Binggrae has presented honorary passports to 30 independence activists who passed away abroad and could not return to their homeland, in commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation.
On August 3, Binggrae announced that it is conducting the independence movement campaign "The Brightest Passport of Korea" in collaboration with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The campaign targets 30 independence activists who died overseas before liberation, including Ahn Jung-geun, Kim Tae-yeon, Kim Cheon-ik, Park Young, and Lee Ae-ra. These individuals laid the groundwork for the independence movement through armed struggle, diplomacy, education, and media activities.
Binggrae created a symbolic "Honorary Passport of the Republic of Korea" modeled after an actual passport for these activists. The passport includes the activists' photos and personal information, while the interior features designs inspired by historical materials and locations related to the independence movement, such as the Independence Newspaper, the Taegukgi, Harbin Station, and the Sinheung Military Academy.
The presentation ceremony held on July 18 at the Independence Hall was attended by 33 descendants of independence activists from both domestic and international backgrounds. Also present were Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; Lim Sang-woo, Ambassador for Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Kim Hee-gon, Director of the Independence Hall.
During the event, the honorary passports and plaques of appreciation were presented to the descendants. Kim Yong-seon, a descendant of Kim Cheon-ik, read a letter of thanks on behalf of the family. Attendees viewed the exhibition of the honorary passports and wrote message cards to remember the independence activists.
Campaign videos were released starting August 1, featuring a 30-second clip along with main and full versions. These will be broadcast sequentially on television, Binggrae's official YouTube and Instagram channels, as well as on the media wall at Incheon International Airport's Terminal 2 and the National Cemetery of Seoul.
Since 2019, Binggrae has been conducting campaigns to honor the sacrifices and spirit of independence activists, marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean provisional government. In 2023, it held "The World's Latest Graduation Ceremony" for student independence activists who could not complete their studies, and in 2024, it will showcase "The First Wearing of Liberation," restoring the images of 87 independence activists who died in prison in traditional Korean attire.
Last year, Binggrae launched the "The First Hearing of Liberation" campaign, which recreated the cries of joy during liberation using artificial intelligence technology. The Binggrae Public Interest Foundation has also been providing scholarships for descendants of independence activists since 2018, in partnership with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
A Binggrae representative stated, "The honorary passport is a symbol of the promise that independence activists will never have to leave Korea again. We hope to bring them back to the embrace of their homeland in spirit and continue to remember their names and dedication."
Additionally, Binggrae will deliver "Together Miniatures" to the Navy Headquarters this year, as part of a sponsorship agreement. The donated products will be regularly provided to naval crew members and soldiers stationed in remote areas.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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