Korea Economic Association Holds Signboard Ceremony for First ‘Luxury Shop’ Supporting Descendants of Independence Activists

Support Project for Descendants of Independence Activists
First ‘Luxury Shop’ Opens in Seoul
Business Space Renovated to Inspire Pride and Memory
Expansion Planned for Eight Regions Nationwide

The Korea Economic Association announced on August 14 that it held a signboard ceremony on August 13 for the first store of the ‘Luxury Shop (A Shop Embracing Honor)’ project, a support initiative for small business owners who are descendants of independence activists.

Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association (right), and Yang Jonghee, chairman of KB Financial Group (left), attended the signboard ceremony for the first store of the ‘Luxury Store’ project, a support program for descendants of independence activists who are small business owners, held on the 13th in Changdong, Dobong-gu. They presented the signboard to Kim Sujeong, director of Palette Art Studio. The ‘Luxury Store’ project is a public-private partnership promoted by the Korea Economic Association in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, in collaboration with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, KB Financial Group, the Liberation Association, and Habitat Korea, providing support such as remodeling business spaces and management consulting. Photo by Korea Economic Association

The ‘Luxury Shop’ project is a public-private partnership promoted by the Korea Economic Association in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of liberation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, KB Financial Group, the Liberation Association, and Habitat Korea. The project aims to improve the business spaces of descendants of independence activists and foster their sense of pride. In addition to remodeling the spaces, it also provides various forms of support, such as management consulting.

The first store selected for the project, Palette Art Studio, is operated by Kim Sujeong, the great-granddaughter of independence activist Kim Hyuk, and is located in Changdong, Dobong-gu, Seoul. Kim, who had been facing difficulties running the studio due to the aging building, applied to participate in the project herself. The selection committee stated that it made its decision after a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s purpose, the current operation of the business, and Kim’s background.

Through this support, overall improvements were made, including exterior repairs, signboard replacement, interior remodeling, and reinforcement of water pipes. As the studio has been transformed into a more pleasant and safe educational space, it is expected to continue serving as a place where many local children can nurture their dreams and talents.

In particular, a portrait of independence activist Kim Hyuk hangs inside the studio, adding symbolic significance beyond being merely an educational space, and establishing it as a ‘place where memory and education coexist.’ Kim Hyuk was a key figure who effectively led the Bukro Military Administration Office. He participated in the Battle of Cheongsanri and, as the head of civil affairs for the Shinminhoe, dedicated himself to training independence forces.

The signboard ceremony was attended by Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association; Kwon Oeul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; Yang Jonghee, chairman of KB Financial Group; Kim Jin, vice chairman of the Liberation Association; Lee Gwanghoe, secretary general of Habitat Korea; and other key stakeholders. Ryu Jin stated, “Many children will see the signboard of this prestigious academy and be inspired by the patriotism of the independence activists,” and added, “The business community will also do its utmost to support the honorable lives of the bereaved families.”

Meanwhile, students of the studio who attended the ceremony expressed their gratitude by presenting drawings and handwritten letters on the theme of ‘Love for the Country’ to the attendees.

Regarding this project, the Korea Economic Association explained, “This initiative goes beyond simply improving facilities; it is a project that connects the noble spirit of independence activists with contemporary life,” and added, “Its purpose is to provide practical support so that descendants can continue their livelihoods with pride.”

Starting with this first store, the project will be sequentially expanded to a total of eight regions nationwide, including Uiryeong in South Gyeongsang Province, Yeongdeungpo in Seoul, Cheonan in South Chungcheong Province, Yeongam in South Jeolla Province, Chilgok and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province, and Seosan in South Chungcheong Province. The project encompasses various types of businesses, such as private academies, fruit shops, and blacksmith shops, with customized remodeling provided for each type. The second store to follow will be ‘Luxury Blacksmith Shop,’ operated by Jo Surrae, the granddaughter of independence activist Jo Soang. Jo Soang was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation, served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Provisional Government, and played a significant role in the independence movement.

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