What Korean activists taught us nowadays

- 금요일, 6월 30, 2023

Hello, HACD’s friends!👐

Today we want to share with you a new topic. As Korean history enthusiasts, we have decided to let you know something more about Korean activists, those who fought for Korean Independence and devoted themselves to Korean liberation from Japanese domination.

Despite there being so many people that join the Resistance together, we’ve decided to choose three of the most important and influential persons, who make the Korean Independence dream come true.

Kim Gu

“ If God were to ask me what was my wish, I would reply that I want our Nation to become the most beautiful in the World. I do not want our Nation to become the richest or the most powerful. I have felt the pain of being invaded by others, thus, I do not want my Nation to invade others."

Born on 29 August 1876 in Baegun-dong, Haeju, Hwanghae-do Province. He died at the age of 72 in Seoul.

He was a Korean statesman and the leader of the Independence Movement against Japan's domination.

In his honor on 22 October 2002, was founded “ The Kim Koo Museum”, the museum and the library are located in Hyochang Park, in Seoul.

With his autobiography, 「My Wishes」, Kim Gu wanted to help others understand the importance of Korean Culture and History and make us understand how much power the culture holds. "This is because the power of culture both makes ourselves happy and gives happiness to others", he said.

Shin Chae-ho

"There is no future for those who lost their own history.”

Born on 8 December 1880 in Chungcheong, one of the eight provinces of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. He died at the age of 55, in Porth Arthur, China.

He was one of the most important Korean historians and Independence activists. Through his writings, he encouraged Korean Nationalism. His works are widely discussed in Korea as one of the masterpieces of nationalist historiography.

Shin Chae-ho represents a mindset that makes the study of history the main principle for dealing with the future and everything that will happen. Only from the past, we can improve our future

Kim San

Born on 14 April 1905 in Yongcheon-gun, during the Korean Empire. He died at the age of 33 in China. His real name was probably Jang Jihak (장지학).

He was a Korean poet and Independence activist. He also established the Military Academy for Korean Independence in China.

“I intensively studied Korean History. One of the characteristics of Shinheung Military Academy was thorough education on National History."

Thanks to the book "Song of Ariran", written by the American journalist Nym Wales, we can better understand the history of the Korean independence movement through reports and interviews with Kim San.

Acknowledgment nowadays

During the 6th E-daily Culture Awards held on 26 February 2019, BTS’s Leader – Kim Namjoon – quote Kim Gu’s words in his acceptance speech for winning the Daesang. He said:

“I remember Kim Gu’s words: ‘The only thing I desire in infinite quantity is the power of a noble culture’.” RM continues: "I think culture is the most powerful intangible force that breaks all boundaries more than any other physical force"

The Korean activists and the Resistance are widely portrayed in a lot of media, such as movies and dramas.

Mr. Sunshine is a K-drama written by Kim Eun-sook and broadcasted in 2018. The show is set in the early 1900s and revolves around a group of activists that fought for Korea’s Independence.

Another movie that underlines the importance of the Korean Resistance and the Righteous Army is “Amsal”, also known as “Assassination”. The movie was released in 2015 and is directed by Choi Dong-hoon. This movie has also portrayed the activist Kim Gu.