[Editorial] Sohn, Marathon Hero and National Pride

The late Sohn Kee-jung, a national marathon hero, renewed the national pride and identity for the Korean people who were deprived of their nation in the Japanese colonial period.

Since the nation`s independence, he has contributed a great deal to the nation and its people through actively engaging himself in the training of marathoners, sports diplomacy and social activities. The newspaper is sending deep condolences to the late Sohn, who has been put to rest after making a huge devotion to the nation for his entire life.

The late Sohn broke the 2`30`` barrier, which was regarded as the human limit, and clinched the gold medal at the Berlin Olympic Games in 1936. He let the world know the existence of a lesser country, which was suffering from Japan`s colonialism, and brought huge happiness to the 23 billion Korean people.

Sports in Korea under the Japanese colonial rule were more than just games. They were the only legal means for Korean people to let out their frustration. After Sohn got the gold medal in marathon at the Berlin Olympics, this newspaper said in its editorial that it was only a sport in Korea, but it brought far greater exuberance and jubilation to the Korean people since it was the first and the greatest expression ever made by a Korean. It shows that his feat brought great happiness and encouragement for the Korean people.

While the Japanese national flag was being hoisted and the Japanese anthem was being played, Sohn was keeping his head down. Seeing the picture of the gold medalist with the Japanese national flag on his chest, all the Korean people had to feel frustrated again. This newspaper reflected the desire of the entire nation to remove the Japanese flag from his chest and ran a picture of Sohn with no Japanese flag on his chest. The Government-General imposed indefinite suspension of publication on this newspaper and arrested five reporters. This event still remains an important part of the history that enlightens us on the value of the national sovereignty.

The marathon hero left behind the uncompromising commitment to defy the limit despite all the hardship and the loving spirit for the nation and independence. The task now is to uphold and inherit the noble spirit of the late Sohn Kee-jung.