Independence fighter Ahn Junggeun Memorial Museum to reopen with wider range of digital content

This year Korea marks a hundred and 15 years since the execution of independence hero Ahn Jung-geun whose faith in freedom for Korea fueled his fight against Japanese occupation and its atrocities.

That being said a memorial museum bearing his name is re-opening its doors also just in time for this weekend's March 1st Independence Movement Day.

Our Kim Bo-kyoung reports.

An independence fighter who cut off the tip of his left ring finger with 11 others as a symbol of sacrifice to their nation.

A patriot who assassinated Japanese general Ito Hirobumi, firing three bullets into his chest and abdomen in Harbin, before being executed at Lushun Prison.

Marking the 115th anniversary of his death, the Ahn Junggeun Memorial Museum held a re-opening ceremony on Wednesday.

An expanded range of digital exhibits is part of the patriots' ministry's efforts to renew the memorial museums of Korea's patriots --Yun Bong-gil, Ahn Junggeun, and Baekbeom Kim Gu, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation.

"Through introducing the latest digital content and immersive video rooms, visitors can now experience the life and independence movement of patriot Ahn Junggeun in a more vivid and interactive way."

Ahn's commitment to the Enlightenment Movement in Korea, his role in the Righteous Army Movement along with his long journey are well-shown throughout the exhibition.

But of course, the most noticeable part of the renewed exhibition is how it digitized major historical moments and lessons Ahn left.

"If you put your hand on Ahn's handprint with his fingers cut off, it turns on the video on the wall showing Ahn pulling the trigger of his pistol to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, letting visitors feel the atmosphere at that moment."

The museum recreated the courtroom as well, where Ahn explains why he shot Ito, citing 15 reasons, based on trial records.

In the reproduced video, Ahn also talks about a treatise on peace in the East, which he wrote while at Lushun Prison, until his execution on March 26th, 1910.

"I have always thought it has been difficult to convey why Ahn Junggeun shot Ito, the meaning behind it, and the ideals and dreams he envisioned. Through the renewal, I hope visitors will be able to easily understand Ahn's advanced philosophy on peace."

People will be able to enjoy the renewed Ahn Junggeun Memorial Museum starting March 1st, Independence Movement Day.

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.