Actress Song Hye-kyo meaningfully commemorates the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day.

Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women's University announced on the 8th that "in celebration of Song Hye-kyo and the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, we will donate Korean history guidebooks to Saipan and Tinian Islands in the Northern Mariana Islands."

These islands are a U.S. territory where Koreans were forcibly conscripted during World War II, resulting in many sacrifices among Koreans. Memorials have been established by private initiatives.

Professor Seo noted, "Few people who know the history come to these well-known tourist destinations," and he explained, "We plan to provide the guidebooks in Korean both online and offline."

In particular, Tinian had a notably high number of conscripted Koreans due to the presence of a Japanese military base. "At least 5,000 Koreans were killed or forced to commit suicide," he added.

He emphasized, "The preservation of historical sites related to Korea overseas is not in excellent condition," and stated that "the continuous interest and visits from the public will be a significant support."

Professor Seo and Song Hye-kyo have been disseminating the history of the independence movement since 2012. Professor Seo planned the initiative while Song Hye-kyo sponsored it, donating Korean guidebooks to overseas historical sites.

The two plan to continue their collaboration in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day this year, with the guidebook donation being the first step. They will also carry out two additional projects related to the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day.

Meanwhile, Professor Seo and Song Hye-kyo have been donating Korean guidebooks, Korean signboards, and relief artworks. They have also distributed videos related to independence activists in line with historical anniversaries.

<Photo source: Professor Seo Kyung-duk's SNS capture>