Gangbuk-gu Holds Special Memorial Exhibition for Martyr Lee Jun

Gangbuk-gu, Special Memorial Exhibition for Martyr Lee Jun… 'The Hague Envoy Who Never Returned'

At the Modern History Memorial Hall until November 30… Exhibition Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Repatriation of Martyr Lee Jun's Remains

Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Soon-hee) announced that from the 8th until November 30, a special memorial exhibition titled ‘The Hague Envoy Who Never Returned’ will be held at the Modern History Memorial Hall to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the repatriation of martyr Lee Jun’s remains.

Martyr Lee Jun was a first-generation prosecutor of the Korean Empire who was dismissed while fighting against the Japanese colonial judicial authority’s infringement, and a patriotic enlightenment activist who led the national debt repayment movement.

Appointed as a special envoy by Emperor Gojong, he attempted to expose at the 1907 International Peace Conference held in The Hague, Netherlands, that the Eulsa Treaty was forcibly imposed by Japan. However, due to Japanese interference and the neglect of the great powers, he was unable to attend. Undeterred, he continued diplomatic efforts appealing to international public opinion but ultimately died in martyrdom without achieving his goal.

The sacred remains of Lee Jun were repatriated on September 30, 1963, 60 years ago, and were interred in Suyu-ri, Gangbuk-gu on October 4.

This special memorial exhibition is organized into sections including ▲ the prosecutor who sued the Minister of Justice, the guardian deity prosecutor ▲ the national sovereignty protection movement against Japanese invasion ▲ the special envoy to the Hague International Peace Conference ▲ and the return of the envoy who never came back.

The exhibition features various materials such as the appointment certificate as a trainee prosecutor at the Hansung Court, textbooks from the Korean Empire Judicial Training Institute, showing Lee Jun’s time as a prosecutor.

Also on display are his handwritten calligraphy, the special envoy appointment letter awarded by Emperor Gojong, photos and interviews of the three envoys (Lee Sang-seol, Lee Wi-jong, and Lee Jun) published in the ‘International Peace Conference Gazette,’ and documents related to the repatriation process of his remains.

Mayor Lee Soon-hee said, “This is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the spirit of the martyr who fought against Japanese colonial rule for the restoration of national sovereignty but ultimately never returned,” adding, “I hope many citizens will honor Lee Jun’s patriotic spirit.”