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Independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun's calligraphy to be showcased in museum exhibition

Published: 24 Oct. 2024, 15:47 Updated: 24 Oct. 2024, 16:49

YOON SEUNG-JIN
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Ahn Jung-geun's ″Independence″ is displayed at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. [YONHAP]

A special exhibition dedicated to the calligraphy of independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun has opened at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History.

The exhibition, titled "Ahn Jung-geun's Calligraphy" explores seven themes inspired by Ahn's childhood name, Ahn Eung-chil, and focuses on his calligraphic works. The event is scheduled to run until March 31 next year.

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The highlight of the exhibition is the display of 19 pieces of Ahn's yumuk or posthumous writings. Four of these pieces are from Ryukoku University in Japan and are being exhibited in Korea for the first time in 14 years.

These calligraphy pieces were created between February and March 1910, from the announcement of his execution to the day it was carried out.

One of the most well-known pieces is "Independence," which features the Korean word "dongnip" (meaning independence) written in Chinese characters. Ahn wrote this while imprisoned in Lushun Russo-Japanese Prison.

Accompanying the calligraphy is Ahn's left handprint with a partly cut-off ring finger, which is deemed to be the symbol of an independence fighter.

"The core of Ahn Jung-geun's ideology was independence and East Asian peace. In the central space of the exhibition, visitors can see the calligraphy that encapsulates this aspiration,” Kim Hyun-jeong, head of exhibition operations, said.

BY KIM EUN-BIN, YOON SEUNG-JIN [[email protected]]