South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has publicly welcomed the return of a calligraphy penned by An Jung-geun, a Korean independence activist, from Japan. The return of the artwork, bearing the inscription “빈이무첨 부이무교” (bin-i-mu-cheom bu-i-mu-gyo – “do not be servile when poor, do not be arrogant when rich”), marks a significant moment for Korean national identity and historical reconciliation. The president’s statement comes as a boost to ongoing efforts to repatriate relics and remains of Korean figures from the colonial period.
President Lee shared the news on his social media account, specifically referencing a post by Park Chan-dae, a member of the Democratic Party and a candidate for Incheon mayor, who announced the calligraphy’s arrival in Korea on February 20th. The president described An Jung-geun as “대한의군 참모중장” (Daehan-ui-gun Chammojungjang – Major General of the Korean Independence Army), explicitly rejecting the label of “terrorist” often historically applied to the activist. This emphasis on An Jung-geun’s military rank and patriotic role underscores a broader effort to reframe historical narratives.
The calligraphy’s return, described as an “unprecedented result” stemming from the lending of public assets from Tokyo, was facilitated by numerous individuals, according to Park Chan-dae’s initial post. The inscription itself reflects An Jung-geun’s core values, advocating for humility and integrity regardless of social standing. President Lee’s response, shared two days after Park’s announcement, also reiterated his commitment to the recovery and repatriation of An Jung-geun’s remains, a goal he previously raised during a January 5th summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as reported by Maeil Business Newspaper.
Beyond the immediate significance of the calligraphy’s return, President Lee used the occasion to emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring those who sacrificed for Korean independence. He stated that achieving and maintaining independence requires “strong will and constant struggle,” and that those who contributed to the nation’s liberation deserve lasting remembrance and appropriate recognition. He also alluded to historical injustices, stating, “In a country where independence activists’ families suffered for generations while pro-Japanese collaborators prospered, who would readily step forward for their country and people?”
The repatriation of An Jung-geun’s calligraphy is occurring as Park Chan-dae campaigns for the position of Incheon mayor in the upcoming June elections. According to the Daily Korean, President Lee’s sharing of Park’s post has been interpreted as a subtle endorsement of the candidate. The calligraphy itself is a tangible link to a pivotal figure in Korean history, who assassinated Ito Hirobumi, a key figure in Japan’s colonial policies, in 1909.
President Lee further articulated the need to correct historical imbalances, stating, “Now we must restore everything to its rightful place.” This sentiment resonates with a broader national conversation about confronting the legacy of Japanese colonial rule and re-evaluating historical narratives. The president’s comments underscore a commitment to honoring those who fought for Korean sovereignty and rectifying past injustices.
The return of the calligraphy and the president’s strong statement signal a continued focus on historical reconciliation and national pride. Further developments are expected regarding the ongoing efforts to locate and repatriate An Jung-geun’s remains, a process that will likely involve continued diplomatic engagement with China. The outcome of the Incheon mayoral election, and the role of historical narratives within the campaign, will also be closely watched in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on the significance of repatriating historical artifacts? Share your perspective in the comments below.
