Woodang YI Hoeyeong (1867-1932)

The College of Liberal Studies held the first of a series of lectures in honor of independence movement leader YI Hoeyeong (1867-1932) on 11 November at Kwanjeong Library.

The lecture series were organized in collaboration with Asia-Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) and Peace Asia. The purpose of these academic and cultural lectures is to remember and commemorate the life of leader Woodang (Yi’s pen name), who worked for the independence of the Korean people, and for a future without oppression and discrimination. Born into a noble family, Woodang and his brothers sacrificed their entire fortune to establish Shinheung Military Academy in Manchuria to fight against the Japanese colonization of Korea.

College of Liberal Studies’ Dean HAN Kyung Koo hopes that these lectures will be a place where members of SNU and the public explore academic studies to share concerns of the current problems facing Korean society. Furthermore, he expects the students to learn the lessons of sacrifice, self-development, and an openness towards life.

For the first lecture, Professor YOON Young Kwan (Department of International Relations), who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs during President ROH Moo Hyun’s administration, was the main speaker. He discussed the topic, “Future of the Korean Peninsula and East Asian International Politics in the 21st Century.” Professor Yoon explained the geopolitical dilemma of Korea, and emphasized that further political and economic means should be taken to foster closer ties with North Korea. He highlighted that now is the time for South Korea to pursue an active role by strengthening the relationship with China based on Korea’s alliance with the United States. In this way, the future strategy for Korea in realizing unification is to engage in “great power diplomacy” and “global diplomacy” in new security areas.

After a thought-provoking Q&A session, Professor Yoon ended his lecture with heart-felt words of advice to the university students; while the older generation should be responsible for some of the current social and economic problems, it is in the hands of the youth to bring about change. In the process of moving forward, he mentioned that the youth should “dream of living in prosperity together” for realizing true happiness.

In recent times, SNU has honored the legacy of Korean independence activists. Last month, SNU College of Education unveiled the statue of PARK Eun Sik, an independence activist, educator, and the second President of the Korean Provisional Government. The SNU Center for Educational Research also held a commemorative academic conference celebrating Park Eun Sik’s works on Korean history. Recalling these events, Korea Liberation Association Chairman PARK Yu Chul acknowledged in his opening speech that “this time SNU has presented lectures in honor of YI Hoeyeong. During a time when our virtues are degenerating, I appreciate SNU’s efforts to provide a clearer direction for Korea’s future.”

Former National Intelligence Agency Executive Yi Jong Chan, grandson of Yi Hoeyeong, recollected a quote by his grandfather; “In 1906, our ancestor Yi Hoeyeong said that the people have to be enlightened in order to reclaim Korea.” He also expressed gratitude; “it is an honor for the Yi family that the lecture series have been established at SNU, which keeps his spirit of patriotism and independence alive.”

Many distinguished guests attended the lecture, including descendants of Yi Hoeyeong’s family, such as before mentioned Lee Jong Chan, and New Politics Alliance for Democracy party floor leader LEE Jong Gul. Furthermore, Director of APCEIU CHUNG Utak, Peace Asia Chairman DO Jae Young, and Executive Director of Woodang Memorial Society HWANG Won Seoup showed up at the event.

The second lecture of the Woodang series takes place on 25 November. A former member of the National Assembly, KIM Bu Kyum, will give a lecture on the subject, “Today and Tomorrow of the Korean Community.”

Referenced Article: http://news1.kr/articles/?2484872

Written by BAE Su Hyen, SNU English Editor, suhyenbae@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr