Ahn Jung-geun: The Man Who Moved His Enemies
Do you know the untold story of Ahn Jung-geun, one of the most iconic figures of Korea’s independence movement? He was not only a hero, but a humanist, whose humanity moved even his enemies.
Following the Harbin incident in 1909, Ahn was imprisoned in Lushun, where he encountered his assigned guard, Chiba Toshichi. Raised under the ideology of Japanese imperialism, Chiba initially regarded Ahn as a terrorist. However, as he observed Ahn up close, his perception gradually began to change.
He saw Ahn boldly denouncing Ito Hirobumi by listing fifteen charges against him in the courtroom and heard the story that he released captured Japanese prisoners during the independence struggle. Through these moments, Chiba came to understand that what Ahn truly sought was humanity. When Ahn was sentenced to death and chose to accept his fate for the sake of independence, Chiba was deeply shaken.
Taking up a brush, Ahn began a silent form of resistance, condemning the injustices of Japanese rule and leaving behind over 200 writings expressing his convictions on independence and peace. What is remarkable is that these writings were all requested by the Japanese themselves.
Although they had judged him as a criminal, they provided him with a brush and paper and preserved his calligraphy for the rest of their lives. It is because they had been deeply moved by his unwavering commitment to the universal value of peace.
After his act, Ahn was subjected to an unjust death sentence by the Japanese authorities, and even after his execution, the return of his remains was denied. This reflects the deep fear they held toward him. They understood that the will of a single, extraordinary individual could change the course of history.
The final calligraphy Ahn left before his execution, “To devote oneself to the nation is the duty of a soldier,” was given to Chiba. Deeply moved that Ahn had chosen to spend his final moments with him, who was a mere soldier of the opposing side, Chiba’s life was forever transformed by Ahn’s spirit of humanity.
Rejecting a life in service of imperialism, he returned to his hometown and, despite the risks, spent the next 24 years honoring Ahn’s memory every day. Also, in accordance with Chiba’s final wish, his family continued this devotion across generations.
As if the unfinished vision of “Theory of Oriental Peace” had begun to bear fruit, efforts in both countries have carried on to this day. At Daerim Temple in Miyagi, Japan, a memorial service is held each year to honor their bond. And this past February, Ahn’s calligraphy, preserved in Japan, was returned to Korea, marking a meaningful step toward the historic mission of repatriating his remains.
The tomorrow Ahn Jung-geun earnestly dreamed of more than a century ago has become the ordinary days we now take for granted. Remembering a sacrifice that still shines across time, we quietly repeat the words that remain in our hearts.
“Korea is Alive”
Link : https://youtu.be/ZpvVYojgzgk?si=5_hVc8i_zFofasyF