Monument to Korean Poet Yun Dong-ju Unveiled at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Marking a Milestone in Reconciliation
On October 11, 2025, a monument honoring the life and work of Korean poet Yun Dong-ju was unveiled at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan – a first for the city and a significant step toward fostering reconciliation between the two nations. The unveiling, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the poet’s death and the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, represents a powerful gesture of remembrance and a commitment to building a more peaceful future.
A Poet’s Legacy and a Lost Generation
Yun Dong-ju, a celebrated figure in Korean literature, penned poignant and lyrical poetry reflecting themes of resistance and hope during a period of intense hardship. Born in 1917, he studied at Yonhui College before continuing his education at Rikkyo University in Tokyo in April 1942. He later transferred to Doshisha University in Kyoto. His time in Japan, however, was tragically cut short. In 1943, while a student at Doshisha University, Yun Dong-ju was arrested by Japanese police on charges related to the Joseon independence movement and subsequently died in Fukuoka Prison on February 16, 1945, just months before Korea’s liberation.
The monument at Rikkyo University serves as a tangible reminder of this difficult past and the sacrifices made by a generation of Korean intellectuals and activists. “After 80 years, poet Yun Dong-ju has returned to Rikkyo University,” emphasized Rikkyo University President Renta Nishihara at the unveiling ceremony. “The poems that Yun Dong-ju wrote while studying in Japan have been largely lost, but the five poems he entrusted to a friend miraculously survived.”
A Monument Rooted in History and Hope
The monument, located near Building 14 on the west side of the campus, features a photograph of Yun Dong-ju, a biographical summary of his time at Rikkyo University, and a rendition of his poem “Easily Written Poem,” alongside a Japanese translation. This poem, penned on June 3, 1942, encapsulates the poet’s enduring spirit: “I light a lamp and drive away a little of the darkness / I am the last one waiting for the morning to come like the times // I hold out my little hand / The first handshake that I hold with tears and comfort.”
The preservation of five original poems written on Rikkyo University stationery, adorned with lily patterns, at the Yun Dong-ju Memorial Hall at Yonsei University, underscores the importance of this connection. The monument’s location is also significant, as it is believed to be near areas where Yun Dong-ju interacted with priests during his studies.
A Bridge to Reconciliation
The unveiling ceremony, conducted as a worship service reflecting Rikkyo University’s Anglican roots, was attended by dignitaries and scholars from both Korea and Japan. Korean Ambassador to Japan Lee Hyuk expressed hope that the monument would “not only commemorate Yun Dong-ju’s literature and life, but will become a bridge that leads to reconciliation and cooperation between Korea and Japan.”
This sentiment was echoed by Yoon In-seok, professor emeritus at Sungkyunkwan University and nephew of Yun Dong-ju, who noted that the monument builds upon existing commemorations of the poet in Kyoto and Fukuoka, creating a more comprehensive physical legacy. He expressed optimism that the monument would inspire future generations to work towards a “clean and peaceful world.”
A poignant prayer offered by the officiating priest at the ceremony underscored the importance of historical reflection: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in the Pacific War, we remember all those who sacrificed their lives due to Japan’s past mistakes, and especially engrave the poet Yun Dong-ju in our hearts. Let us learn the correct perception of history and deep reflection through the poems of justice he left behind.”
Prior to the unveiling, the Korea Education Foundation and the Rikkyo University Foreign Language Education Research Center hosted a poetry recitation and painting contest, further celebrating Yun Dong-ju’s enduring influence. The poet’s work has also found a place in Japanese education, with an essay quoting author Noriko Ibaraki’s poem ‘Sky, Wind, Stars, and Poetry’ appearing in a 1996 high school textbook, broadening its reach among Japanese students.
The establishment of this monument at Rikkyo University represents more than just a tribute to a beloved poet; it symbolizes a shared commitment to acknowledging the past, fostering understanding, and building a future defined by peace and cooperation.
