Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, encouraged residents to visit the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum to view the handwritten calligraphy of Ahn Jung-geun, titled "A Long Sigh, Foretelling Japan's Downfall" (長嘆一聲 旋鳥日本), which has been on display since December 20 as the first exhibition of its kind in Korea.
On December 21, Governor Kim posted on his social media, quoting Brazilian author Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" that "everyone writes their own story as they live their life." He added, "Ahn Jung-geun's story, written during his short life of just 30 years and 6 months, still deeply resonates with us more than a century later."
He continued, "'A long sigh, foretelling Japan's downfall' is believed to be Ahn Jung-geun's final writing before his execution at Lushun Prison. Each stroke and character carries a palpable strength, and experts refer to this as 'Chosache' (超死體), meaning writing that transcends death."
He further explained, "Thanks to the efforts of Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Branch of the Liberation Association, this calligraphy has returned to Korea and will be on display at the Gyeonggi Provincial Museum's 'Ahn Jung-geun Special Exhibition' until April 5 next year. This is the first time it is being shown to the public in its original form."
He also stated, "Encountering Ahn Jung-geun's writing on the 80th anniversary of liberation makes it even more meaningful," and added, "Gyeonggi Province will continue to seek out and honor the lives and stories of independence activists to properly uphold history and fully inherit the spirit of the independence movement."
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