Kwon Oh‑eul’s Shanghai Inspection Triggers Three‑Year Overseas Heritage Drive
Updated (3 articles)
Kwon Oh‑eul Leads Tuesday‑to‑Thursday Shanghai Inspection Kwon Oh‑eul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, arrived in Shanghai on Jan 8 for a three‑day tour of sites linked to Korea’s anti‑colonial struggle, inspecting the Yun Bong‑gil memorial and the former residences of Kim Koo and Sin Kyu‑sik [1]. He joined President Lee Jae Myung at a ceremony on Jan 7 marking the 100th anniversary of the provisional government headquarters building [1][2]. The minister pledged intensified preservation and management of these overseas locations, tying the field visits to a broader policy push [1].
President Lee Commemorates Centennial and Kim Koo’s Birthdate Lee Jae Myung visited the same Shanghai headquarters on Jan 7, honoring both the centennial of the building’s 1926‑1932 use and the 150th birth anniversary of independence leader Kim Koo [2]. In remarks to Chinese officials, Lee appealed for Chinese cooperation in preserving heritage sites and recovering the remains of Korean independence fighters [2]. He was accompanied by Kwon and descendants of activists, including Rep. Kim Yong‑man, a great‑grandson of Kim Koo, underscoring personal ties to the historic narrative [2].
Seoul Announces Systematic Survey of 1,032 Overseas Sites The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs unveiled a three‑year project to inspect 1,032 independence‑related locations across 24 countries, beginning in 2026 [1]. China hosts 483 of these sites, prompting the ministry to seek formal cooperation with Chinese authorities for preservation efforts [1]. The survey will assess conditions, prioritize restoration, and guide future management of Korea’s overseas heritage [1].
Heritage Diplomacy Coupled With Economic Outreach Lee’s Shanghai stop formed part of a four‑day China tour that also featured the Korea‑China Venture and Startup Summit and high‑level business forums in Beijing, aiming to boost AI, cultural content, and other tech collaborations [3]. Officials framed the blend of historical commemoration and economic dialogue as “heritage diplomacy,” linking past sacrifices to present‑day partnership opportunities [3]. Lee concluded the trip later on Jan 8, returning to Seoul after balancing diplomatic, commercial, and commemorative objectives [3].
Sources
-
1.
Yonhap: Veterans minister inspects Shanghai independence sites, vows stronger preservation: details Kwon’s site inspections, pledge for intensified preservation, and a three‑year plan focusing on 1,032 overseas locations, especially 483 in China .
-
2.
Yonhap: President Lee visits Shanghai headquarters to mark 100th anniversary and honor independence hero Kim Koo: reports Lee’s Jan 7 ceremony, dual commemoration of the provisional government centenary and Kim Koo’s 150th birthday, and his request for Chinese assistance in site preservation and remains recovery .
-
3.
Yonhap: President Lee to visit Shanghai site of Korea's provisional government on centenary: outlines the pre‑visit announcement, centenary framing, integration of heritage visits with economic diplomacy, and the itinerary of Lee’s four‑day state trip .
Timeline
2026 – The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs launches a three‑year survey of 1,032 overseas independence‑movement sites in 24 countries, aiming to assess conditions and set preservation priorities; half of the sites (483) lie in China, so the ministry says it will “seek cooperation with Chinese authorities on preservation” [1].
Jan 6, 2026 – Cheong Wa Dae announces President Lee Jae Myung’s planned stop at the former Korean Provisional Government headquarters in Shanghai, tying the visit to the centenary of the provisional government’s founding and to the 150th birth anniversary of independence leader Kim Koo; Lee also signals that the Shanghai stop will complement his Beijing summit and upcoming Korea‑China Venture and Startup Summit [3].
Jan 7, 2026 – President Lee visits the Shanghai headquarters, marking the 100th anniversary of the building’s establishment and honoring Kim Koo’s 150th birthday; he tells Chinese President Xi, “those shared sacrifices should be reflected upon and used to promote friendship and cooperation through commemorative events,” and asks Beijing for assistance in preserving historic sites and repatriating the remains of independence fighters [2].
Jan 7, 2026 – Lee’s delegation includes Veterans Minister Kwon Oh‑eul and descendants of independence fighters such as Rep. Kim Yong‑man, underscoring the personal and national dimensions of the commemoration and linking historic memory to contemporary diplomatic outreach [2].
Jan 8, 2026 – Veterans Minister Kwon Oh‑eul inspects Shanghai independence sites, touring the Yun Bong‑gil memorial and the former homes of Kim Koo and Sin Kyu‑sik; he accompanies President Lee at the ceremony and pledges that “the government will intensify preservation and management of independence‑movement‑related sites,” emphasizing a stepped‑up preservation agenda and the need for Sino‑Korean cooperation [1].