Kookmin University Hosts the 2nd International Academic Conference on Finding Ahn Jung-geun

The Institute of Korean Studies at Kookmin University announced on the 4th that it held the 2nd International Academic Conference on Finding Ahn Jung-geun at the Songjiang Campus of Shanghai International Studies University, together with the Sino-Japanese-Korean Joint Research Center of Shanghai International Studies University and the Korea-China Civil Permanent Committee for Finding Ahn Jung-geun.

The conference, held on the 29th of last month, was attended by former Chinese Ambassador to Korea Zhu Guohong, Jiang Feng, Party Secretary of Shanghai International Studies University, Ren Dequi, Director of the Sino-Korean-Japanese Joint Center at Shanghai International Studies University, as well as Kookmin University Distinguished Professor Hwang Ki-chul, former Marine Corps Commander Kim Tae-sung, and Kookmin University Korean History Professor Hwang Seon-ik.

Kookmin University Institute of Korean Studies, International Seminar on Ahn Jung-geun's Patriotism to Strengthen Korea-China Relations. Photo by Kookmin University.

Although 114 years have passed since Ahn Jung-geun's martyrdom, his remains have yet to be discovered. Korean and Chinese figures agree that finding Ahn Jung-geun's remains is the first form of respect for the patriotic martyrs and a path toward peace in East Asia, and thus established a committee at the civilian level. The Institute of Korean Studies at Kookmin University is collaborating on an academic level.

Participants exchanged diverse opinions based on the theme "Strengthening Korea-China Relations through the Promotion of Ahn Jung-geun's Spirit." Former Ambassador Zhu Guohong stated, "China plans to actively cooperate in the excavation of Ahn Jung-geun's remains, but will also consider various perspectives, including those of residents and North Korea, while actively seeking ways to overcome the somewhat cooled Korea-China relations."

Professor Hwang Ki-chul emphasized, "Ahn Jung-geun is a symbol of pacifism, and since the sites for excavation are mainly concentrated in China, investigations should be conducted there so that respect can be paid even now. Korea and China must work together to fulfill the intentions Ahn Jung-geun held during his lifetime."

Professor Hwang Seon-ik commented, "This academic conference, which reflects on Ahn Jung-geun's spirit of peace in East Asia, is a meaningful achievement considering the tense state of relations between the two countries," adding, "The two countries should seek practical outcomes through various exchanges, including academic conferences."