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SKorea lost a decorated war hero yesterday. However, history and reality are not always clean cut. What this obituary fails to mention, but was not unnoticed in Korean-language news media, is that Paik had a problematic past before the Korean War. https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200711000200325?input=tw
Prior to Korea gaining its independence from Japanese occupation in 1945, Paik served as an officer in the Manchukuo Imperial Army. During his time there, he led campaigns to root out fellow Koreans who resisted the Japanese Occupational Government.
After Korea gained its independence following Japan's surrender in the Second World War, Paik became a fierce anti-communist. His political ideology and military experience made him a valued member of the then newly minted Republic of Korea Army.
During the Korean War, he contributed to the defense of the Busan Perimeter from invading NKorean troops. In October 1950, as the commander of the ROK Army's 1st Infantry Division, he became one of the first people to capture Pyongyang.
While defending Busan, he said, "There is nowhere left to retreat. If we're pushed back, we'll fall into the sea. If we're defeated here, the US will withdraw, too. Then the ROK will be finished. As the Division Commander, I will stand at the front. If I run in fear, shoot me!"
Using the knowledge he gained during his time in the Manchukuo Imperial Army, Paik trained the ROK Army to become a modern fighting force.
He also oversaw Operation Rat Killer, a military campaign aimed at eradicating communist guerillas deep within SKorean territory.
He also oversaw Operation Rat Killer, a military campaign aimed at eradicating communist guerillas deep within SKorean territory.
In 2010, when the Lee Myung-bak administration planned to bestow Paik with the title of Honorary Field Marshal, various voices emerged opposing it due to his past of having collaborated with the Japanese Occupational Government.
There was fierce debate about whether or not Paik deserved to be buried at the Seoul National Cemetery after he died.
In 2019, the organization he headed wrote an open letter criticizing President Moon Jae-in for "undermining national security under the pretense of fake peace" for signing the Comprehensive Military Agreement with NKorea. https://eastasiaresearch.org/2019/02/03/korean-retired-generals-defending-the-nation-statements/
SKorea's ruling Minjoo Party has stated that it will not make a public statement regarding General Paik's passing. The reason most likely goes back to his past of having collaborated with the Japanese Occupational Government. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20200711028300001
Meanwhile, plans for a 5-day funeral for Mayor Park Won-soon, who committed suicide after having been accused of sexual harassment but cannot be proven because investigations ended after he was found dead, will go on as planned despite public opposition.
Clarification: The original Yonhap News article does mention his past involvement in the Manchukuo Imperial Army. I apologise for my error.
General Paik leaves behind a complicated legacy. A former collaborator who later turned into an indispensable war hero, he symbolizes SKorea's identity crisis. The left will seek to vilify him. The right will seek to lionize him.
The truth is much more complex.
The truth is much more complex.
