Lee Seokkyu, Independence Patriot, Celebrates 100th Birthday... President Lee’s Congratulatory Message Delivered

Organized the "Mudeung Reading Club" to Lead Anti-Japanese Activities
Planned an Uprising During Allied Landing, Imprisoned for His Actions
One of Only Five Surviving Independence Patriots

On the occasion of the 100th birthday of Lee Seokkyu, one of the five surviving independence patriots and a recipient of the Presidential Commendation in 2010, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oeul delivered a congratulatory message from President Lee Jaemyung, expressing congratulations and gratitude.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on September 8 that it held a longevity celebration for Lee at the Jeonju Veterans Nursing Home in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, in the afternoon. The event was attended by more than 50 people, including Minister Kwon, Moon Seungwoo, Chairman of the North Jeolla Provincial Council, Hong Seok, Vice Governor of North Jeolla Province, Jeong Heonyul, Mayor of Iksan, Kim Jin, Vice President of the Liberation Association, Yoon Jongjin, President of the Veterans Welfare and Medical Service, and students.

While attending Gwangju Normal School, Lee organized the Mudeung Reading Club and took the lead in the anti-Japanese movement, distributing leaflets and posters to spread anti-Japanese sentiment throughout the streets. In 1945, he planned an uprising to coincide with the Allied landing, but the organization was exposed, and he was imprisoned as a result.

At the longevity celebration, Minister Kwon delivered President Lee’s congratulatory message and a bouquet of flowers to Lee, conveying congratulations on his milestone birthday and gratitude for his dedication to the nation. In his message, President Lee stated, “Because of your resolute and noble sacrifice and dedication, we were able to regain the light that was taken from us and build a Republic of Korea of freedom and prosperity that now draws the attention of the world.”

During the celebration, a tribute video using artificial intelligence (AI) was screened, featuring Lee’s life and independence activities based on his photographs, along with congratulatory video messages from students of the schools where he served (Wido, Wanggung, and Byeonsan Elementary Schools).

Minister Kwon said, “I extend my deepest respect to you for your resistance solely for the sake of our country under the harsh rule of Japanese imperialism and sincerely congratulate you on your 100th birthday.” He added, “The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will do its utmost to ensure that independence patriots receive even greater national respect and that there is no neglect in providing preferential treatment and increased nursing care allowances for independence meritorious persons and their families.”