Activists demand resignation of new Independence Hall of Korea chief

About 10 civic groups commemorating Korean independence fighters called Tuesday for the withdrawal of the appointment of Kim Hyoung-suk as the new director of the Independence Hall of Korea, condemning him as an "anti-national and anti-democratic figure." The groups made the claim in a news conference on Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, saying they would stage a one-man protest until Kim resigns. They accused Kim of denying the constitutional provision that South Korea inherits the legal traditions of the Korean provisional government, defaming Korean independence fighters and defending pro-Japanese collaborators. They claimed that Kim is not qualified to lead the Independence Hall of Korea because it is a previous space created not to repeat the pain of the nation's history caused by foreign invasion. Earlier this week, the main opposition Democratic Party urged President Yoon Suk Yeol to withdraw Kim's appointment, threatening to boycott this week's Liberation Day ceremony unless its demand is met. Sourc e: Yonhap News Agency