Dr. Seo Jae-pil’s Diplomatic Efforts for Korea’s Independence After Exile to the United States
Awarded the Republic of Korea Medal of Merit for National Foundation in 1977
President Lee: "I hope the memorial hall will educate future generations about the independence movement and develop as a space that contributes to the local community"
First Visit Since Former President Kim Dae-jung’s Visit in 1999
On the afternoon of August 26 (local time), President Lee Jaemyung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited the Seo Jae-pil Memorial Hall in Philadelphia, United States, toured the facilities, and encouraged the foundation staff. It was the first visit by a South Korean president to the Seo Jae-pil Memorial Hall in Philadelphia in 26 years, since former President Kim Dae-jung's visit in July 1999.
The Seo Jae-pil Memorial Hall was established to widely promote the noble achievements and patriotic spirit of Dr. Seo Jae-pil within American society. In 1986, the Seo Jae-pil Memorial Foundation purchased the house where Dr. Seo had lived, renovated it, and opened it as a memorial hall in November 1990.
Dr. Seo Jae-pil dedicated himself to inspiring the spirit of national independence and engaging in patriotic enlightenment activities, including founding the Independent Newspaper-the first Korean private newspaper-establishing the Independence Club, and constructing the Independence Gate. He was exiled to the United States in 1898. When the March 1st Movement broke out in Korea in 1919, he closed his hospital and rejoined the independence movement. From April 14, 1919, for three days in Philadelphia, he hosted the Korean National Conference, adopted a resolution urging the League of Nations and the United States to recognize the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, and served as a diplomatic advisor to the Provisional Government and chairman of the Korean Commission in Washington, actively conducting diplomatic efforts for Korea's independence on the international stage. In recognition, the South Korean government awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Republic of Korea Medal, in 1977.
Key figures who joined the visit included U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Philadelphia Mayor Robert McMahon, and Pennsylvania State Senators Patty Kim and Tim Kearney. President Lee stated, "During this visit to the United States, I am deeply honored to visit the memorial hall imbued with the spirit of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who devoted himself to Korea's national independence," adding, "I hope the memorial hall will continue to educate future generations about the history of the independence movement and develop as a space that contributes to the local community."
Kang Yoo-jung, spokesperson for the presidential office, said in a written briefing, "President Lee also inquired in detail about whether Dr. Seo Jae-pil's birthplace in Boseong, Jeollanam-do, is being well preserved," and added, "First Lady Kim showed great interest in the manuscript of the Korean-English dictionary personally written by Dr. Seo after his exile to the United States." After touring the memorial hall, President Lee and First Lady Kim commemorated the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation by planting a Rose of Sharon, a symbol of Korea, as a ceremonial tree, marking the significance of their visit.
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