"I wish our nation to become the most beautiful country in the world. I do not wish it to become the most powerful nation. ... What I truly desire is the power of a high culture." (From My Wish)
Located in Hyochang Park in Seoul, the Baekbeom Kim Koo Memorial Hall offers a profound glimpse into the blueprint of a “cultural powerhouse” envisioned by Kim Koo more than a century ago. He believed Korea should become a source and model of advanced culture, contributing to global peace. Today, as Korean culture resonates worldwide, his foresight appears remarkably prescient. The memorial hall stands as a space where visitors can reflect on that enduring vision.
◇ The Path to Independence That Began with the “Way of the Heart”
The exhibition begins with the story of a boy named Changam from Hwanghae Province. Born into poverty, he devoted himself to study in an attempt to overcome rigid social barriers, only to face disillusionment with the corruption of the state examination system.
While studying physiognomy, he realized his face bore no signs of fortune. Yet, inspired by the saying, “A good face is not as important as a good body, and a good body is not as important as a good heart,” he resolved to become a person of integrity. This belief later shaped his journey into Donghak, his leadership as a local commander, and his decisive turn toward the independence movement following the Chiha-po incident.
After joining Donghak, Changam changed his name to Changsu, later adopting several names including Wonjong and Kim Durae. At age 25, he took the name “Gu” (龜), later changing it to “Gu” (九) to signify his break from Japanese colonial records. His pen name “Baekbeom” reflected his wish that even ordinary people would possess patriotism.
Following the March 1st Movement in 1919, Kim Koo resolved to join the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, believing independence required organized planning beyond symbolic protests. On April 11, 1919, he was appointed as a cabinet member, marking the beginning of a 27-year journey at the heart of Korea’s independence struggle.
As head of security, he protected both the government and Korean expatriates, later serving in key leadership roles. In 1931, amid Japan’s expansion into Manchuria, he organized the Korean Patriotic Corps, leading figures such as Lee Bong-chang and Yun Bong-gil in resistance operations.
His leadership revitalized the independence movement, while years of exile and hardship across the Chinese mainland demonstrated his unwavering commitment. Even amid internal divisions, which once led to an assassination attempt against him, Kim Koo continued to unify the movement.
In 1940, as president of the Provisional Government in Chongqing, he worked to consolidate independence forces, conduct diplomatic efforts, and establish the Korean Liberation Army, preparing both for liberation and the nation’s future.
◇ “What I Desire Is Only the Power of Culture”
“What I want for our nation is not to conquer the world through force or dominate it through economic power.” (From My Wish)
Even in the turbulent period following liberation, Kim Koo emphasized the primacy of cultural strength over military or economic might. In an era when Korean culture captivates global audiences, his vision resonates with renewed clarity. He envisioned a nation that would offer warmth, comfort, and joy to humanity.
This philosophy is further reflected in his family history. His mother, Kwak Nak-won, instilled in him a sense of dignity and sacrifice, once choosing to purchase a pistol for independence fighters instead of funding a birthday celebration for her son.
Kim Koo also dedicated himself to education, founding schools to foster national consciousness among youth. Even during imprisonment, he referred to the prison as a “university,” continuing to teach fellow activists. For him, education was inseparable from the independence movement.
Throughout the Provisional Government’s journey from Shanghai to Chongqing, he oversaw the publication of textbooks such as Elementary Korean Language and National History, ensuring future generations would retain their language and heritage.
“I know well that I am lacking. But as a member of this nation, I have done what I could without rest.”
Though Kim Koo was assassinated on June 26, 1949, his spirit endures. As visitors leave the memorial hall, the lingering presence of his ideals invites reflection on the unfinished task of unity. Yet the seeds of a cultural nation he envisioned have already taken root across the world. His dream remains ongoing.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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