| Independence Activists of the Month: Three Fighters Who Led the Independence Movement in Latin America | |
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The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Minister Kang
Jung-ai) announced that Lim Cheon-taek, Seo Byeong-hak, and Park Chang-woon have been selected as the "Independence Activists of October 2024." These activists led independence movements in Latin America, particularly in Cuba and Mexico. In 1905, over 1,000 Koreans arrived in Mexico, marking the first Korean immigration to the country. After working for four years on henequen plantations, these immigrants actively participated in Korean-American organizations and nationalist education, contributing to Korea’s independence movement. Lim Cheon-taek (1903) moved to Mexico with his mother and later relocated to Cuba at the age of 18. He was involved in various Korean organizations such as the Korean National Association's Matanzas branch, the Union of Koreans in Cuba, and the Korean Patriotic Society in Cuba. He also served as the principal of Minseong Korean School and Jinsung School, dedicating himself to nationalist education. Lim raised funds to support the Korean Liberation Army and engaged with intellectuals in Korea to spread national consciousness. Seo Byeong-hak (1885) worked for four years on a henequen plantation in Mexico before moving to Cuba in 1921. He was active in several Korean organizations, including the Merida, Ohakgina, Matanzas, and Havana branches of the Korean National Association. Seo worked as a teacher at Minseong Korean School and Havana Korean School, striving to instill a sense of identity and nationalism among Korean immigrants. He also supported the independence movement by consistently raising funds for the Korean Liberation Army. Park Chang-woon (1889) also labored on a henequen plantation in Mexico before relocating to Cuba in 1921. He was active in Korean organizations such as the Merida and Matanzas branches of the Korean National Association and the Korean Patriotic Society in the Americas. Park supported Haedong School financially and served as the principal of Minseong Korean School, focusing on the education of Korean youth. He also contributed to relief funds for flood victims, famine relief, and independence. Despite the difficult circumstances, these three independence activists in Latin America worked together through the Korean National Association, dedicating their lives to protecting Korean interests and advancing the independence movement. To honor their contributions, the government awarded Lim Cheon-taek the Patrotic Medal (Order of Merit for National Foundation), and Seo Byeong-hak and Park Chang-woon the National Medal (Order of Merit for National Foundation). |
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| date | 2024-10-01 |
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| File | |
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