Ahn Jung-geun's calligraphy to be auctioned for first time

A rare collection of historical artifacts, including the first public auction of Ahn Jung-geun's handwritten calligraphy, is set to be unveiled. The auction, hosted by K Auction, will present a total of 107 items valued at around 12 billion won (approximately $8.7 million USD). Among the highlights is Ahn Jung-geun's calligraphy, designated as Treasure No. 569-1, titled 'Baekindangjungtae Hwa.' This piece was written by Ahn shortly before his execution in Lushun Prison and conveys the value of patience, drawing from an ancient Chinese tale about family prosperity and peace. The auction is seen as a crucial moment for evaluating the public worth of privately held cultural heritage and for enriching modern historical scholarship. The collection also includes a set of judicial records that serve as evidence of Ahn's circumstances before his death, underscoring its unique historical significance. The event aims to bring these important pieces of Korean history to a wider audience and facilitate their preservation and study.