Seoul Auction to feature works of independence activists

An intriguing collection of relics belonging to Korea's independence activists will go on auction this spring at an auction house here in Seoul.

Our Lee Eun-jin has a glimpse.

Revered Korean independence activist of the Japanese colonial era Ahn Jung-geun.

As a part of his previously unreleased collection of calligraphic work, left behind in the final days leading up to his execution, this piece titled "Nokjuk", or "Green Bamboo", is presumed to have been created in February of 1910.

This piece is different from his usual vertical writing, while his signature handprint is also imprinted horizontally.

Han Yong-woon was a Buddhist reformer, poet and independence activist, also known by his penname Manhae.

This folding screen contains poetry of his that compares the path of Buddhist practice to the journey of a young monk to find his lost cow.

It is a rare 10-panel masterpiece, showcasing Manhae's unique round handwriting.

"Manhae believed in the people continuing towards the independence of our country during the Japanese occupation.

And through this poem, he wanted to remind us that it is a destination that should not be forgotten."

Seoul Auction's spring session will have a large number of such relics containing traces from the independence movement.

In addition to the works of Ahn Jung-geun and Han Yong-woon, there will be the first edition of Yun Dong-ju's book of poems titled "Sky, Wind, Star and Poem", showing the passage of time in its worn out cover page, as well as documents like records of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East.

These items can range in value from tens to hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars.

Garnering greater interest due to this year marking the 80th anniversary of Korean independence, the relics will be shown in a free exhibition until April 21st, a day before the auction, on the 22nd.

Lee Eunjin, Arirang News.