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| A Chinese calligraphy work, written by Ahn Jung-geun, is on display at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. It was written when Ahn was in the prison in Lushun, China, after assassinating former Resident-General of Korea Ito Hirobumi in Harbin in 1909. / Courtesy of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History |
By Baek Byung-yeul
In Korean history, the 35 years from 1910-1945 when the Koreans were exploited by the Japanese government, are regarded as the shameful period. And for that reason, patriot Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) is special to Koreans as the independence activist takes the role of a "spiritual pillar" for Koreans.
As this year marks the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History provides an opportunity to take a glimpse at Ahn's legacy for the next two months.
"This special exhibition was planned to commemorate the 70th anniversary of independence from Japanese colonial rule, as well as the 105th anniversary of Ahn's death," the museum's curator Lee Ji-hye said to reporters during a press conference at the museum in central Seoul, Monday.
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| Poster for "Eyes on Ahn Jung-geun" |
The curator stressed that the exhibition titled, "Eyes on Ahn Jung-geun," will help spectators appraise Ahn not only as an independence fighter who assassinated the former Resident-General of Korea Ito Hirobumi in Harbin, China, in 1909; but also as an advocate for peace in the East Asia region.
"By shedding light on Ahn's legacy again, we would like to offer a chance to think about Ahn from different perspectives," Lee said.
To commemorate the opening of the exhibition, Ahn's granddaughter Hwang Eun-joo and great-grandson Ahn Do-yong also met with reporters.
"I am very grateful to see many people still love and remember my great-grandfather," the great-grandson said.
Comprised of three parts, the exhibition features some 100 historical sources related to Ahn, including his three calligraphy works which were designated as the country's Treasure No. 569-13, 569-21 and 569-26.
In the first part, entitled "The Gunshot at Harbin Station," Ahn's independence activities before he assassinated Ito and footage taken moments right after the assassination are on display. An extra edition of Kyungsung Daily Reports that includes news of Ito's assassination, and a telegram asking about the success or failure of Ahn's shooting of Ito, are included in this part.
The second part displays Ahn's trial record and calligraphy works. After the assassination, Ahn was sent to Lushun prison and spent about 150 days before he was put to death there on March 26, 1910.
In the last part, materials related to Ahn are shown, including Ahn's biography, articles in history textbooks and films about Ahn. The curator put her emphasis on 1979 North Korean film "Ahn Jung-geun shoots Ito Hirobumi," saying the film has been credited for its realistic portrayal of elements of Ahn's life story.
The exhibition runs through June 7. Located near exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station, subway line 5. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3703-9200 or visit www.much.go.kr.
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