Trot singer Song Ga-in and Sungshin Women's University professor Seo Kyung-deok commemorate Korea's March 1st Independence Movement Day by promoting the 1926 film Arirang and its director Na Eun-gyu. An important step has been taken. This initiative is part of the “Long Live Korean Independence'' campaign launched by KB Kookmin Bank in 2019, with the aim of highlighting South Korea's independence struggle against Japanese colonial rule. The movie “Arirang,'' which is famous for its patriotic theme, is intricately tied to Korean traditional folk songs, which were recognized as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012, and depicts the story of Yong-jin, played by Na, who suffers from mental illness. ing. Her protest activities led to her being tortured by the Japanese military, which ultimately led to a tragic incident involving her sister and Japanese collaborators. Notably, the film used metaphors to criticize colonialism and was praised for its role in reviving the Korean spirit, even though the original film was lost during the colonial era. It was shown in Korea and internationally after liberation. Seo and Song's promotional efforts include a four-minute video about “Arirang” and Na Eun-gyu on social media platforms and Korean communities around the world, with the aim of shining a light on forgotten historical figures. This includes being diffused. The day also marked Seo's collaboration with actor Kim Nam Gil on another project featuring sapsari, or sapsal dogs, which are native to South Korea and are used symbolically to protect territory disputed with Japan. further emphasizes the importance of
revive the spirit of resistance
The movie “Arirang'' is not only a masterpiece of cinema, but also a symbol of South Korea's resilience and protest against Japanese imperialism. Director Na Eun-gyu uses the medium of film as a delicate yet powerful form of resistance, embedding a message of hope and rebellion against oppressors. Song Ga-in's involvement brings contemporary relevance to this project, connecting the historic independence struggle with today's audiences and ensuring that the legacy of “Arirang” and its importance in South Korea's cultural and political history is forgotten. Make sure there is no such thing. By reviving this historic film, Song and Seo aim to inspire new generations with the story of the past sacrifices made for South Korea's freedom.
Participation in the community and beyond
The concerted effort to promote “Arirang” goes beyond just a memorial. Mr. Seo and Mr. Song are engaging a wide audience in the conversation about South Korea's history of resistance and resilience through the widespread dissemination of their videos on social media and in Korean communities around the world. This initiative is an example of how we can leverage contemporary platforms and cultural figures to educate and inspire people about important historical events and figures that shaped our nation's identity. It also highlights the role of art and culture in preserving and commemorating the country's history, ensuring that the stories of heroes like Na Eun-gyu continue to resonate for future generations.
symbolism and heritage
The selection of “Arirang” and participation in Sapsari's campaign is highly symbolic and represents Korea's enduring spirit of independence and continued efforts to protect and cultivate the nation's traditions and identity. These efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural symbols in the fight against colonialism and oppression. As South Korea continues to establish itself on the world stage, the legacy of Arirang and the efforts of individuals like Song Ga-in and Professor Seo Kyung-duk reinforce the value of remembering and respecting the past. Through their work, they ensure that the spirit of Korean independence symbolized by the film Arirang and its creators remains vibrant and relevant today.