Young people shouting "Recall election for fraudulent elections" in Jamsil. ⒸHanmi Ilbo 

This year marks the 66th anniversary of Koreans overthrowing President Syngman Rhee. The April 19th Revolution in 1960 is still vividly remembered. At that time, North Korea broadcasted news day and night, saying, "Young students in South Korea are protesting against Syngman Rhee's dictatorship." 

Documentary films of the April 19th Revolution showed police firing tear gas and students and citizens fighting back with Molotov cocktails. There were images of Kim Ju-yeol, who was allegedly killed and thrown into the sea by the police, and statues of Syngman Rhee being torn down.

Surprised that Syngman Rhee, labeled a dictator, stepped down willingly

Even at a young age, I thought people in South Korea were incredibly just and united, unable to tolerate injustice.

The idea of young students rising up and ousting their country's president was a terrifying thought, unimaginable in North Korea.

At the time, North Koreans believed President Syngman Rhee was a terrible dictator who colluded with the United States and wantonly killed innocent citizens. They also thought of South Korea as a dreadful country with no freedom whatsoever.

Yet, North Koreans had an unsolvable puzzle.

First, why did President Syngman Rhee, a supposedly terrible dictator, step down so readily?

Second, if South Korea was such a dreadful dictatorial society, why did they not shoot to kill or exile all the citizens and students who revolted, but instead let them all live?

Now, I am writing this article while directly witnessing the reality of South Korea. It was only after coming to Korea that I learned the April 19th Revolution was not a protest against Syngman Rhee's dictatorship, but against the fraudulent election of the vice president.

The country is too quiet considering the severity of election fraud

The reason I am writing this is because the controversy over election fraud in South Korea is incessant, and especially this past June 3rd local election, evidence of the worst election fraud in history has emerged, yet the country remains too quiet.

Of course, some may criticize me for saying it is too quiet. However, I ask the people of Korea, recalling the time when they rose up and ousted President Syngman Rhee over election fraud.

Koreans proudly refer to the April 19th Revolution as a revolution, establishing April 19th memorial halls and cemeteries, and even operating an April 19th commemorative society. They also boast of bravely fighting for freedom during the April 19th movement.

If that is the case, was only the election fraud of President Syngman Rhee's era 66 years ago subject to revolution and eradication, while election fraud in the current Lee Jae-myung era is permissible? If not, why are people not taking a stand against election fraud now?

Furthermore, what is the spirit of the April 19th Revolution for, and for whom? Is this not precisely the time when the revolutionary spirit of April 19th is most needed?

Where have the people who fought against election fraud 66 years ago by throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at the police, their descendants, and their spirit gone?

Hundreds of thousands, even millions, of citizens participated in the June 3rd local elections. Yet, why are they not enraged when their votes are used in the schemes of scoundrels through election fraud?

People who demand refunds immediately if even a slightly flawed item they bought with their own money is defective, why are they indifferent when their votes, a symbol of their patriotism, are manipulated by scoundrels?

Defending the nation is a duty that all 50 million citizens must share equally. Yet, why are there only a few people stepping forward to correct election fraud?

Look at this reality: the nation is gradually being ruined by the pawns of North Korea and China, and less than 0.1% of the population is reacting with anguish! I am ashamed to look at the people of Hong Kong, Nepal, Venezuela, and Iran. 

Even Americans are coming to acknowledge the election fraud and urging people to fight, so why are the owners silent?

Therefore, observe the era that is dawning: Chinese people becoming the police, public officials, and politicians of South Korea, teaching and ruling over the foolish Koreans who cannot even protect their own sovereignty!

◆ Advisor Kim Tae-san

Advisor to Hanmi Ilbo, former representative of a North Korean trading company in the Czech Republic. In South Korea, he has worked as Vice President of the North Korean Society Research Institute, providing in-depth insights and experience on inter-Korean relations and North Korean issues.