Celebrating Korea's Liberation Day, Collaboration Preserves Historical Legacy

Courtesy of Seo Kyung-duk

In a poignant display of cross-cultural cooperation, actress Song Hye-kyo has joined forces with Seo Kyung-duk, a distinguished professor at Sungshin Women's University renowned for his advocacy of Korean heritage, to donate 10,000 guidebooks on Korea's historical sites in Hawaii to the Center for Korean Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

The benevolent gesture, timed to coincide with Korea's Liberation Day on August 15, holds a deeper significance as Hawaii emerged as a rallying point for ethnic Koreans during Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945. In this historical context, Hawaii served as a platform for raising funds to fuel the independence movements.

The guidebooks, thoughtfully curated in both Korean and English, meticulously outline the historical significance of various heritage sites intertwined with the fervent drive for independence. Among these locales is the Oahu Cemetery, a resting place for Korean independence fighters who made a profound impact.

Professor Seo Kyung-duk, a fervent advocate for Korean heritage and an active contributor to Korea's international promotion, reflected on the profound nature of this collaboration. "This year marks the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S.," Professor Seo noted. "We envisioned these guidebooks as a conduit to attract more visitors to Korea's historic sites in Hawaii, augmenting the appeal beyond the realm of conventional tourist attractions." 

▲ Courtesy of Seo Kyung-duk
Additionally, Seo underscored the paramount importance of preserving and safeguarding historical sites abroad, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. "By directing our attention to these sites, we contribute to their preservation and elevation," Seo added, highlighting the role of collective efforts in upholding cultural legacies.

The collaboration between Seo and Song spans over a decade, marked by their consistent contributions of guidebooks elucidating Korea's historical heritage. These donations have reverberated across 34 locations worldwide, including esteemed institutions such as the Korean Cultural Center in Paris and the Utoro Peace Memorial Museum in Japan. The latter, situated close to Kyoto, bears witness to the hardships endured by approximately 1,300 Koreans who were coerced into labor for Japan's military during World War II.

As Song Hye-kyo and Professor Seo Kyung-duk continue to bridge cultural divides through their altruistic endeavors, their joint effort resonates as a beacon of cross-border collaboration that safeguards historical narratives and fosters global understanding.

Sayart.net 

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com