The Name Restored by Andong: Kwon Oseol

The 96th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony Held
Honoring the Spirit of the Chief Leader of the June 10th Manse Movement
Carrying Forward the Will of a Young Independence Activist
Continuing the Legacy as a Regional Spirit

The city of Andong held a memorial ceremony honoring the noble spirit of Kwon Oseol, the chief leader of the June 10th Manse Movement and a young independence activist, reaffirming the enduring significance of the region’s spirit of independence.

At the event, Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and Bae Yongsoo, Acting Mayor of Andong, along with bereaved families, veterans' organization officials, and local residents attended the 96th anniversary memorial ceremony for independence activist Kwon Oseol.
[Photo by Andong City]

Andong City announced that a memorial ceremony marking the 96th anniversary of Kwon Oseol (1897–1930) was held at his gravesite in Gagok-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, on April 17.

This memorial was organized to commemorate the noble spirit of self-sacrifice demonstrated by Kwon Oseol in his dedication to the nation’s independence during the Japanese colonial period, as well as to promote respect for independence patriots and spread a culture of honoring their contributions within the community.

The event was attended by Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Bae Yongsu, Acting Mayor of Andong, along with bereaved families, representatives of veterans organizations, and local residents, who gathered to remember the life and legacy of Kwon Oseol.

The ceremony began with a report on Kwon Oseol’s life and key achievements, followed by a memorial address, the recitation of a commemorative poem, floral tributes, and incense offerings. Participants reflected solemnly on Kwon Oseol’s indomitable spirit, recalling how he stood firm in the face of Japanese oppression.

Born in Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, Kwon Oseol was a leading figure in the movement for national education from an early age, working to enlighten youth and inspire national consciousness. In particular, he left a lasting mark on Korea’s independence movement as the chief leader of the June 10th Manse Movement in 1926, which became a nationwide anti-Japanese protest on the day of Emperor Sunjong’s state funeral.

Kwon Oseol was arrested by Japanese authorities three days before the uprising, on June 7, 1926. Despite severe torture, he never wavered in his conviction and continued to resist Japanese rule. Ultimately, he died on April 17, 1930, in Seodaemun Prison, succumbing to injuries sustained from torture.

In recognition of his achievements, the government posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Independence Medal, in 2005. Though his life was brief, his unwavering commitment to preserving the dignity of the Korean people during a time of oppression continues to have a profound impact to this day.

An official from Andong City stated, “The indomitable spirit shown by Kwon Oseol is the spiritual foundation of Andong, a sacred site of the independence movement, and a precious legacy that we must all inherit. We hope this memorial serves as an opportunity to once again engrave his struggle and sacrifice in our hearts and to further spread a culture of honoring independence patriots.”

Remembering Kwon Oseol is more than an act of tribute; it is a reminder of the historical responsibility and communal values we must uphold in our lives today. His name, called again after 96 years, stands as a living testament to Andong’s legacy of resistance and a spirit that remains relevant in our era.

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