Bust sculptures of independence activists, who dedicated their lives for anti-Japanese movement, have been erected at the Korea Military Academy in Gongneung, northern Seoul. Celebrating the 99th anniversary of March 1st Independence Movement, the army unveiled the sculptures of Gen. Hong Beom-do, Kim Jwa-jin, Ji Cheong-cheon and Lee Beom-seok as well as Lee Hoe-young, the founder of Shinheung Military Academy, at the unveiling ceremony held Thursday at the Korea Military Academy.
Present at the ceremony were Lee Jong-chan, grandson of Lee Hoe-young and the head of the committee in charge of establishing a memorial hall for Korea’s Provisional Government, Rep. Lee Jong-geol of the Minjoo Party of Korea, Lee Jun-sik, grandson of Gen. Ji Cheong-cheon and the head of the Independence Hall, and 300 other descendants of independence patriots and army cadets.
The bust sculptures standing in front of the Chungmu Building are made of 300 kilograms of cartridge cases. This is equivalent to 50,000 5.56mm bullets. The army said that the meaning of using bullets is to pay tribute to the patriots, who defeated Japanese army in the battles of Bongodong and Cheongsanri despite a short supply of rifles and ammunition.
“We will inherit the noble sacrifices and spirits of the heroes, who sacrificed themselves for the independence of our country, enduring severe cold and hunger in Manchuria,” said Lt. Gen. Kim Wan-tae, superintendent of the Korea Army Academy.
Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com