Producing Videos of Independence Activists Together This 3·1 Movement Day
Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University revealed the story behind his 13-year-long connection with actress Song Hye-kyo.
Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University (left) and actress Song Hye-kyo (right). [Image source=Screenshot from Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University SNS]
On the 3rd, TV Chosun's 'Sikgaek Heo Young-man's Baekban Journey' commemorated the March 1st Movement by heading to Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, the city of history, with 'Korea Promoter' Professor Seo Kyung-duk. Writer Heo Young-man and Professor Seo visited the 'Seodaemun Prison History Hall' to honor the noble sacrifices of the patriotic martyrs. At the place imbued with the beliefs of freedom and peace, they took time to reflect once again on the atrocities of Japanese colonial rule and the precious sacrifices of the martyrs. Then, Professor Seo shared a story about how, during his overseas travels, he visited representative museums and art galleries of those countries but was troubled by the lack of Korean-language guides. He said, "When I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, there was no Korean guide, so I wanted to support them," adding, "I told them, 'If you just sign the contract, we can provide Korean guides,' and after returning, I visited nearly 200 places to find support."
He then explained the special connection by saying, "At that time, a reporter who recognized me made this news a big headline," and "Song Hye-kyo saw that article and readily offered a helping hand." He continued, "She said she wanted to help, so I suggested we work together right then and there." Thanks to that, Professor Seo and Song were able to donate Korean-language guides to famous museums and art galleries around the world.
Since then, for 12 years, they have donated Korean-language guides, Hangul signs, and relief artworks to 35 places such as Korean historical sites and art museums overseas. They have donated Korean guides not only to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, and the Brooklyn Museum in New York, but also provided a 'Hangul map' on the website of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in June last year. LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, housing approximately 149,000 artworks from ancient times to the present. Additionally, to mark this year's March 1st Movement Day, they produced a multinational video detailing the life of Yoon Hee-soon, the first female militia leader.
Professor Seo also revealed the story of how he became a 'Korea Promoter.' As an ordinary landscape architecture student, he went backpacking in Europe during college and saw that no one knew about Korea. This led him to plan the 'Manse Movement,' which marked the beginning of his role as a 'Korea Promoter.' Since then, he has been at the forefront of promoting Korea and its correct culture and history. When writer Heo asked, "You need money to carry out all these activities; how do you manage?" Professor Seo replied, "I collaborate with celebrities like Song Hye-kyo, as well as government agencies and companies." He also hinted, "To be honest, I also use my own money." Regarding Professor Seo's efforts, writer Heo said, "Our country's status was not achieved by sitting still," and applauded Professor Seo by saying, "It is because of the unseen efforts of someone that the name of the Republic of Korea shines."
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