On Wed, Sep.6, the Institute of Korean Studies Kookmin University held a signboard hanging ceremony at the Sungkok Library. This event marked the establishment of the South Korea-China Civilian Standing Committee for Finding Patriot Ahn Jung-Geun, an independence activist of the Empire of Korea. This committee, jointly established by Koreans and Chinese as a purely civilian organization, aims to uphold the spirit of Patriot Ahn Jung-Geun and excavate his remains. Founded by Haegong Shin Ik-Hee, the first post-liberation Korean nationalist historiographer, and later maintained by Sungkok Kim Sung-Kon, Kookmin University (KMU), has embraced this legacy. Sungkok Kim Sung-Kon supported the enhancement of the independence movement, contributing funds for the construction of Baekbeom Kim Gu’s statue in 1969 and Ahn Jung-Geun Memorial Hall in 1970. On this day, various experts, including Ahn Ki-Young, the bereaved family of Ahn Jung-Geun, and Kim Ji-Yong, chairman of Kookmin University Foundation and the grandson of Sungkok Kim Sung-Kon, participated.

In the future, the committee plans to carry out various initiatives, including academic conferences between Korean and Chinese scholars and experts, data collection and collaboration among institutions for excavation, promoting Ahn Jung-Geun’ s spirit, remembrance, and scholarship programs, creating a memorial street of Ahn Jung-Geun in Lüshunkou District (Port Arthur in English) and Oriental Peace Park, publication of journals about the remains of Ahn Jung-Geun, and raising awareness of Ahn Jung-Geun in China.

Operations led by the government have faced setbacks due to political and diplomatic issues. In this context, there is a need for a non-governmental organization that would not be affected by diplomatic concerns. A noteworthy feature of this committee is
the extensive participation of scholars and public figures who have been involved in the excavation for decades, creating great anticipation.

Patriot Ahn Jung-Geun shot Itō Hirobumi, the symbolic figure of Japanese Imperialism, to death on Oct.26, 1909. He died in prison on Mar.26, 1910, and was secretly buried by the Japanese Empire. He left a will that his remains be returned to his homeland once sovereignty is restored. However, this has yet to be fulfilled.

Baek Jong-Eun
Cub-reporter
jongeun710@kookmin.ac.kr