Overview
Ahn Jung-geun (安重根, 1879-1910) was a Korean independence activist who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the first Resident-General of Korea, at Harbin Station in China on October 26, 1909. He is one of the most revered independence fighters in Korean history.
Basic Information
| Name | Ahn Jung-geun (安重根) |
|---|---|
| Childhood Name | Ahn Eung-chil (安應七) |
| Baptismal Name | Thomas |
| Life | September 2, 1879 - March 26, 1910 |
| Birthplace | Haeju, Hwanghae Province |
| Place of Death | Lüshun Prison, China |
Life
Early Years and Education
Born in 1879 into a yangban (aristocratic) family in Haeju, Hwanghae Province. He excelled in martial arts and marksmanship from childhood, and studied both classical Chinese learning and modern subjects. He converted to Catholicism in 1897, receiving the baptismal name Thomas.
Independence Movement Activities
After the Eulsa Treaty of 1905 which stripped Korea of its diplomatic sovereignty, Ahn devoted himself to the independence movement. In 1907, he went into exile in the Russian Maritime Province and began armed resistance activities, forming the Donguidan organization and performing the finger-cutting oath ceremony.
Harbin Assassination
Background
Itō Hirobumi was the architect of the Eulsa Treaty and the first Resident-General of Korea, making him the chief architect of Japanese aggression against Korea. Ahn sought to demonstrate Koreas will for independence to the world by eliminating Itō.
The Assassination (October 26, 1909)
At 9:30 AM on October 26, 1909, Ahn shot Itō Hirobumi three times at Harbin Station as he arrived for a meeting with the Russian Finance Minister. Ahn shouted "Korea Ura!" (Long live Korea!) as he was arrested at the scene.
Trial and Martyrdom
During his trial in a Japanese court, Ahn eloquently enumerated 15 crimes committed by Itō. He was sentenced to death on February 14, 1910, and was executed at Lüshun Prison on March 26, 1910. He was 31 years old.
On Eastern Peace
An unfinished treatise written in prison, presenting a visionary concept of East Asian peace where Korea, China, and Japan would coexist peacefully while resisting Western imperialism.
Last Words
"For three years I wandered abroad in wind and rain to recover Korean independence and maintain peace in the East. Now I die here without achieving that goal. I hope our twenty million brothers and sisters will each strive to study, promote industry, and carry on my will to recover freedom and independence. Then the dead shall have no regrets."
Memorials
- Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall (Namsan, Seoul)
- Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall at Harbin (China)
- Republic of Korea Medal, Order of Merit for National Foundation
- Annual memorial on March 26 (Day of Martyrdom)