Materials Related to Independence Activist Seo Younghae Registered as Cultural Heritage

"Traces of Diplomatic Activities for Korean Independence"
Four Handwritten Play Manuscripts by Kim Woojin Announced for Registration

Materials related to the independence activist Seo Younghae, who was active in Europe during the Japanese colonial period, have been designated as National Registered Cultural Heritage.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 12th that the "Materials Related to Independence Activist Seo Younghae" have been registered as National Registered Cultural Heritage. Seo Younghae (real name Seo Heesu) was a prominent figure who led the independence movement in Europe during the Japanese colonial era. Centered around the Korea Communications Agency, which he established in Paris, France in 1929, he worked as a diplomatic envoy for the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and exposed Japan's acts of aggression to various European countries.

The registered materials include documents related to the Korea Communications Agency's independence propaganda activities, letters and telegrams exchanged with key figures of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, various writings such as novels, essays, and articles authored by Seo Younghae, and personal relics such as his typewriter. The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "These are valuable materials that provide evidence of the diplomatic activities carried out for Korean independence as a member of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea."

Meanwhile, on the same day, the Cultural Heritage Administration also announced its intention to register four handwritten play manuscripts by Kim Woojin as National Registered Cultural Heritage: "Dudeogi Sininui Hwanmyeol," "I Yeongnyeo," "Nanpa," and "Sandwaeji." After a one-month period for public opinion and deliberation by the Cultural Heritage Committee, they are scheduled to be officially registered.

"Dudeogi Sininui Hwanmyeol" is a satirical play that sharply criticizes enlightened intellectuals who fell into self-contradiction during the colonial era. "I Yeongnyeo" realistically depicts the harsh life of lower-class women in colonial Korea, and is clearly distinguished from Japanese Shinpa dramas of the 1910s and new dramas of the 1920s.

"Nanpa" is a play that portrays the conflict between the opposing values of tradition and modernity, and is regarded as a creative adaptation of Western (German) expressionism. "Sandwaeji" deals with the recovery of vitality in a powerless self, based on realism. Employing a variety of techniques including naturalism, symbolism, and expressionism, it continues to be referenced today.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "These works broke away from the era dominated by Japanese Shinpa dramas in the 1910s and 1920s and actively embraced Western modern drama. They offer a clear-eyed view of colonial reality and ushered in a new era of modern drama, making them invaluable academic resources in fields such as linguistics, social history, cultural history, social studies, and economic history."