'Independence Activists of the Month' Featuring Son Ilbong, Choi Cheolho, Park Cheoldong, and Lee Jeongsun

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Regional Veterans Office announced on the 1st that Son Ilbong (1912?1941), Choi Cheolho (1915?1941), Park Cheoldong (1915?1941), and Lee Jeongsun (1918?1941) were selected as the Independence Activists of the Month for July by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

The Independence Activists of the Month were jointly selected by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the Liberation Association, and the Independence Hall of Korea.

The four activists participated in the Joseon Volunteer Corps, the first Korean military organization south of the Great Wall of China, established on October 10, 1938, in Hangu, Hubei Province, China.

During the Battle of Hoga in December 1941, which began with a surprise attack by the Japanese army and the Huangxie army, Squad Leader Son Ilbong volunteered as the rear guard to cover the main unit's retreat. He bravely held off the enemy at the risk of his life but, regrettably, all were killed in action.

In 1993, the government posthumously awarded them the Order of Merit for National Foundation in recognition of their contributions.

Meanwhile, the Independence Activists of the Month are selected and announced by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Since 1992, the Ministry has designated and announced more than 12 independence activists annually by month and has conducted commemorative events such as memorial ceremonies and exhibitions to honor their achievements.

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