Chonnam National University Hosts Exhibition Commemorating 100th Anniversary of Korean Migration to Cuba

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Chonnam National University will hold a large-scale exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Korean migration to Cuba.

According to Chonnam National University on the 24th, the Peaceful Unification and Diplomacy Center at Chonnam National University will hold an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Korean migration to Cuba from the 25th to the 31st on the first floor of the Diplomatic Town in Seocho-gu, Seoul, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Under the theme "The 100-Year Footsteps of Koreans in Cuba," the exhibition will showcase about 200 items selected from over 5,000 photos and records collected by Professor Kim Jae-gi over the past six years while traveling between Cuba, Mexico, and the United States. These include historical records related to the independence movement that took place in Cuba during the Japanese colonial period and materials and photos demonstrating the passionate patriotism of the diaspora who had lost their homeland at that time.

Since 2015 until last year, Professor Kim visited more than 20 cities across three countries, including Havana, Matanzas, and Manat? in Cuba; New York, California, Washington, and Florida in the United States; and M?rida, Mexico City, and Tijuana in Mexico, personally photographing records and collecting materials held by descendants.

Additionally, he assisted in ensuring that medals posthumously awarded to descendants of Korean independence activists in the local area were properly delivered.

The Korean community in Cuba was officially formed after migrating to Mexico in 1905, carrying the sorrow of losing their country, and then re-migrating to Cuba in 1921. They established organizations such as the "Korean National Association" and the "Korean Women’s Patriotic Corps," serving as a strong support system for the diaspora without family or country and dedicating themselves to independence.

Professor Kim Jae-gi said, "I hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to remember the patriotism of Koreans who sent money earned through hard work in sugarcane fields on the opposite side of the globe as independence funds, as well as the hardships and sorrows they endured in a distant foreign land."

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