Suwon City Uncovers Two Hidden Independence Heroes, Secures Posthumous Honors

Suwon City has honored two more independence activists, Moon Yong-bae and Yoon Kyung-ui, posthumously recognizing their contributions to Korea's liberation from Japanese rule. This announcement coincides with the 81st anniversary of Korea's Liberation Day.

Moon Yong-bae, born in 1916, was honored with the Ae Juk Jang. He was arrested and imprisoned in Seodaemun Prison in 1937 for his involvement in the Joseon Communist Party Reconstruction Movement. He served nearly two years before his release in April 1939.

Yoon Kyung-ui, born in 1893, received a Presidential Commendation. A farmer from Suwon, he was sentenced to six months in prison in 1937 for allegedly spreading rumors that the Japanese military would lose the war. Details about their lives and descendants remain unclear, prompting the city to apply for honors on behalf of their families.

Suwon City has actively sought to uncover and honor hidden independence fighters since the opening of the Suwon Museum in 2008. This effort has led to the recognition of numerous individuals, including Kim Hyang-hwa in 2009 and Lee Sun-kyung in 2012. In 2019, 15 individuals were honored, and in 2024, two more were added to the list, with an additional seven recommended last year. The Suwon Museum's curatorial team leader, Lee Dong-geun, stated that the museum has facilitated national honors for 15 independence activists over the past two decades and pledged continued efforts.

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Suwon Museum has continuously strived for research and discovery of awardees of independence movements in the Suwon region for over 20 years since its opening, and a total of 15 independence activists have received national honors.