Gwangju Goryeoin Village has unveiled for the first time the new work "General Hong Beomdo" by world-renowned Goryeoin artist Victor Moon, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day and June, the Month of Patriots and Veterans. According to Goryeoin Village, this piece commemorates the sacrifices of anti-Japanese independence activists and expresses the hope that today’s Republic of Korea will move beyond conflict and division toward unity and prosperity.
Gwangju Goryeoin Village, celebrating the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day and the June Veterans Month, unveiled the ambitious masterpiece "General Hong Beomdo" by the world-renowned Goryeoin artist Victor Moon (Director of the Moon Victor Art Museum). Provided by Goryeoin Village
According to Goryeoin Village on June 30, the artwork depicts General Hong Beomdo in full dress uniform adorned with medals, capturing his dignified presence. In reality, however, despite leading numerous battles against Japanese colonial rule, General Hong ended his life in 1943?two years before Liberation?working as a security guard at the Koryo Theater in Kazakhstan. He never received a medal during his lifetime. Through the uniform and medals in his painting, Victor Moon restored the honor that General Hong rightfully deserved.
The creation of the piece dates back to 2023. At that time, when there was social controversy surrounding General Hong Beomdo’s past, Victor Moon responded with his art. He stated, "History can be rewritten depending on interpretation, but such evaluations should never cast a shadow over the lives of Goryeoin children living today."
For the Goryeoin community, General Hong Beomdo is more than just an independence activist; he is a symbol of pride. Descendants of the diaspora honor the spirit of countless unnamed independence fighters through him. Victor Moon said, "The reason they risked their lives to fight was their earnest longing for true national independence and prosperity."
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