Presentation on the Identity of Northern Infiltration Agents and the Uiyeoldan
A meaningful event was held to reexamine the common ideology and values between the 'Special Mission Meritorious Persons' who were active as North infiltration agents after liberation and the 'Uiyeoldan,' an independence movement organization during the Japanese colonial period.
The Gwangbokhoe Gwangju Metropolitan City Branch and the Special Mission Meritorious Persons Association Gwangju Metropolitan City Branch held the 1st Joint Academic Forum on the afternoon of the 30th at the Gwangju Veterans Hall in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.
On the afternoon of the 30th, attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the 1st Joint Academic Forum jointly hosted by the Gwangbokhoe and the Special Mission Merit Association Gwangju Metropolitan City Branch, held at the Gwangju Veterans Hall in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City. [Photo by Jin-Hyung Park]
The forum was held under the theme of 'The Identity of Special Mission Meritorious Persons and Uiyeoldan,' with participation from various sectors. It was organized as a time to reflect on the patriotic spirit of the martyrs who devoted themselves to the freedom and independence of the homeland and to establish the historical values that future generations should remember and develop.
The keynote presentation was given by Professor Park Haehyun of Chodang University. He introduced the organization, nature, and activities of the Special Mission Meritorious Persons (North infiltration agents) and Uiyeoldan respectively, then emphasized that the core values running through the modern history of the national liberation struggle should be recognized as a continuous history.
Professor Park explained, "The spiritual roots of the North infiltration agents can be found in Uiyeoldan, who fought against Japanese imperialism." However, he pointed out, "In our country, there are instances of denying or belittling the existence of North infiltration agents who hold such historical heritage, which is very different from North Korea’s situation where they are specially honored as heroes."
Following this, a discussion session was held on the topic. The discussants included Ko Wook, head of the Gwangbokhoe Gwangju Branch; Oh Sumyeong, head of the Special Mission Meritorious Persons Association Gwangju Branch; Ko Jaecheong, president of the Gwangju-Jeonnam Chungisa Hyeonchanghoe; and Lee Sangmin, head of the Honam Reporting Headquarters of Asia Economy.
Lee Sangmin, head of the Honam Reporting Headquarters of Asia Economy, said, "Uiyeoldan was a fierce organization that resisted Japan, and the Special Mission Meritorious Persons were a product of the East-West Cold War, carrying out special missions against North Korea, a nation with the same ethnicity but different ideology. Therefore, finding the identity of the meritorious persons in Uiyeoldan is not easy and is a sensitive matter," emphasizing, "Hence, various academic discussions must take place, supported by historical materials."
Oh Sumyeong, head of the Special Mission Meritorious Persons Association Gwangju Branch, said, "Beyond simple academic exchanges, I hope this will be a valuable time to declare to the outside world that the shared identity of the Special Mission Meritorious Persons Association and Uiyeoldan was the precious foundation that made today’s Republic of Korea possible and to seek the direction to move forward."
Ko Wook, head of the Gwangbokhoe Gwangju Branch, said, "Through this occasion, I earnestly hope it will be a moment to reexamine the activities of Uiyeoldan by Gwangbokhoe and the meritorious activities of the Special Mission Meritorious Persons Association, opening the first chapter of a new history."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
