Singer An Seong-jun Pays Tribute at Haedongsa, the Shrine of Independence Activist Ahn Jung-geun in Jangheung

Singer Ahn Seong-jun paid a visit to Haedongsa in Jangheung, the shrine dedicated to independence activist Ahn Jung-geun. Photo by Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 29th that singer An Seong-jun (winner of MBC's Trot Nation) paid respects at Haedongsa, the shrine of independence activist An Jung-geun, in Jangheung on the 26th.

The visit took place after An Seong-jun visited Jangheung on the 13th to perform at the Jangheung Son Seok-woo Song Festival. During his visit, he heard stories about Haedongsa, the shrine of An Jung-geun, from the Jangheung county governor. Moved by this, An Seong-jun (of the Sunheung An clan) visited and paid respects to honor the spirit of his ancestor, independence activist An Jung-geun (also of the Sunheung An clan).

Haedongsa is located on the slopes of Mansu Mountain in Mannyeon-ri, Jangdong-myeon, Jangheung-gun, Jeollanam-do. For 67 years, memorial rites have been held there to honor An Jung-geun (1879?1910).

Currently, Haedongsa is situated separately below Mansusa. It was relocated to its present location in 2000, the 90th anniversary of An Jung-geun’s passing.

In particular, Jangheung-gun has been promoting large-scale projects to honor An Jung-geun, moving the memorial day to March 26 to hold official commemorative ceremonies beyond family events. An Jung-geun passed away on this day in 1910. The year 2021 marked the 111th anniversary of his death.

Jangheung’s Haedongsa is the only shrine in Korea dedicated solely to independence activist An Jung-geun. It is a national memorial facility designated by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and is a cultural asset of Jeollanam-do.

An Seong-jun said, “I am grateful to Jangheung-gun and the Juksan An clan for enshrining my ancestor, An Jung-geun. Especially, the spirit of An Jung-geun enshrined here at Haedongsa will serve as a strong nourishment for the people to develop their capabilities as democratic citizens, and I will take the lead in widely promoting Haedongsa.”