An Jung-geun

An Jung-geun was a prominent Korean independence activist during the early 20th century.

He lived during a period when Japan exercised control over Korea. An became a symbol of resistance through his actions against Japanese leadership. His life was defined by his commitment to Korean sovereignty and his Catholic faith. Today, he is remembered differently depending on the country. The governments of South Korea, North Korea, and both China recognize him as a martyr. However, the Japanese government views him as a terrorist.

An was born on September 2, 1879, in Haeju, Joseon. His family had a strong tradition of service and activism. As a youth, he studied Chinese literature and Western sciences. He also developed skills in martial arts and marksmanship. Kim Ku, a future leader of the independence movement, noted An's strong charisma. At age 16, An entered the Catholic Church with his father.

He received the baptismal name Thomas and learned French. A priest named Father Wilhelm provided him with significant support. Father Wilhelm even hid An in a church for several months to protect him from the Japanese.

An's activism took many forms before his most famous action. At age 25, he operated a coal business. Following the Eulsa Treaty, he focused on educating Koreans by establishing private schools in northwestern Korea. He also participated in the National Debt Repayment Movement. His political involvement caused tension with the Catholic Church. Authorities wanted the Church to remain apolitical. Because of this, An was refused communion. In 1907, he left for Vladivostok to join armed resistance against Japanese rule. He eventually became a lieutenant general in a Korean resistance group.

In October 1909, An carried out a major operation in Harbin, China. He traveled to the Harbin Railway Station by pretending to be a Japanese expat. He waited for Itō Hirobumi, the Japanese Resident-General of Korea.

An used an FN M1900 pistol to shoot Itō three times on the platform. He also shot three other men: Kawagami Toshihiko, Morita Jirō, and Tanaka Seitarō. These men were also seriously injured. After the shooting, An shouted for Korean independence in Russian. Russian guards arrested him and held him for two days. They then turned him over to Japanese colonial authorities.

An was imprisoned at the Lüshun Russo-Japanese Prison. During his detention, he was provided with ample food and daily necessities. His calligraphy was highly admired by the Japanese. During his trial, An presented fifteen specific crimes committed by Itō Hirobumi. He argued that he should be treated as a prisoner of war. However, the court rejected this claim and applied Japanese criminal law. The Japanese Foreign Minister, Komura Jutarō, ordered the case be handled under Japanese law. In February 1910, the court sentenced An to death.

An's family provided him with strength during his final days. His mother, Jo Maria, sent a message through his brothers. She told him that his death was for his country. She urged him to die bravely for justice. An expressed a desire to write a work called "A Treatise on Peace in the East." He hoped to rectify the policies of Itō.

Unfortunately, Tokyo ordered a prompt execution. This left his writing unfinished. An requested to be executed by a firing squad as a prisoner of war. Instead, he was hanged as a common criminal on March 26, 1910.

An's death had a lasting impact on Korean history. His family members continued to participate in the independence movement. His brothers and nephews joined the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. One nephew, An Chun-Saeng, became a lieutenant general in the Republic of Korea Army. In 1962, the South Korean government awarded An the Republic of Korea Medal. This is the highest grade of the Order of Merit for National Foundation. A large centenary tribute was held in South Korea in 2010. While his exact burial site remains unknown, he is honored at Hyochang Park in Seoul.