Overview
Jo Maria (趙瑪利亞, 1862-1927) was the mother of Ahn Jung-geun. She is celebrated as a female independence activist who became a spiritual pillar of the Korean independence movement through her unwavering support of her sons righteous action. She is revered as a symbol of Korean womens independence movement.
Basic Information
| Name | Jo Maria (趙瑪利亞) |
|---|---|
| Baptismal Name | Maria |
| Life | 1862 - July 15, 1927 |
| Birthplace | Haeju, Hwanghae Province |
| Spouse | Ahn Tae-hun (安泰勳) |
| Children | Ahn Jung-geun, Ahn Jeong-geun, Ahn Gong-geun, and others |
Life
Family and Marriage
Born in 1862 in Haeju, Hwanghae Province, into a distinguished yangban family. She married Ahn Tae-hun and had several children including Ahn Jung-geun. A devout Catholic, she played an important role in her entire familys conversion to Catholicism.
Education of Children
Jo Maria taught her children patriotism and justice. She particularly instilled in Ahn Jung-geun the teaching that "as a man, you must do great things for your country."
Letter to Her Son
After the Harbin Assassination
After Ahn Jung-geun was arrested for assassinating Itō Hirobumi in 1909, Jo Maria sent him a letter. This letter remains one of the most moving documents in Korean independence history.
The Historic Letter
"If you consider it unfilial to die before your old mother, then this mother will become a laughingstock. Your death belongs not to you alone but carries the indignation of all Koreans. If you appeal, that would be begging Japan for your life. Since you did this for your country, do not waver and die. You received this sentence for doing what is right, so do not seek life like a coward—dying for the great cause is filial piety to your mother. This will probably be the last letter this mother writes to you. I am sending your burial clothes; wear these and go. This mother does not expect to see you again in this world, so be sure to be reborn as a good son of God in the next."
Independence Movement Activities
Exile and Activities
After Ahn Jung-geuns martyrdom, Jo Maria went into exile in China with her remaining family. In Shanghai, she supported the Provisional Government of Korea and aided independence activists in every way possible.
Supporting Womens Independence Movement
She supported the Korean Patriotic Womens Association and encouraged womens participation in the independence movement.
Death
She passed away on July 15, 1927, in Shanghai, China. Her remains are now interred at the Provisional Government Leaders Cemetery in Hyochang Park.
Legacy
- Posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Patriotic Medal
- Symbolic status as "Mother of Independence Fighters"
- Her letter to her son is regarded as the essence of Korean independence spirit
- Featured in numerous dramas and films