Kookmin University and 'An Jung-geun Doctor Search Korea-China Private Standing Committee' Hold International Academic Conference

Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung-ryeol) will hold an international academic conference on the 17th, the Day of the Patriotic Martyrs, at the Kookmin University Main Building in collaboration with the 'An Jung-geun Memorial Search Korea-China Civil Permanent Committee (Civil Committee)'.

Kookmin University Symbol Yongduri Statue

Despite 113 years having passed since the martyrdom of An Jung-geun, his remains have yet to be found. In response, Korean and Chinese figures who agree that finding An Jung-geun’s remains is the first tribute to the patriotic martyrs and a path to peace in East Asia established the committee on a civilian level. On an academic level, Kookmin University’s Korean Studies Institute is collaborating to address this national aspiration.

The international academic conference co-hosted by Kookmin University and the Civil Committee will focus on the main theme, "The Progress and Tasks of the 1st Search for An Jung-geun’s Remains." Hwang Ki-chul, chairman and former head of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, will deliver the keynote speech emphasizing the need for civilian efforts to find An Jung-geun’s remains. He suggests that civilian cooperation may be more effective than government efforts in advancing the excavation, which has been stalled since 2008.

Other presentations and discussions will include Professor Su Hao (蘇浩) from the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing on "Building a Northeast Asian Security Community with the Spirit of An Jung-geun," Professor Katsumura Makoto from Ritsumeikan University on "Research and Challenges of An Jung-geun in Japanese Academia," Professor Sun Yanhong (孫艶紅) from Konkuk University on "Research Achievements on An Jung-geun and Awareness of His Remains Excavation in China," Professor Kim Wol-bae from Harbin Institute of Technology on "The Korean Government’s Estimation of An Jung-geun’s Remains and Review of Three Major Regions," and former Busan Office Chief of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Lim Seong-hyun, on "Current Status and Tasks of Excavating An Jung-geun’s Remains."

Professor Hwang Seon-ik of Kookmin University’s Department of Korean History stated, "The 'An Jung-geun Memorial Search Korea-China Civil Permanent Committee' plans to continue research and activities following this academic conference," adding, "I hope that civilian efforts will yield positive results amid the deadlock in Korea-China relations."