Ten assembly members attend ceremony at Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Memorial Hall on Monday; about 200 gather including Heungsadan members and local residents
The Gangnam-gu Council marked the 148th birth anniversary of independence activist Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, reflecting on his patriotic spirit and commitment to action.
The council attended a commemorative ceremony Monday afternoon at the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Memorial Hall in Sinsa-dong, honoring Ahn's dedication to his country and his lifelong struggle for national independence.
The event, organized by the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Memorial Foundation, drew 10 council members — including Deputy Speaker Kim Hyun-jung, Administrative Safety Committee Chair Lee In-sun, Economy and Urban Committee Chair Song Young-gwang, and members Bok Jin-gyeong, Lee Dong-ho, Kim Yun-hee, Lee Jong-won, Yeom Hee-ok, Hwang Tae-hyeon and No Mi-jin. About 200 people attended in total, including National Assembly member Seo Myeong-ok, Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-gi, Dosan Memorial Foundation and Heungsadan members, and local residents. Council Speaker Lee Jae-jin was not present.
The ceremony opened with a reading of Ahn's biographical sketch and commemorative addresses, followed by a performance by the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Wind Orchestra and a baritone solo by Choe Byeong-hyeok. The 27th Dosan Ahn Chang-ho Essay Contest awards ceremony was also held, passing the activist's spirit and values to the next generation.
"Dosan Ahn Chang-ho devoted his entire life not only to the independence of his country but also to nurturing talent through education, so that our people could build their own strength and forge their own future," Deputy Speaker Kim said. "His emphasis on living a life of action rather than mere words continues to resonate deeply even today."
Kim added that truly honoring his legacy means keeping the values of honesty, responsibility and action alive throughout society, and that the Gangnam-gu Council would continue to support efforts to spread Ahn's ideals and ensure future generations carry on his spirit.
Ahn Chang-ho was born Nov. 9, 1878, in Gangseo, South Pyongan Province, and devoted his life to national self-determination and the strengthening of the Korean people. He led education and independence movements through the Sinminhoe organization, the founding of Daeseong School and the establishment of the Heungsadan, and served as a key leader of the Korean Provisional Government. Despite repeated imprisonment and persecution, he continued his struggle for independence until his death on March 10, 1938.
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