On October 19, 1948, Ji Chang-su, the South Korean Workers’ Party (Namrodang) organizer within the 14th Regiment stationed in Yeosu, and Kim Ji-hoe, a North Korean infiltrator, organized the “Soldiers’ Soviet” and “Com Circle” to stage a rebellion. Shouting, “We will march north as the People’s Liberation Army!”, they opened fire on civilians and brutally murdered ROK Army officers and police officers. / Photo: Liberty Democratic Party official website.
(Seoul, Oct 21 2025 - Freedom Chosun)
The Liberty Democratic Party (LDP) issued an emergency statement on October 21, condemning President Lee Jae-myung for his recent remarks on the Yeosu–Suncheon Rebellion Incident and demanding his immediate resignation, calling his words “a denial of the legitimacy of the Republic of Korea.”
In its statement, the LDP criticized Lee’s comment that “the soldiers of the 14th Regiment in Yeosu refused to point their guns at the people” as “a righteous act of conscience.” The party argued that such remarks distort history by portraying the soldiers and police who defended the nation as aggressors, while describing the insurgents as victims.
The LDP further stated that Lee’s view “echoes the propaganda logic of the South Korean Communist Party (Namrodang) and sympathizes with anti-state ideology aligned with North Korea,” adding that “he has forfeited the moral qualification to seek the presidency of the Republic of Korea.”
The statement also reviewed the historical background of the 1948 Yeosu–Suncheon Incident, explaining that communist operatives infiltrated the 14th Regiment and incited an armed uprising, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians—including students, teachers, farmers, and women.
Finally, the LDP demanded that Lee:
- Issue an official apology to the victims and their families and implement measures for their honor restoration;
- Eradicate all pro-communist and anti-state groups that justify or glorify the rebellion;
- Step down immediately from his political position.
The statement was released on October 21, 2025, under the leadership of Ko Young-joo, Chairman of the Liberty Democratic Party.
※ This article was translated using ChatGPT. If you find any errors, please contact the Freedom Chosun editorial office - wslee062433@gmail.com