"A world where those who stood up for the country are respected" ... 102-year-old Kang Tae-seon's Liberation Day

[Financial News, Jeju = Jung Yong-bok] Kang Tae-seon, 102, the only surviving independence patriot in Jeju, said on the 81st Liberation Day that he hoped for "a world where those who stood up for the country are respected." He also urged the state and local communities to pay special attention so that descendants of independence patriots do not forget their homeland or their roots.
According to Jeju Special Self-Governing Province on the 16th, Governor Wi Seong-gon visited Kang's home in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City, the previous afternoon. He delivered comfort items and expressed gratitude and respect for Kang's dedication to the independence movement.
Born in Jeju in 1924, Kang joined the independence movement in Osaka, Japan, in 1942 at the age of 18. Based on his belief in Japan's defeat and Korea's liberation, he worked to raise national consciousness and gather fellow activists, but was arrested by Japanese colonial police.
Kang was sentenced by the Osaka court to 2 years and 6 months in prison for violating the Public Peace Preservation Law. He was released when Korea was liberated in 1945. The government later recognized his service, awarding him a presidential citation in 1982 and the Order of National Foundation, National Class, in 1990.
Kang also called for special care for the lives of descendants of independence patriots. He said the families of those who joined the independence movement were scattered and forced to live in foreign countries, and that some descendants have even forgotten Korean, stressing that veterans' honor should not end with the individual.
Kang said, "I hope for a world where those who stood up for the country are respected." He added, "Please make sure descendants of independence patriots can live with pride without forgetting their roots."
In response, Wi said, "The sacrifices of the previous generation should not become a burden for their descendants." He added, "Jeju Province will stand with them so that overseas descendants can learn Korean and carry on their roots, and so that veterans' families can take pride in their heritage."
A space that remembers Kang's anti-Japanese spirit along the road has also been created in his hometown of Siheung-ri, Seongsan-eup. Jeju Island held an unveiling ceremony for a memorial plaque for the Liberation Road on the afternoon of the same day at the Siheung-ri Cultural Experience Center and along Jeju Olle Course 1. More than 100 people, including Kang, his family, residents and students, attended the event hosted by Jaseng Medical Foundation and Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine.
The Liberation Road is a space that remembers the history of the independence movement by linking independence patriots, local nature and future generations through walking. A memorial plaque was erected in Siheung-ri, Kang's hometown and the starting point of Jeju Olle Course 1, and a walking program was held along with a commemorative planting of hibiscus.
The plaque bears Kang's footprints and the phrase, "We carry on the spirit of Liberation through our steps," symbolizing future generations continuing the footsteps of independence activists.


[email protected] Jung Yong-bok Reporter