Scholars demand President Lee take a clear stance on pseudohistorical book

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has faced sharp criticism after referencing a controversial book during a policy briefing. The Hwandan Gogi, a text dismissed by historians as pseudohistory, claims an ancient civilisation called Hwanguk predated Korea’s earliest known kingdom, Gojoseon. Academics have now demanded clarity on Lee’s stance toward unproven historical claims.

The book first gained attention during Japan’s colonial rule of Korea and has since been used by far-right groups to justify imperialist narratives. Its mention by the president has reignited debates over historical accuracy and political influence in scholarship.

The dispute began when Lee questioned Park Ji-hyang, the newly appointed president of the Northeast Asian History Foundation, about the Hwandan Gogi during a briefing. Historians swiftly condemned the move, calling the book’s claims 'ungrounded and nonsensical'. A coalition of 48 academic associations demanded Lee publicly reject pseudohistorical accounts and reaffirm his commitment to evidence-based research.

Park’s leadership itself has drawn criticism. Accused of promoting nationalist interpretations aligned with government views, her appointment in 2025 raised concerns about academic independence. Critics argue her approach risks undermining historiographical standards in South Korea. The *Hwandan Gogi* was allegedly compiled in 1911 by Lee Yu-lip, who claimed it revealed Hwanguk as the origin of all civilisation. Mainstream scholars dismiss the text for its lack of verifiable sources. Its revival in political discourse has alarmed researchers, who warn against legitimising fringe theories. Supporters of President Lee argue he was testing Park’s stance on the book, expecting her to dismiss it as non-historical. However, opponents say his reference gave undeserved credibility to a discredited work. The opposition has accused him of introducing inaccurate claims into public debate, further polarising views on Korea’s past.

The controversy has placed pressure on both Lee and Park to address concerns over historical integrity. Academics insist the government must distance itself from unverified narratives like the Hwandan Gogi. Meanwhile, calls for transparency in historical research have grown louder, with scholars urging officials to uphold rigorous standards in public discourse.