Kim Koo tops independence fighter searches ahead of Liberation Day

Participants dressed as members of the 1919 independence movement wave Taegeukgi the national flag as they run through a crowd of visitors during a reenactment of the March First Independence Movement at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan South Chungcheong Province March 1 2023 marking the 104th anniversary of the movement Photo courtesy of the Independence Hall of Korea — Participants dressed as members of the 1919 independence movement wave Taegeukgi, the national flag, as they run through a crowd of visitors during a reenactment of the March First Independence Movement at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, March 1, 2023, marking the 104th anniversary of the movement. Photo courtesy of the Independence Hall of Korea

SEOUL, August 14 (AJP) - Kim Koo, Ahn Jung-geun and Yu Gwan-sun were among the most searched independence activists on the Independence Hall of Korea's online biographical dictionary this year.

The results show how public interest remains centered on Korea's best-known anti-colonial figures ahead of Liberation Day.

The Independence Hall of Korea said Friday it analyzed user activity on the Korean Independence Movement Information System's biographical dictionary from Jan. 29 to Aug. 13, finding that the three ranked among the most searched independence figures.

Kim, better known by his pen name Baekbeom, served as chairman of the Korean Provisional Government and remains one of the central figures of the independence movement under Japanese colonial rule.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Kim's birth, which UNESCO has designated as an associated commemoration.

Ahn Jung-geun is remembered as a symbol of armed resistance for assassinating Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first resident-general of Korea, at Harbin Station in 1909.

Students dressed in period costume perform during a reenactment of the March First Independence Movement at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan South Chungcheong Province March 1 2023 marking the 104th anniversary of the movement Photo courtesy of the Independence Hall of Korea — Students dressed in period costume perform during a reenactment of the March First Independence Movement at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, March 1, 2023, marking the 104th anniversary of the movement. Photo courtesy of the Independence Hall of Korea

Yu Gwan-sun, a high school student at Ewha Haktang, was arrested by Japanese police for taking part in the March 1 Independence Movement and died at Seodaemun Prison after being tortured by Japanese authorities.

The Independence Hall said the enduring popularity of the three figures reflects their place as symbols of resistance, sacrifice and national self-determination.

Kim Eun-ji, a researcher at the Independence Hall's Academic Research Department, said Korea's liberation on Aug. 15 was achieved through the blood, sweat and effort of all who devoted themselves to independence.

She said the institution will continue working to introduce lesser-known independence activists to the public through tools such as the digital biographical dictionary.

AJP Takeaway:

· Kim Koo, Ahn Jung-geun and Yu Gwan-sun were among the most searched independence activists on the Independence Hall of Korea's online biographical dictionary from Jan. 29 to Aug. 13.

· The search results show public interest remains concentrated on Korea's most symbolic anti-colonial figures ahead of Liberation Day on Aug. 15.

· Kim Koo served as chairman of the Korean Provisional Government, and 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of his birth.

Joonha Yoo

Kim Koo tops independence fighter searches ahead of Liberation Day

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