The Ministry of National Defense revealed on the 20th that it is to allow the lighting of a Christmas tree on a hill outside Gimpo City that lies just 3km from North Korea.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, Kim Min Suk revealed in a regular briefing, “On the 7th, Yeongdeungpo Church asked to do the Christmas event on Aegibong (the name of the hill on which the tree stands). Accordingly, the Christmas tree is to be lit from the 22nd of this month to January 2nd to guarantee the freedom of religion for soldiers.”
Attempting to diffuse claims of a link between the decision and North Korea’s recent rocket launch, Kim continued, “The Ministry of National Defense already noted that it would announce the results by mid-December following a comprehensive review of applicants.”
The South Korean Christian Missionary Federation canceled its own application to light the Christmas tree after strong opposition from local residents and civic groups. Thereafter, the military leaned towards not lighting the Christmas tree at all; however, they apparently changed their decision after a group stepped forward to apply.
North Korea routinely releases vitriolic statements about the metal tree, threatening to attack it.
