Lee Byung-gu, CEO of the Lee Hwa Jang and grandson of founding president Rhee Syngman, sings a birthday song for his grandfather. [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]It is no exaggeration to say that the history of the Republic of Korea began with the great decision of the founding president, Rhee Syngman.

The Rhee Syngman Founding President Memorial Association held a ceremony to commemorate his 151st birthday on the afternoon of the 26th at Jeongdong First Methodist Church in Jung-gu, Seoul. Jeongdong First Methodist Church is the church where founding president Rhee Syngman served as an elder.

Born in this land in 1875 and founding the Republic of Korea as a free democratic nation in 1948, he was not merely a political leader but a revolutionary who changed an era.

This event was an occasion to reflect more deeply on his achievements and spirit, commencing with a commemorative address by Kim Nam-soo, Chairman of the Rhee Syngman Founding President Memorial Association, followed by congratulatory remarks (read by proxy) from Kwon Oh-wool, Director General of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and congratulatory remarks from standing advisors Chung Un-chan and Kim Moon-soo.

In particular, former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan stated in his congratulatory remarks, "Dr. Rhee Syngman's decision to resolutely reject communism amidst the chaos of the post-liberation period and to opt for a system of free democracy and a market economy was a decisive momentum that has filled the prosperity of the Republic of Korea today."

The subsequent worship service featured a congratulatory song, 'The Pioneer,' performed by Professor Lim Cheong-hwa of Baekseok University, and special performances of 'Arirang Alone' and 'Thank You for All Things, Lord' by the Baejae Appenzeller Choir, followed by a sermon on 'President Rhee Syngman's Three Great Prophecies' by Pastor Park Jeong-gon, Chairman of the Presbytery of Goheun Church in Geoje.

Meanwhile, the event drew attention as Lee Jae-myung, who has criticized President Rhee Syngman as the father of pro-Japanese traitors, sent a congratulatory flower wreath.

Pastor Sohn Hyun-bo of World Mission Church, Busan [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

Former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

Worship service [Photo by Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

Praise by the Appenzeller Choir

Congratulatory song by Professor Lim Cheong-hwa of Baekseok University