It has been confirmed that Gyeonggi Province is currently in priority purchase negotiations for two pieces of Ahn Junggeun's "national treasure-level" calligraphy works. If the province succeeds in acquiring these works, it also plans to establish the "Ahn Junggeun Peace Center" near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) adjacent to Ahn's hometown of Haeju in Hwanghae Province.
On August 14, Gyeonggi Province announced that it is discreetly pursuing the "Ahn Junggeun Calligraphy Repatriation Project" in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.
The province explained that it received confirmation from the Japanese holder of the two works-"Independence" (獨立) and "Jangtanilseong Seonjoilbon" (長歎一聲 先弔日本)-regarding their willingness to return them to Korea, through a civilian exploration team that first discovered the works in Japan over 20 years ago.
To date, about 60 pieces of Ahn Junggeun's calligraphy have been identified. Among them, 31 have been designated as treasures by the Korean government. Unlike other known works, these two pieces-"Independence" (獨立) and "Jangtanilseong Seonjoilbon" (長歎一聲 先弔日本)-are highly valued for directly reflecting Ahn’s spirit of resistance against Japanese imperialism.
"Independence" (獨立) was written by Ahn himself in Lushun Prison and handed to a Japanese prison guard. It is considered a representative work that encapsulates his unwavering conviction-"I die for the independence of my homeland"-in just two characters.
Currently, Ryukoku University in Kyoto is safeguarding the piece, having received it on consignment from the descendants of the Japanese guard. Although it has been exhibited in Korea several times, a full repatriation has not yet been achieved.
"Jangtanilseong Seonjoilbon" (長歎一聲 先弔日本) means "With a loud, long sigh, I offer condolences in advance for the fall of Japan." Ahn presented this work to a high-ranking official of the Japanese Imperial Kanto Governor-General (which oversaw Lushun Prison and the court), and it has since been kept by the official’s descendants. This piece, which has never entered Korea, embodies Ahn’s resolute spirit, historical perspective, and worldview, even in the face of death.
Recently, Gyeonggi Province succeeded in bringing "Jangtanilseong Seonjoilbon" into Korea through negotiations with the Japanese holder. The civilian exploration team that mediated the negotiations is currently safeguarding the piece. "Independence" remains in Japan.
Currently, both works are under negotiation, with Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi branch of the Liberation Association having secured priority purchase agreements.
A Gyeonggi Province official stated, "Following Governor Kim Dongyeon’s strong will, we will make every effort, in cooperation with the Gyeonggi branch of the Liberation Association, to ensure the repatriation of these works. If repatriation fails, there is a risk that the pieces could end up in the hands of private collectors or overseas buyers. Therefore, we are undertaking this project with a sense of historical responsibility to ensure that these public historical assets return to Korea permanently."
If the project succeeds, Gyeonggi Province plans to establish the "Ahn Junggeun Peace Center" in the DMZ near Ahn’s hometown of Haeju, Hwanghae Province, as a symbol of peace on the Korean Peninsula, ensuring the project is more than a one-time event.
The Peace Center will not only commemorate Ahn Junggeun but will also engage in further discovery and collection of his calligraphy, as well as research and forums for East Asian peace exchange and other diverse activities.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
