DistantNews
Support us
🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

President Lee visits memorial for Korean independence activist in Mongolia

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visited the Lee Tae-jun Memorial Hall in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to pay respects at the independent activist's grave.
  • The visit marked the first time a South Korean president has visited the memorial in 15 years, highlighting Lee Tae-jun's contributions to Korean independence and Mongolian healthcare.
  • President Lee also visited the Zaisan Memorial, an area believed to be where Lee Tae-jun was buried after his death, and inquired about Mongolia's development plans.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung paid homage to the independent activist Lee Tae-jun during his state visit to Mongolia, visiting the Lee Tae-jun Memorial Hall in Ulaanbaatar. The president paid his respects at Lee Tae-jun's grave, marking a significant moment as it was the first presidential visit to the memorial in 15 years, following former President Lee Myung-bak's visit in 2011.

Was Teacher Lee Tae-jun a disciple of Teacher Ahn Chang-ho?

— President Lee Jae-myungAsking about Lee Tae-jun's mentorship during the visit to the memorial hall.

The memorial hall commemorates Lee Tae-jun's dual contributions: his role in the Korean independence movement and his efforts to advance modern healthcare in Mongolia. President Lee showed particular interest in Lee Tae-jun's activities, asking about his mentorship under Ahn Chang-ho and examining a copy of the Independent newspaper that detailed Lee Tae-jun's financial support for the provisional government.

He considered him a mentor.

— GuideAnswering President Lee's question about Lee Tae-jun's relationship with Ahn Chang-ho.

President Lee inquired about the use of a pseudonym, 'Lee Dae-am,' for the donation, understanding it was a measure to protect his identity. The president also expressed keen interest in the location believed to be Lee Tae-jun's burial site, based on historical accounts. He spontaneously suggested a visit to the Zaisan Memorial, a popular site in Ulaanbaatar, which is thought to be where Lee Tae-jun was interred after his death in 1921.

Is it okay to disclose the fact that you donated independence funds in the newspaper?

— President Lee Jae-myungInquiring about the public disclosure of Lee Tae-jun's financial support for the independence movement.

Ascending the Zaisan Memorial, President Lee observed the urban landscape of Ulaanbaatar, discussing the disparities in development and forestation with the South Korean and Mongolian ambassadors. He also inquired about Mongolia's plan to build a second capital city, showing interest in the project modeled after South Korea's Sejong City. During his visit, President Lee also took photos with Korean nationals he encountered, sharing a lighthearted moment with a child who expressed excitement about meeting him.

It seems he used a pseudonym to avoid exposure.

— President Lee Jae-myungSpeculating on the reason for the pseudonym 'Lee Dae-am' used for the donation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog