'Expelled for Resisting Japanese Rule' Late Na Seungman Receives Honorary Diploma After 80 Years

Expelled After Repeatedly Refusing to Participate in Japanese Militarist Military Training

Died in 2019... Son Nagibang Received Diploma on His Behalf

An honorary diploma was awarded to the late Na Seung-man, who was expelled 80 years ago for opposing Japanese-style education.

On the 31st, an honorary graduation ceremony was held at the 99th graduation ceremony of Gwangju Jeil High School in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City. Na Ki-bang, the son, received the diploma on behalf of his late father.

Nagibang (second from the left) received an honorary diploma on behalf of his late father, Na Seung-man, at the 99th graduation ceremony of Gwangju Jeil High School in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 31st.
[Photo by Jin-hyung Park]

Born in Jangseon, Jeollanam-do, Na Seung-man was expelled while attending the 4th grade at Gwangju Seogongnip Middle School (the predecessor of Jeil High School) after repeatedly refusing to participate in the militaristic military training imposed by the Japanese imperialists.

At that time, during the Japanese colonial period, the entire nation was forced to visit shrines and change their family names, and students were required to receive military education. Na Seung-man’s expulsion, which occurred as he resisted the Japanese imperial ambitions, remained a lifelong wound.

In response, Na Ki-bang conveyed to the Gwangju Jeil High School Alumni Association that "his father had earnestly wished to receive the diploma before he passed away in 2019," leading to the honorary diploma being awarded. This occurred more than 80 years after his expulsion.

Na said, "I sincerely thank the principal and school officials for arranging this meaningful occasion," adding, "My father would have been happy to receive it in person."

He continued, "Once again, I express my deepest gratitude and wish for the school's endless development and glory."

Gwangju Jeil High School has awarded honorary diplomas to 308 people over 37 occasions so far, and plans to continue restoring the honor of alumni who could not graduate due to their involvement in the independence and democratization movements.

Moon Seok-hwan, president of the alumni association, said, "This reminds us of the spirit and courage of the Gwangju Student Independence Movement during the Japanese colonial period, the anti-dictatorship democratization struggles during the Yushin dictatorship, and the May 18 Democratization Movement," emphasizing, "I want to encourage living a righteous and spirited life."

Principal Woo Jae-hak said, "Our alma mater has formed a great mountain range through student independence and democratization movements," and added, "I hope our alumni grow to be proud and honorable, and I sincerely congratulate the graduation."

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