Establishment date of Korea’s provisional gov't would be changed

The establishment date of the provisional government of the Republic of Korea is highly likely to be revised to April 11. Although the current government celebrates the establishment date on April 13, academia has been strongly requesting to change the date, claiming that the actual establishment date of the provisional government is April 11.

“It is specified in our Constitution that we inherit the legal tradition of the provisional government, but there has been growing controversy over the establishment date of the provisional government,” said Patriots and Veteran Affairs Vice Minister Shim Deok-sup, who participated at an symposium under the theme at the National Assembly building on Monday. “I will put an end to such controversy by confirm‎ing the birthday of the provisional government after observing expert opinions of the academia.” The symposium was hosted by the Patriots and Veteran Affairs Ministry and organized by the Independence Hall of Korea.

“With the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the provisional government ahead of us next year, we are positively reviewing the academia’s request on changing the date of establishment,” said Vice Minister Shim during an interview with The Dong-A Ilbo on Monday. “Unless there is a different opinion regarding the date, April 11, we plan to change the date after negotiating with relevant ministries including the Ministry of Interior and Safety.”


Won-Mo Yu onemore@donga.com