K-pop artist Paekga reveals ancestor was independence activist Jin Hee-chang

K-pop artist Paekga, a member of the group CoCoCo, has publicly shared for the first time that he is a descendant of independence activist Jin Hee-chang. Paekga revealed this on his YouTube channel, stating his great-grandfather was a key figure who supported the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai.

Paekga explained his hesitation to share this information previously, fearing it might seem like he was benefiting from his ancestor's legacy. However, he now feels ready to help other descendants of independence activists who may be struggling financially. "I've heard that descendants of independence activists often face economic hardship," Paekga said. "I didn't have the capacity to help anyone before, but now I do."

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I've heard that descendants of independence activists often face economic hardship. I didn't have the capacity to help anyone before, but now I do.

Jin Hee-chang, who lived from 1874 to 1933, was a significant independence activist. After Korea's annexation by Japan in 1910, he moved to Shanghai. There, he worked for a British-run tram company, using his position to provide secret shelters and financial support to Korean independence fighters fleeing to the city. He was also involved in the Provisional Government's operations, including organizing its economic support committee.

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He wrote that close comrades like Jin Hee-chang helped me without giving me 'hated rice.'

His contributions were recognized by the Korean government, which posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1980. Paekga noted that Jin Hee-chang's name appears in the second volume of Baekbeom Ilji, an autobiography by independence leader Kim Gu. "He wrote that close comrades like Jin Hee-chang helped me without giving me 'hated rice,'" Paekga recalled, referencing a passage that highlights Jin's support.

Paekga reflected on the weight of his great-grandfather's dedication, stating, "My great-grandfather was with the historic first step of naming the country the Republic of Korea and establishing a democratic republic. He supported the Provisional Government and the independence movement day and night, but ultimately could not see liberation and died in Shanghai in February 1933." He added that his great-grandfather's sacrifices were too immense to be merely a source of pride on television.

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My great-grandfather was with the historic first step of naming the country the Republic of Korea and establishing a democratic republic. He supported the Provisional Government and the independence movement day and night, but ultimately could not see liberation and died in Shanghai in February 1933.