[80 years of Korean Liberation] 'The pen is mightier than the sword': Meet freedom fighters on stage and screen

This year Korea marks 80 years of liberation from Japanese colonial rule and in light of this occasion a series of screen and stage productions have been scheduled to share with audiences the selfless sacrifices of the country's independence activists.

Our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports.

"Higher than the sky."

"We refuse to accept this statement!"

Four young men and women sing with passion, even with guns pressed into their backs.

Their mission: to protect the Korean language from being erased during Japan's colonial rule.

This homegrown musical, "Yesterday's Poem, Tomorrow's Song," brings to life the struggles of young Korean independence fighters to defend their language and culture through poetry, when forced to adopt Japanese.

This is the first musical to use the poetry of Kim So-wol as its lyrics.

Kim, one of Korea's most beloved poets, lived during the Japanese colonial period from 1910 to 1945.

"Korea's independence movement was also about the power of words, poetry, and speech. We wanted to highlight not only the lyrical beauty of Kim So-wol's poetry but also the deep emotions tied to our history and identity."

"There are countless films, dramas, and performances about the independence movement.

But our musical focuses on cultural efforts, young people who believed in fighting through creativity and expression."

Alongside the musical, other creative projects are honoring the sacrifices and resilience of independence activists, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan.

The film "Baeksan-From Uiryeong to Balhae" is another example.

The documentary tells the story of independence activist Ahn Hee-je, who ran a trading company that served as the financial backbone of the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai.

"Ahn believed in nurturing people and fostering education to build a better future. He understood that independence required not just weapons but also resources, networks, and platforms to sustain the movement. His trading company, similar to today's largest conglomerates, also helped train independence fighters."

Using advanced AI technology, Director Chin vividly brought Ahn's story to life on screen.

Drone footage of Balhae Farm, a rice farm Ahn founded to support displaced Korean farmers and fund the independence movement, shows his vision: a haven where independence grew through empowerment.

"While armed resistance played a significant role in the independence movement, we must also recognize there were many figures like Ahn, who worked behind the scenes to provide the critical resources that made such efforts possible."

These stories remind us that freedom was won through countless acts of courage in many forms.

Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.