The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) is shedding new light on the spirit of the independence movement to mark the 100th anniversary of the June 10 Independence Movement. On the 31st, the MPVA announced that it has selected Park Ha-gyun, Kang Dal-ryong, and Park Nae-hong—independence activists who prepared and led the June 10 Independence Movement during the Japanese colonial period—as the 'Independence Activists of June 2026.'

The June 10 Independence Movement, which unfolded across the country on June 10, 1926, coinciding with the funeral of Emperor Sunjong, is evaluated as a representative anti-Japanese movement that holds a significant position in the history of the Korean independence movement, alongside the March 1st Movement of 1919 and the Gwangju Student Independence Movement of 1929. It is highly significant in that socialist, nationalist, Cheondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way), and student factions jointly participated in preparing for the independence movement. Although some plans were exposed in advance by the Japanese imperialists and faced restrictions, the student-led protests proceeded as scheduled, and shouts of Korean independence echoed everywhere.

[Independence Activists for the 100th Anniversary of the June 10 Independence Movement]

▪️ Park Ha-gyun: While attending Yonhi Professional School, he played a core role in preparing for the June 10 Independence Movement by engaging in activities centered around the Joseon Student Science Research Society. He also actively participated during the actual protests, leading the independence movement, and was subsequently arrested by the Japanese imperialists and sentenced to one year in prison.

▪️ Kang Dal-ryong: After participating in the March 1st Movement in the Jinju area of Gyeongnam Province, he continued his anti-Japanese activities by engaging in labor and peasant movements, as well as socialist movements. While serving as the responsible secretary for the Communist Party of Korea, he participated in the preparation process of the June 10 Independence Movement by forming a coalition with Cheondogyo and nationalist factions.

▪️ Park Nae-hong: He was a figure who led the Cheondogyo youth movement and devoted himself to organizing the independence movement. Serving as the representative commissioner of the Cheondogyo Youth Alliance, he was in charge of printing manifestos and liaising with regional organizations, contributing to the preparation of a nationwide anti-Japanese protest.

Regarding the June 10 Independence Movement, the MPVA evaluated it as 'an event that created a new turning point for the independence movement in the 1920s.' In particular, the ministry explained that the fact that different ideologies and factions united under a common goal laid the foundation for the subsequent National United Front movement and the founding of the Singanhoe.

[June Korean War Heroes]

Meanwhile, the MPVA selected U.S. Army General James Van Fleet, who served as the Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army in Korea, along with his son U.S. Air Force Captain James Van Fleet Jr., and Republic of Korea Army Captain Kim Kwang-su as the Korean War Heroes of June.

General Van Fleet is evaluated as a commander who played a crucial role in turning the tide of the war by leading the U.S. Eighth Army during the Korean War. He is known as the figure who stabilized the frontlines against the Chinese Communist forces' offensives, directed counterattack operations, and boosted the combat capabilities of the UN forces. Even after his retirement, he continued various activities to promote Korea-U.S. relations. Currently, the 'Van Fleet Award,' given to individuals and organizations who have contributed to the promotion of Korea-U.S. friendship, also originates from his name.

His son, James Van Fleet Jr., volunteered to participate in the Korean War as an Air Force pilot and went missing in action during a bombing mission in 1952.

Captain Kim Kwang-su achieved great merit in defending and recapturing a hill against Chinese Communist forces during the Battle of Hill K on the Bukjin Ridge of the central front in 1953, just prior to the armistice agreement. He was killed in action due to an enemy grenade attack during the battle. In recognition of his distinguished service, he was posthumously promoted one rank and awarded the Eulji Military Merit Medal.

The MPVA plans to continue various commemorative projects to widely promote the sacrifices and dedication of independence activists and national defense heroes to the public, marking the 81st anniversary of National Liberation and the 100th anniversary of the June 10 Independence Movement.