People Power Party slams 'modern-day exiling the hounds' over eviction of independence activist grave caretakers

The People Power Party has strongly condemned the eviction of caretakers from the gravesites of independence activists within Bukhansan National Park, labeling it a cruel act of 'modern-day exiling the hounds when the hunt is over.' This harsh criticism is directed at the current administration, which, despite espousing reverence for independence fighters, is forcing elderly individuals, who have dedicated decades to preserving these sacred grounds, out of their homes.

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The government's order is essentially a forced expulsion... The eviction notice must be withdrawn.

These caretakers, some in their 70s and 80s, have been maintaining the graves of prominent figures like former Chief Justice Kim Byung-ro, Hague envoy Lee Jun, and former Vice President Lee Si-young, often using their own money. Their presence on the land predates the establishment of national park laws, originating in 1964 as they sought to protect graves neglected by the state. The party argues that the government's current actions, which label them 'illegal occupiers,' are a result of administrative oversight and a failure to provide adequate compensation or support when the laws were enacted in 1981.

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It is a typical example of 'modern-day exiling the hounds when the hunt is over,' where those who have dedicated themselves to the nation are lauded when needed and discarded without mercy when they are no longer useful.

The People Power Party views this situation as a stark contradiction of the government's rhetoric on honoring national heroes. While public funds are spent promoting 'pilgrimage routes' to these sites, the very people who have acted as living witnesses and guardians of this history are being displaced. The party calls this 'fake 보훈' (veterans' affairs/national merit), highlighting the disconnect between the government's public image and its treatment of these dedicated individuals. They demand an immediate halt to the evictions and a genuine commitment to recognizing and supporting those who have preserved Korea's historical memory.

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With that one remark, the elderly descendants and grave caretakers in their 70s and 80s, who have protected the graves of the first Chief Justice Kim Byung-ro, Hague envoy Lee Jun, and the first Vice President Lee Si-young with their own money for decades, have been branded 'illegal occupiers' overnight and driven out onto the streets.