By Rachel Lee
The government will confer a posthumous honor on Chinese activist Du Junhui on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day, Aug. 15.
According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, a total of 235 patriotic martyrs and independence fighters will be decorated for their participation in the 1919 Independence Movement against Japanese rule and the female Chinese revolutionary will receive an Order of Merit for National Foundation.
“Du’s anti-Japan activity was an outstanding example of a joint Korea-China fight against the Japanese invasion beyond her nation,” the ministry said.
Du took part in the Korean independence movement after marrying Korean activist Kim Sung-sook. The two met in China’s Guangzhou, where Du was active in the anti-Japan resistance.
In 1942, the two became involved in establishing the Korea-China Cultural Association in Chongqing. Next year, they worked as agents under the then provisional government’s foreign ministry.
The decorations include 152 Orders of Merit for National Foundation, 26 National Foundation Medals and 57 President’s Commendation. The families of the late patriots will receive the awards.
A total of 14,564 patriots have been awarded the honors since 1949.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place Aug. 15.