'Era of K-culture': PM Han says Kim Koo's dream for Korea is becoming reality

"That dream is becoming reality in South Korea today, Aug. 29."

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Saturday that the vision of independence activist Kim Koo is being realized, citing Kim's words — "The one thing I want, without limit, is a higher culture" — at a ceremony held that afternoon at the Baekbeom Kim Koo Memorial Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to mark the UNESCO commemoration year of Kim's 150th birth anniversary.

"I will do my utmost, together with the people, to build the Korea that Kim Koo dreamed of — the most beautiful country in the world, one that contributes to the peace and happiness of all humanity through the power of a great culture," Han pledged.

She added that the cultural power Kim had so longed for had now grown beyond Korea to connect people around the world. "This is the era of K-culture, which we are so proud of," she said.

Han also expressed gratitude for UNESCO's designation of the 150th anniversary of Kim's birth as a commemoration year, calling it "a truly meaningful and proud occasion for all our people" and offering "deep thanks and respect to all those who worked to make it happen."