76th Memorial Ceremony for Baekbeom Kim Gu: "Korea Stands on the Blood and Sweat of Patriotic Forebears"

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced that the '76th Memorial Ceremony for Baekbeom Kim Gu' will be held on the morning of the 26th at the Baekbeom Kim Gu Memorial Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, organized by the Baekbeom Kim Gu Memorial Association. Approximately 300 people attended the ceremony, including Jeon Jongho, head of the Seoul Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Lee Jongchan, president of the Liberation Association, figures from various sectors, members of the Memorial Association, and descendants of independence patriots.

The 73rd Memorial Ceremony for Baekbeom Kim Gu is being held on the 26th at the Baekbeom Kim Gu Memorial Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

Baekbeom Kim Gu was born in 1876 in Haeju, Hwanghae-do, and engaged in militia activities and enlightenment movements for the nation's independence. After the March 1st Movement in 1919, he went into exile in Shanghai, China, and was appointed the first Chief of Police of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. He subsequently served as Minister of the Interior, Head of State, and President, leading the Provisional Government until Korea's liberation.

After returning to Korea following the August 15th Liberation, Kim Gu devoted himself to building a unified and fully independent nation. On June 26, 1949, he was assassinated at Gyeonggyojang (located in Jongno-gu, Seoul). In recognition of his achievements, the government posthumously awarded him the Republic of Korea Medal of Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1962.

Kang Jeongae, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, stated, "Today's proud Republic of Korea stands on the blood and sweat of patriotic forebears such as Kim Gu, who dedicated their lives to the nation and the people." She added, "As we mark the meaningful 80th anniversary of Liberation, we will deeply honor Baekbeom Kim Gu's noble spirit of independence and do our utmost to ensure that the people, including future generations, remember and carry on the lives and aspirations of our patriotic forebears."