The three major broadcasters in South Korea (KBS, MBC, SBS) will present a special program on the 15th to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation.
KBS will share the story of a 100-year-old patriot in "The Final Testimony." The eldest patriots, Lee Ha-jeon (105 years old), Kang Tae-sun (102 years old), and Lee Seok-kyu (100 years old), vividly recall their memories of that day. All three patriots continue to live with the trauma of the torture they endured during their imprisonment. Lee Ha-jeon, Kang Tae-sun, and Lee Seok-kyu, who dedicated their youth to a passionate struggle, will convey the meaning of liberation.
"I have one thought that I have deeply believed in all my life, and that is the spirit of liberation." (Lee Ha-jeon)
"I have lived for a hundred years, and I am always ashamed in front of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our country." (Kang Tae-sun)
"If I were to be reborn and experience ethnic discrimination again, I would unreservedly engage in independence movements." (Lee Seok-kyu)
"The Final Testimony" will air on the 16th at 8:10 PM on KBS-1TV.
MBC will unveil the musical documentary "Exemplary Director." "Exemplary Director" captures the significance of Seodaemun Prison, where numerous Joseon people were forcibly imprisoned during the Japanese colonial period, along with the stories of independence activists who were confined there.
Part 1 depicts the horrific living conditions of the independence activists. It is based on records and documents from Baekbeom Kim Gu, poet Kim Gwang-seob, and others. It even recreates a cramped cell resembling a bean sprout container.
The documentary also illustrates the 72 torture methods inflicted upon Koreans by the Japanese at the time, from pricking beneath the nails with bamboo sticks to water torture by hanging people upside down.
"Exemplary Prison" features talented actors, including Seo Beom-seok (as Kang Woo-kyu), Ha Do-gwon (as Kim Gu), Go Hun-jeong (as Ahn Chang-ho), Shin Chang-joo (as Han Yong-un), and Song Young-mi (as Yu Gwan-sun).
Part 1 of "Exemplary Prison" will air on the 16th at 8:40 PM, and Part 2 will broadcast on the 23rd.
SBS will reveal stories of independence activists that have remained unknown until now. Lee Yi-kyung, Han Seung-yeon, and science creator Gwe-dong will participate in the "Independence Activist Discovery Project K."
The first protagonist is the "Passionate Youth K." Lee Yi-kyung will introduce the story of 'K,' who led the March 1st Movement protests alongside student representative Kim Won-byeok.
The second is a first-generation Korean scientist from Harvard University's Physics Department, discovered by Han Seung-yeon. He did not limit himself to academic research but practiced the "Ahn Chang-ho spirit," working to unite the Korean community in the US and fundraise for independence.
Lastly, there is a middle-aged 'K' who volunteered for the US military at the age of 45 and engaged in armed struggle. Through his story, it aims to shed light on the history of Korean independence activism in the US that yearned for the country's independence.
In the most decisive moments of Korea's independence movement, there were always three 'K's. Why have they only recently emerged? The program will restore the reality of these heroes through historical records, undisclosed materials, and various testimonies.
"The Independence Activist Discovery Project K" will premiere on the 15th at 11:20 PM.
<Photo provided by KBS, MBC, SBS>
