A former president, a tyrant and a hero, a two-faced leader: does he deserve a place in Daegu’s hall of fame? City mayor Hong Joon-Pyo announced that he would build statues of Park Chung-Hee—a controversial figure known both for his economic achievements for the nation and his corrupt and blood-stained 16-year-long dictatorship. 

Critics argue that Hong’s projects only idolize the former tyrant and glorify his anti-democratic actions. However, they misinterpret the mayor’s missions. The statues of Park serve as a monument of Daegu’s era of industrialization and its civil rights movement—a legitimate cause for the campaign. 

Local residents also agree with the mayor’s opinions – seven out of ten Daegu citizens push to establish Park Chung-Hee statues. 89.1% of elders over the age of 70, who experienced Park’s presidency first-hand, adamantly supported Hong’s initiative. This sentiment originates from the former president’s economic achievements in his hometown – the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area. 

Ji Kyung-ok, a senior citizen, said, “I am positive about the new project. Park Chung-hee contributed to the development of the local community in Daegu, and I think this is why we should commemorate him—outside of this politicized debate, but rather simply as a person who should be learned about.” 

Young students also show support; junior Brian Hyun said, “I do not know how Park appears to the liberal party. However, for the conservatives, at least, Park Chung-hee is almost like the God and the light of Korea. Some of his achievements, such as the citizenship ID system, medical insurance, economic development, and welfare for poverty are especially admired by many. Even though we do not have to glorify his dictatorship, we could definitely remember him as a powerful leader for Korea, at least in the Daegu region.” 

Conservative dominance in Daegu also plays a role. Hyun said, “Daegu is the home of the conservatives. It’s where conservatives take up the huge majority. I think that building the statutes specifically in the Daegu region alone is not a bad idea, as it would likely not cause any trouble. If it was built in places like Seoul or Gwangju, the story could have been very different.” 

Despite widespread support in the region, critics across the nation claim that the “glorifying project” wastes the community’s funds. The city council allocated 1.45 billion won for this policy—which appeared to be a large amount for many citizens; according to KBS News, this issue “intensified conflicts between Hong and his opponents.” 

These claims stem from the opposition’s complete ignorance of governmental dynamics. For 2024 alone, Daegu had a budget of over 10 trillion won, with 284 billion won for city marketing and cultural enhancement. This sheer scale of money, compared to the small statue construction project, simply proves the “budget wasting” argument paradoxical. 

Ethical concerns linger, however. Senior Lewis Kim said, “It’s really stupid. Even though Park had great achievements in Korea, he did it through unethical ways. Considering the victims of his dictatorship, I don’t think it is right to build a statue of him. … This is simply a glorification project done by conservative Daegu citizens. This radical conservatism in Daegu itself is a problem. Historically, the staunch old conservatives here have been brainwashed by Park Chung-hee.”

Despite the controversy, Park’s legacies from the 1970s have revolutionized our society, and the citizens of Daegu remember his contributions to this day. Park’s achievements should unite the citizens of the province, not divide them in hatred.