Actress Song Hye Kyo Teams Up with Professor Seo Kyung Duk to Celebrate Korea’s 80th Liberation Anniversary by Donating Korean History Guidebooks to Saipan and Tinian Islands

Actress Song Hye Kyo, in collaboration with Professor Seo Kyung Duk of Sungshin Women’s University, has launched a new cultural initiative to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation. The project, which focuses on supporting historical awareness, involves the donation of Korean-language guidebooks for key historical sites located on the islands of Saipan and Tinian, part of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory. These guidebooks will provide detailed information about the history of Korean forced laborers under Japanese rule and will be accessible both online and offline.

Background and Historical Significance

The historical sites on Saipan and Tinian hold significant importance for the Korean community, particularly due to the tragic events during Japan’s occupation of Korea. Professor Seo Kyung Duk highlighted that many Korean forced laborers were subjected to horrific conditions on Tinian, where Japan maintained military bases. Over 5,000 Koreans lost their lives, either through massacres or being forced into suicides. The historical sites in these areas have largely been neglected, and Seo emphasizes the importance of preserving their memory for future generations.

The Role of Song Hye Kyo and Professor Seo Kyung Duk

This initiative is part of a long-standing partnership between Song Hye Kyo and Professor Seo. The duo has been dedicated to promoting Korean history and culture abroad for over a decade. Their ongoing efforts have seen the donation of Korean-language guidebooks, commemorative relief artworks, and informational signs at numerous historical sites related to Korea’s independence movement. To date, they have contributed to 37 such sites, ensuring that the legacy of Korea’s struggle for independence is accessible to people worldwide, particularly those in countries where historical events occurred.

Global Impact and Awareness

Song Hye Kyo’s involvement in this project underscores her commitment to using her public platform to raise awareness about Korean history. By providing these guidebooks in both digital and physical formats, Song and Professor Seo are ensuring that future visitors to these historical sites can learn about the suffering endured by Korean forced laborers during the Japanese occupation. This donation is a powerful reminder of the importance of historical education and the need to preserve sites of historical significance worldwide.

Challenges in Preserving Historical Sites

Professor Seo Kyung Duk also expressed concerns over the current state of many Korean historical sites overseas. Many of these locations, particularly those in distant regions like the Northern Mariana Islands, are not well-maintained, which poses a risk of losing the memory of these tragic events. He stressed that the continued interest and visitation by Korean citizens play a crucial role in ensuring the preservation of these sites. The efforts of Song Hye Kyo and Professor Seo are vital in raising global awareness and inspiring more people to engage with the history that these sites represent.

The Importance of Commemoration

For Koreans, commemorating the liberation anniversary is not just about remembering the past but also recognizing the ongoing struggles for justice and recognition. The Korean forced laborers who suffered during Japan’s occupation are often overlooked in broader historical narratives, making projects like this even more crucial. By marking this anniversary with such a meaningful donation, Song Hye Kyo and Professor Seo Kyung Duk are ensuring that the voices of those who suffered are heard, and their history is preserved for future generations.

A Continuing Legacy of Support

Since 2012, Song and Professor Seo’s collaborative efforts have made a significant impact on global awareness of Korea’s independence history. Their previous donations of guidebooks and relief artworks at sites such as the Chinese labor camps and Japanese memorials have been widely recognized. As they continue their work, their contributions serve as an enduring reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and the role of education in promoting understanding across borders.

By taking this project global, Song Hye Kyo and Professor Seo not only honor Korea’s past but also encourage others to support similar causes worldwide. Their commitment to these historical sites, especially those in foreign lands, underscores the ongoing necessity to keep the memory of Korea’s liberation alive, not just for Koreans but for the world at large.

Also Read: Song Hye Kyo and Gong Yoo Set to Shine in Netflix’s ‘Show Business’

Source: allkpop

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