Late Jang Maeseong, Park Okkyeon, Park Hyunsuk, and Jang Gyeongrye Selected as Independence Activists of the Month

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Regional Veterans Office announced on the 3rd that the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs selected the late Jang Maeseong (1911?1993), Park Ockryeon (1914?2004), Park Hyunsook (1914?1981), and Jang Gyeongrye (1913?1997) as this month's Independence Activists.

Jang Maeseong, Park Ockryeon, Park Hyunsook, and Jang Gyeongrye, while attending Gwangju Girls' High School in October 1928, organized the Anti-Japanese Student Organization Girl's Association (소녀회) with their classmates, aiming for national independence and women's liberation. They held monthly study meetings to promote anti-Japanese awareness.

When the Gwangju Student Independence Movement broke out on November 3, 1929, the Girl's Association took the lead in treating students injured during street protests, carrying water and stones, and supporting the male students' street demonstrations.

Later, the Girl's Association was discovered, and on January 15, 1930, they were arrested by the Japanese police. In October of the same year, at the Gwangju District Court, Jang Maeseong was sentenced to two years in prison for violating the Public Security Preservation Act, while Park Ockryeon, Park Hyunsook, and Jang Gyeongrye were sentenced to one year in prison with a five-year suspended sentence.

The government awarded them the Patriotic Service Medal in 1990 to honor their meritorious service.

Meanwhile, the Independence Activists of the Month are selected and announced by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Since 1992, the Ministry has designated and announced more than 12 independence activists annually by month and has conducted commemorative events such as memorial ceremonies and exhibitions to honor their contributions.