Middle School Students' 'Cultural Heritage Donation' Moved President Moon via SNS

18th Century World Map Marking Korea's East Sea as 'Sea of Korea'... "A Young Student with Truly Admirable and Remarkable Spirit"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "'Sea of Japan' labeling is a precious material that confirms the distortion of history by the Japanese side's claim that it is correct." On the 23rd, President Moon Jae-in shared his thoughts on a middle school student's 'beautiful donation' on social network services (SNS).

President Moon said, "I want to express my gratitude before it is too late and announce this good deed. In June, two cultural assets sent by Jo Min-gi, a third-year student at Geulkkot Middle School in Daejeon, were delivered to the Blue House." These are a world map made in 18th century England and the lower volume of the old Japanese book 'Punggongyubodoryak' which contains records of exchanges between Korea and Japan during the Joseon Seonjo period.

President Moon explained, "Although the 18th-century world map is not the only copy, it marks Korea's East Sea as 'Sea of Korea,' the English notation of Joseon Sea," emphasizing its value as a precious material.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Blue House decided to donate the two cultural assets to the National Jinju Museum, judging that they could be used for research on the Imjin War. During the donation process, Jo Min-gi additionally donated the upper volume of 'Punggongyubodoryak' and seven books from the late Joseon and Qing dynasties.

President Moon explained, "It is truly admirable for such a young student, but this is not the first time. Already in February last year, he donated four 'An Jung-geun Case Trial Transcripts' showing the trial process of An Jung-geun under Japanese rule, and I invited him to the Blue House to share my gratitude."

President Moon said, "It is difficult to devote oneself to collecting by cutting back on living expenses without pride in history and passion for old things. The joy of discovery also requires insight. I am proud of Jo Min-gi, who kept his promise of 'steady donation,' and his father, who not only shared the passion and insight for collecting but also the joy of donation with his son, is an exceptionally admirable person."

President Moon added that Jo Min-gi sent a letter along with the cultural assets, saying, "Although he is a young student, the letter contains truly admirable and commendable feelings."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.