Over 200 Attendees Including Director of Daegu Regional Office of Veterans Affairs and Vice President of the Liberation Association
In celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation, a commemorative ceremony was held to honor the history and spirit of the Korean Liberation Association, an armed independence movement organization founded in Daegu 110 years ago.
The Daegu Regional Office of Veterans Affairs (headed by Kim Jongsul) of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Daegu Branch of the Liberation Association (headed by Woo Daehyun) held the "110th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korean Liberation Association, July's Independence Movement of the Month for the 80th Anniversary of Liberation" at Biseul Hall, Daegu Culture and Arts Center on July 15. The event was attended by over 200 people, including Director Kim Jongsul, Vice President Kim Jin of the Liberation Association, descendants of the Korean Liberation Association, and local figures.
This commemorative ceremony was organized after the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs selected the Korean Liberation Association as July's "Independence Movement of the Month" in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation. The Korean Liberation Association, a representative armed independence movement organization in Korea, was established on July 15, 1915 (lunar calendar) at Dalseong Park in Daegu, marking its 110th anniversary this year.
110th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korean Liberation Association. Provided by Daegu Regional Office of Veterans Affairs, Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
Descendants of the Korean Liberation Association were also present at the event, including Park Pilhun, great-grandson of Commander-in-Chief Park Sangjin; Kim Kyungsik, grandson of Chungcheong Branch Chief Kim Hanjong; and Lee Deokgyu, great-grandson of Jeolla Branch Chief Lee Byungchan.
The ceremony included the following: ▲Viewing a video on the activities of the Liberation Association ▲A historical report by the head of the Daegu Branch of the Liberation Association ▲A reading of a proclamation by an independence activist ▲Commemorative and congratulatory speeches ▲Presentation of the "Independence Movement of the Month" award and plaques of appreciation ▲A commemorative performance and special lecture.
At the event, Jang Ikhyun, Executive Representative of the Independence Movement Spirit Succession Association (attorney), received the "Independence Movement of the Month" award, while Son Inrak, CEO of Yeongnam Ilbo, and Dr. Lee Sungwoo of Chungnam National University received plaques of appreciation for their contributions to highlighting the Korean Liberation Association.
Immediately after its formation, the Korean Liberation Association carried out armed struggles such as the attack on the Gyeongju tax transport wagon (December 24, 1915), securing military funds, and punishing pro-Japanese collaborators. Although the organization was later dismantled due to arrests by Japanese authorities, remaining members continued the anti-Japanese struggle through groups such as the Uiyeoldan.
It is also noteworthy that General Lee Jinryong, known for providing the Browning pistol used by Ahn Junggeun in the Harbin assassination, served as the head of the Manchuria branch, and that General Kim Jwajin, a key figure in the Battle of Cheongsanri, succeeded as the second branch chief, underscoring the organization's historical significance.
Woo Daehyun, head of the Daegu Branch, stated, "The Korean Liberation Association was an integrated organization where progressives and conservatives united in pursuit of a republic, and systematically waged anti-Japanese resistance at home and abroad. I hope that the citizens of Daegu and the people of Korea can once again reflect on the spirit of the Korean Liberation Association today."
Kim Jongsul, Director of the Daegu Regional Office of Veterans Affairs, said, "We will strive to widely promote the historical value of the Liberation Association and ensure that its spirit becomes firmly established as a part of our everyday culture of honoring patriots and veterans."
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