A proposal submitted Tuesday by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) is producing much controversy on the co-use of Hanja or Chinese characters. Four organizations including the Hangul Academic Association, which have insisted on the exclusive use of Hangul (Korean characters) held an outdoor rally Wednesday at the rear entrance of government headquarters in Kwanghwamun asking for the withdrawal of the proposal. Participants adopted a declaration claiming the government did not use proper procedures to stop the exclusive use of Hangul and can be considered to have deceived the people.

However, supporters of the proposal called for the expansion of Hanja education at primary school level. The Korean Language Association which has led the co-use of Hanja movement said the proposal meant the government's recognition of the importance of knowing Hanja in understanding the Korean language.

Controversy is even raging on PC communication networks such as Hitel and Chollian, with those in the 10 to 20 year old age group, the Hangul generation, overwhelmingly opposing the idea, saying that the co-use of Hanja comes from cultural toadyism which considers Chinese characters as superior to Hangul. Supporting arguments maintain that the exclusive use of Hangul brings confusion over meaning and understanding as Korea is within the cultural zone of Hanja.

The MCT confirmed its position that the measure is necessary, emphasizing that Hanja will be used only when necessary. It said that existing administration network of the Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs (MOGAHA) will handle the co-use of Hanja and that co-written road signs will be placed first in tourist spots crowded with foreign visitors to minimize costs.

The MGAHA however, expressed reluctance at the proposal with an official saying Wednesday that the sudden change to documentation with Hanja should be seriously examined considering Hangul has been used exclusively in official government documents for almost 30 years. He said that the ministry is not considering the revision of related regulations even though it is needed for using Hanja and added that the matter of co-use should be decided by collecting opinions from relative ministries, academies and public, not by MCT's rough and ready method.

He concluded saying that the ministry did not receive any suggestion or cooperation before the submission of proposal and that its position is the co-use of Hanja is retrogressive because the legislature and executive branches have been changing difficult Hanja into Hangul.

(Lee Jun-ho, juno@chosun.com ),