, and former Director of the Defense Security Command Heo Pyeong-hwan, also gave congratulatory speeches, emphasizing the spirit of 'summoning Park Chung-hee.'

Furthermore, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and Gangwon Governor Kim Jin-tae sent video congratulatory messages, adding their support to the event's purpose. Attendees responded with applause to the congratulatory speeches and lectures, maintaining a heated atmosphere.

In his opening remarks, author Woo Jong-chul stated, "I hope this book serves as an opportunity to rethink the direction of history and the nation, beyond just being published," and added, "I anticipate today's event to be a starting point for empathy and discussion."

In the preface of 'Summoning Park Chung-hee,' the author stated the purpose of writing the book was to summon Park Chung-hee, the 'hero of national prosperity,' to the political arena of the 21st century for the overcoming of South Korea's crises and for free unification. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]In the preface of the book, the author states that the purpose of writing it was to summon Park Chung-hee, the "hero of national prosperity," to the political arena of the 21st century for the overcoming of South Korea's crises and for free unification.

"Spring of 1961. The May 16 Revolution, led by Army Major General Park Chung-hee, was a decisive turning point that transformed the structure of the nation and the lives of its people in the newly established Republic of Korea, which suffered from extreme poverty due to colonial rule and war. To rebuild the collapsed nation, Park Chung-hee chose the 'path of national reconstruction.' He made the decision to restore and reconfigure the system, and with the spirit of 'It can be done. We can do it,' he finally achieved the 'Miracle on the Han River' that the world envies."

The author rhetorically asks, "While there can be no hypotheticals in history, would today's South Korea have been possible without Park Chung-hee?" Citing Ezra Vogel, former professor at Harvard University, who said, "Without Park Chung-hee, there would be no Korea today. He achieved economic development with immense patriotism and a strong vision," the author highlighted Park Chung-hee's greatness.

Director Kim Chae-young directed the documentary 'Legacy of the Battlefield' for the defense of the free system. The US soldier in the poster is a real person who participated in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. [Poster=Culturscape]

Prior to the main event, a 10-minute summary screening of the documentary 'Legacy of the Battlefield,' directed by Kim Chae-young for the defense of the free system, was held.

Produced to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, 'Legacy of the Battlefield' is a high-quality war epic that highlights the dedication and patriotic spirit of the US forces who helped Korea, as well as the sacrifices of student soldiers who willingly gave their lives, while also shedding light on the universal human emotions of 'love' and 'sacrifice.'

Among the 1.96 million UN troops who participated in the Korean War, US forces numbered 1.79 million. The film emphasizes the optimism and camaraderie of the US soldiers who did not lose their composure even in the face of death.

In particular, the story of Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez (25), who saved his platoon members by covering a grenade with his own body during the Incheon Landing Operation, which formed the basis for the recapture of Seoul, and died in the explosion, was conveyed alongside the video, eliciting great empathy from the attendees.

This work has already been confirmed for screening within US military bases in Korea and is scheduled for screening at the US Congress, drawing significant attention both domestically and internationally.

This event was hosted by the Park Chung-hee Spirit Research Institute and organized by the 'Summoning Park Chung-hee' Documentary Production Promotion Committee.

By Reporter Lim Yo-hee