Honoring Han Yong-un on the 82nd Anniversary of His Death — and 100 Years of 'Silence of the Beloved'

Seoul's Seongbuk-gu, led by District Mayor Lee Seung-ro, will hold a memorial Buddhist tea ceremony Monday to mark the 82nd death anniversary of Venerable Han Yong-un at Simujang in Seongbuk-dong. The event is co-organized with the Seonhakwon Foundation, Samgaksan Jeonbeopsa Temple and the Seongbuk Cultural Center.

The ceremony is supported by Seongbuk-gu and the Local Government Administrative Council for the Promotion of Han Yong-un.

Venerable Han Yong-un resided at Simujang in Seongbuk-dong from 1933 until his death on June 29, 1944, dedicating himself to the independence movement, Buddhist reform and literary work. He refused to compromise with Japanese imperialism during the colonial era, championing national consciousness, and contributed numerous essays to the Buddhist journal "Bulgyo" to advocate for reform within the faith. He also wrote novels including "Heukpung" and "Baengmyeong," spreading a spirit of resistance and national identity.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Han's defining poetry collection "Silence of the Beloved," making the ceremony a particularly meaningful occasion to reflect on his independence spirit and literary thought.

A range of cultural events will accompany the memorial rites. Jo In and Jo Mari of theater troupe Kkaeoom will present a recitation performance titled "A Child's Proclamation of Korean Independence," based on Han's works, followed by a commemorative choral performance by the Haejoeum Choir of Hongnyongsa Temple.

The ceremony at Simujang — where Han spent the final 11 years of his life pursuing independence activities and writing — is expected to honor his life and spirit and to renew reflection on the significance of the independence movement.

"The Han Yong-un memorial tea ceremony is held every year at Simujang, where the venerable master passed away," District Mayor Lee said. "I hope this year's ceremony, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the publication of 'Silence of the Beloved,' will be a truly meaningful occasion to reflect once again on his spirit of independence and his literary thought."