Looking back upon the long history of the nation, there are number of figures who have left significant marks in the development of history. To estimate these historic figures is of great significance to properly formulate national history and instill national pride into the people and the rising generation.
On December 21st, 1960 when he was conducting revolutionary activities at
Chairman
"When estimating the historical events that happened in the days when anti-aggression struggles came to the fore and the figures in those days, the issue of national sovereignty should always be placed at the centre.
When estimating the patriotic generals in the feudal days, we should approach the class essence of their patriotism from a critical point of view, as the same time as estimating correctly on the principle of fidelity to historical truth their roles and exploits in the struggle for defending their national sovereignty."
His teaching gave instructions on the criteria to estimate historic figures in the period when anti-aggression struggles came to the fore and the main issues to do the same for patriotic generals.
Chairman, who set forth the criteria for the estimation of the historical figures who played important roles in the period of anti-aggression struggles, clarified in detail the exploits by patriotic generals including Kang Kam Chan, So Hui and Yang Kyu, who had been active during the anti-Kitan war, in the history of the struggle to defend the national sovereignty.
He said that Kang Kam Chan and So Hui not only contributed to the victory of the war by applying appropriate military strategy and tactics and skillfully while commanding the units, but also prevented the capitulation tendency emerging from the feudal ruling class. In particular, So Hui contributed to the victory of the war by crushing the enemy on the talks with his brilliant diplomatic activities.
The vast majority of feudal historians thought that the factors that could have defeated 800,000 troops of Kitan in 993 totally lies in talks and highly appreciated his exploits. Of course, Koryo could win thanks to the brilliant diplomatic activities of So Hui, but what's more important, the talks were held in full military dominance of the enemy.
On the basis of such facts, Chairman said that the history of the war shows the victory in the talks was guaranteed by military victory outside and that the talks played an important role in concluding the war with victory in 993, but that the more decisive role was the patriotic struggle of the army and people on the front. He gave valuable instructions on linking the military talents of the patriotic generals with the activities of vast majority of people.
Later, on September 20th, 1962, he had talks with military campers on the issue of judging General Kang Kam Chan and clarified the idea once again.
In the talks, he said that General Kang Kam Chan became a commander in the battlefield to lead his troops to the victory and he had been well versed in managing national affairs. He suggested retreating for a while when enemy troops were marching into Kaesong to avoid their spearhead and blocking the river in Hunghwajin to destroy them by bursting it. It seemed to be ordinary but he was aware of the weaknesses of the enemy, and all those ideas and practice were owing to generals like Kang Kam Chan.
Chairman also paid close attention to reestimate historic figures that had been misjudged in the past.
He reestimated the patriotic loyalty of the famous generals including Kye Paek, who had been misjudged, and their exploits in the history of the nation.
