"As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Kim Gu and UNESCO's designation of 'Year of Kim Gu,' I hope that future talents who contribute to world peace and the advancement of human culture through 'the power of culture' will emerge from our country, the most beautiful nation in the world," said Lee Jong-chan, President of the Korean Liberation Association, during his written remarks at the Fourth Annual Aju Economic Veterans' Spring Literary Contest held on the third floor of the Maeheon Yoon Bong-gil Memorial Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of June 30.
Lee emphasized, "The question of how one maintains their identity within the national and ethnic community is a crucial factor that determines the direction of their actions and life, whether they are a writer or a character in a story."
He further explained, "Many independence activists during the Japanese occupation placed their identities not on personal comfort or family but on a greater self, recognizing their nation and ethnicity, and lived lives filled with constant struggle."
Lee noted that the winning short story, 'Happy Birthday, Anarchist in a Room!' by Jin Hwan-joo, and the screenplay 'To Your Name,' which centers on the anti-Japanese independence movement, both reflect the journey of finding one's identity. He congratulated the two winners and expressed gratitude and respect to all participants in the contest.
Lee emphasized, "The question of how one maintains their identity within the national and ethnic community is a crucial factor that determines the direction of their actions and life, whether they are a writer or a character in a story."
He further explained, "Many independence activists during the Japanese occupation placed their identities not on personal comfort or family but on a greater self, recognizing their nation and ethnicity, and lived lives filled with constant struggle."
Lee noted that the winning short story, 'Happy Birthday, Anarchist in a Room!' by Jin Hwan-joo, and the screenplay 'To Your Name,' which centers on the anti-Japanese independence movement, both reflect the journey of finding one's identity. He congratulated the two winners and expressed gratitude and respect to all participants in the contest.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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