Honoring Park Jinmok,
Leader of the March 1st Independence Movement
in Uiryeong, Changnyeong, and Haman
Uiryeong County in Gyeongnam announced on the 7th that it is drawing exceptional attention as the previously unknown local independence activist, Namnong Park Jinmok, has come to light.
Born in 1882 in Dugok-ri, Jijeong-myeon, Uiryeong County, Park served as the first head of Jijeong-myeon and led the March 1st Independence Movement starting in Jijeong-myeon in 1919, and later in Namji and Yeongsan in Changnyeong County, as well as in the Ham'an County area. The following year, he left his hometown and, together with figures such as Baeksan Ahn Heeje, devoted himself to fundraising for the independence movement and uniting comrades abroad, including in Manchuria.
The 'hidden independence activist' was brought to public attention on the 2nd, when a grand ceremony was held to commemorate the relocation and reconstruction of the memorial stone for Park Jinmok.
The original memorial stone was erected in May 1959 in Narim Village, Jijeong-myeon, by the initiative of six local residents including Kim Insu and Park Jongwoo, to honor Park Jinmok.
However, due to land ownership issues, relocation became necessary. Responding to the family's request, the county searched extensively for a new site and, after receiving approval from Gyeongnam Province, secured a location next to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Baebangjae Park.
Organizations and residents of Jijeong-myeon formed a committee to support the relocation of the memorial stone, providing both material and emotional assistance.
Notably, three grandsons of Park Jinmok attended the relocation and reconstruction ceremony, adding significance to the event.
The three brothers?Park Kangsoo (eldest son, former president of Paichai University), Park Hoon (second son, former mayor of Dongdaemun District), and Park Cheol (third son, former president of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)?expressed their gratitude to County Mayor Oh Taewan, Committee Chairman Lee Gyunse, and local residents.
Park Cheol said, "I express my infinite gratitude and respect to Uiryeong County and the residents of Jijeong-myeon for remembering my grandfather for nearly 70 years since the erection of the memorial stone in 1959."
Park Kangsoo recalled, "When I was young and played Janggi with my grandfather, he would say, 'You must never lose, even at Janggi, to the Japanese. You must win at everything,' emphasizing the importance of a winning spirit and not giving in to despair." He added, "I hope my grandfather's indomitable spirit and perseverance will blossom throughout Korea."
Meanwhile, the family expressed regret that although Park Jinmok's younger brother, Park Jimok, was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1993, their grandfather Park Jinmok, who led the March 1st Movement, has yet to be officially recognized by the government due to a lack of supporting evidence. They hinted that they will soon deliver good news to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
County Mayor Oh Taewan said, "I am deeply moved that a new historical figure from Uiryeong County, a region known for its distinguished people, is being highlighted," and added, "The county will also do its utmost to honor the noble achievements and legacy of Park Jinmok."
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