There is a fact that no one can deny.
He achieved the miracle of 'economic self-reliance' in this land where hunger was the daily reality.
The blood and sweat shed by our people in the cold underground mines of Germany and amidst the hot sandstorms of the Middle East met with his powerful drive to establish a world-historical milestone known as the 'Miracle on the Han River.'
However, a cold shadow lay heavily behind the dazzling growth.
Under the slogan 'Construction First, Distribution Later,' the legitimate rights of workers were withheld.
The cry of martyr Jeon Tae-il of Pyeonghwa Market symbolizes the suffering of our neighbors hidden behind a forest of dazzling buildings.
The economy took a leap forward, but the fruits of growth were not shared equally with everyone.
Political evaluations are even more starkly divided. The 'Yushin regime,' which put forward national security and efficient governance as justifications, stopped the clock of democracy.
Invocation of Emergency Measures: Voices of criticism were muzzled,
Political Repression: and those who yearned for freedom had to head to cold prisons.
The nation may have become stronger, but the people's fundamental rights and democratic values suffered the pain of being undermined.
Was he a 'national savior leader' who rescued the Republic of Korea from poverty, or a 'long-term ruler' who trampled on democracy?
On the scales of history, his achievements and mistakes still stand in stalemate.
However, what is important is that all those light and shadow are the massive roots that built the Republic of Korea of today.
We now learn lessons from his 'decisiveness' and gain insights from the 'sacrifice' of that era.
The task left by the figure of Park Chung-hee must now move beyond past controversies and become a driving force toward a more mature democracy and prosperity.
"History records. The brilliant glory he left behind, and even the chilling wounds that glory harbored.
