Seoul: The veterans ministry plans to repatriate the remains of five independence activists this year who fought against Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, as the country marks its 80th anniversary of liberation, officials said Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry seeks to bring home the remains of the activists, including Han Eung-kyu, from Brazil, Canada, Kazakhstan, and the United States, and lay them to rest in their homeland by Liberation Day, which falls on Aug. 15. This plan was outlined in a policy report for 2025 to acting President Choi Sang-mok. A ministry official mentioned that the ministry might also consider repatriating the remains of one or two more independence activists, though no further details were provided.
In addition, the ministry announced plans to establish a working group that will include members from both the public and private sectors to locate and excavate the remains of independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun. Ahn is noted for assassinating Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first prime minister and resident-general of Korea, in Harbin, China. Ahn's remains are believed to be buried in China, and the ministry is seeking to improve talks with China, which have been stalled since 2008, to advance this project.
Since 1946, South Korea has successfully repatriated the remains of 149 independence activists from overseas. In related developments, the ministry plans to increase compensation fees for veterans by 5 percent and raise monthly allowances for war veterans by 30,000 won (US$21).
Furthermore, the ministry is making efforts to secure a bid to host the Invictus Games in 2029, aiming to become the first Asian nation to host this international sports event for wounded, injured, and sick service members.