“I will die for ‘ransom’ in my homeland” Na Seok-ju’s letter from the righteous man is first revealed

by times news cr

2024-07-26 22:02:32

National Museum of Korea, on display until October 9th
A total of 7 pieces, including 2 pieces written for Baekbeom, were presented.
The process of preparing for the bombing – difficulties, etc.

A letter from Dr. Na Seok-ju informing Baekbeom Kim Gu of the plan to throw a bomb in 1925. Courtesy of the National Museum of Korea

“Rather than coming to China, running around aimlessly, and then starving to death or freezing to death, I would rather go back to my home country and die without expecting much, just getting paid for my work.”

This is part of a letter sent by Dr. Na Seok-ju (1892-1926) to his comrade Lee Seung-chun (real name Lee Hwa-ik, 1900-1978) of the Uiyoldan on August 25, 1925. It was a declaration of his determination to return to his homeland and rise up after enduring hardships while fighting for independence in China for a long time. In fact, on December 28 of the following year, Dr. Na committed suicide after throwing a bomb at the Joseon Industrial Bank and the Oriental Development Company in Gyeongseong (present-day Seoul), which were stooges of the Japanese colonial economy.

The National Museum of Korea unveiled this letter at the exhibition “Na Seok-ju, the Undying Flame for Independence” that opened on the 26th to mark the 79th anniversary of Liberation Day. The exhibition features seven pieces, including two letters written by Dr. Na to Baekbeom Kim Gu (1876-1949), four letters written to Lee Seung-chun, and one letter written to Hwang Hae-gwan (real name Hwang Ik-su, 1887-?). This is the first time these letters have been revealed to the public.

In a letter to Baekbeom on July 28, 1925, Dr. Na wrote, “The belongings (the bomb) are ready, but the cost (a few hundred won) has not yet been completely obtained.” Sharing the bombing plan, he said, “I plan to carry it out (the bombing) with certainty, so I earnestly hope that you will love me until I achieve my goal.” In addition, the letter contained reports of obtaining the bomb and pistol, the process of struggling to secure a ship to return home, and the difficulties of not having enough funds to return home. The exhibition runs until October 9.


Reporter Sa Ji-won [email protected]

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2024-07-26 22:02:32

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