Mission life: THE KUKMIN DAILY

Discontent by Church Circles Over Aegibong Tower Removal

2014-10-27 10:01

Last week’s removal, for safety reasons, of the aged tower on Aegibong from the 2nd Marine Division observation post at Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, has led to increasing criticism from church circles.

On October 23, the Korea Association of Church Communication (Representative: Rev. Kim Seung-dong) issued a review of the measure, saying, “From the time of its erection in 1971, Aegibong Cross Tower was a widely known attraction, with its Christmas lighting event at the frontline area. It was a special place that gave hope to North Korean residents…The one-sided removal of the tower without consideration of public opinion is a violation of ‘freedom of religion.’” Continuing its criticism, the statement said, “North Korea, too, has declared religious freedom, so it is hard to understand the government’s attitude, or to see what the problem is with setting up this religious structure on our land.” It argued, “Aegibong Tower is not just an old metal structure, but a symbol of yearning for the peace of humanity through religion…If this was a careless act considering only North Korea’s position, someone must take responsibility.”

Other voices positively supported the tower’s removal. Rev. Kim Chung-rim, representative of the Korean Peninsula Process Forum, which led the 2012 Aegibong Christmas tree lighting event, commented, “To refrain from lighting up Aegibong is the proper way, to promote an atmosphere for talks with North Korea.”

The Defense Ministry, which together with church circles and Gimpo City has been promoting the construction of Aegibong Peace and Life Park, removed Aegibong Tower without the agreement of church or city. A Gimpo City official said, “We had planned on an agreement with the military for removal of the tower and construction of the peace park…Since it was a Defense Ministry structure, they were under no obligation to inform us, but we didn’t expect them to remove it so suddenly.”

It was 1954 when the first tower was erected and lighted atop Aegibong peak, 165 meters above sea level. The tower that was taken down last week had been put in place by former president Park Chung-hee. The lights from Aegibong Tower had been visible in Gaeseong City, 20~30 kilometers distant. For this reason, North Korea had criticized it as a “propaganda warfare” tool.

Reporter Yeong Dae Yoo (ydyoo@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)


Click here for the original article in Korean

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