On September 11, 2022, a fundraising campaign was launched to build a memorial to Syngman Rhee. Through the construction of a memorial to former President Syngman Rhee, the plan is to reevaluate the politician and recognize his achievements. The commemorative project has a total fundraising goal of 50 billion won.
The fundraising campaign is led by the President Syngman Rhee Memorial Foundation, whose chairman is Kim Hwang-sik, a former prime minister. Several conservative figures around the country are participating in fundraising drives. A total of 23 prominent figures, including Lee Yong-il, advisor to the Korea History and Future Foundation, Joo Dae-hwan, vice chairman of the Cho Bong-am Memorial Foundation, and Han Hwa-gap, president of the Korean Peninsula Peace Foundation, are serving on the construction committee.
The significance of building a memorial to former President Syngman Rhee
This memorial to former President Syngman Rhee emphasizes liberal ideals by recounting his efforts for freedom and independence through his work and his experience as the first president of Korea. Syngman Rhee is controversial today for his own corruption and that of those around him, but as the first president of South Korea, he tried to implement liberal independence through diplomacy and enlightenment. He is also credited with helping to defend a free Korea from communist forces.
Achievements and controversies of former President Syngman Rhee
Of course, not everyone has a soft spot for Syngman Rhee and supports the building of a memorial. Former President Syngman Rhee is credited with leading the U.S.-ROK alliance and laying the foundation for South Korea’s prosperity, while others say he destroyed democracy through dictatorship and fraudulent elections. The current government is fast-tracking the construction of the memorial, focusing on former President Syngman Rhee’s achievements in defending liberal democracy. The construction of the memorial to President Syngman Rhee will go down as a history of reconciliation that transcends the left and right. The steering committee is said to include a number of people who have been on the opposite side of Lee in the past, including figures from the 4-19 revolution and progressive politicians.
Actress Lee Young-ae joins the fundraiser
Actress Lee Young Ae has also reportedly come forward. The company announced its intention to donate in July, shortly after news broke of the drive’s launch. According to one media report, the company had already announced its intention to sponsor the program, even though the sponsorship account had not been opened due to administrative procedures. He explains that he was approached by an acquaintance who said, “I agree with the purpose of the memorial. With the account still open, we expect a donation to be made soon. Meanwhile, in the first 11 days alone, the campaign raised nearly $300 million from 2052 people.
The memorial’s location and future plans
The memorial to former President Syngman Rhee will be built around the Bae Jae Hagak in Jung-gu, Seoul. Bae Jae Hak, the alma mater of former President Syngman Rhee, was seen as a fitting location for the memorial as a reminder of his academic foundation.
The government’s goal is to raise about 50 billion won from public donations, which would cover about 70% of the total construction cost. The remaining 30% will be funded through government grants.
How can I donate?
(Donations to the Syngman Rhee Memorial Foundation are tax-deductible as well as receipts, and pledge payments can be made in installments.
Donation Account Number (Depositor) : (re) President Syngman Rhee Memorial Foundation
Nonghyup 301-0334-1185-31
National 815601-04-182916
us 1005-104-553918
One 109-910035-23404
Shinhan 100-036-637911
Homepage: rheesyngmanfoundation.or.kr
Tel: 02-777-0391
