The main opposition Democratic Party is calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol to retract the appointment of Kim Hyoung-suk as the new chief of the Independence Hall of Korea due to his controversial views, which have been accused of justifying Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. Kim's past remarks, seen as "New Right" and pro-Japanese, have sparked criticism, particularly his statement that South Korea came into being in 1948, seemingly undermining the country's independence. DP floor leader Park Chan-dae emphasized the need for President Yoon to withdraw the appointment and issue an apology to honor the independence martyrs. The DP has also threatened to boycott the upcoming Liberation Day ceremony if Kim's appointment is not revoked. Furthermore, the Heritage of Korean Independence, a state-funded association of independence fighters and their descendants, has joined the criticism, with its head, Lee Jong-chan, announcing a boycott of the Liberation Day ceremony. This move is significant as Lee is the father of Yonsei University Law School professor Lee Chul-woo, who is known to be one of President Yoon's close friends. The opposition's stance and the growing backlash against Kim's appointment indicate the depth of concern and opposition to his controversial views and suitability for the role at the Independence Hall of Korea.