South Korea Highlights Joint Struggle for Independence in Photo Exhibition
South Korea is highlighting the journey of Korea and Indonesia in fighting for freedom and independence through a photo exhibition titled ‘My Wish, Our Wish: Road to Freedom’, held at the ANTARA Heritage Center in Jakarta. The exhibition runs from 12 to 31 August.
Chung Hae-Kwan, Deputy Ambassador of South Korea to Indonesia, stated that the exhibition aims to recall the dedication of figures who devoted their lives to independence. ‘Korea and Indonesia have different histories and cultures, but both countries share a long journey in fighting for the noble values of freedom and independence,’ Chung said during the opening on Wednesday.
South Korea celebrates its independence on 15 August, just two days before Indonesia’s independence day on 17 August. Chung noted that through this exhibition, visitors can become more acquainted with Kim Koo, a South Korean independence activist who dedicated his life to Korea’s freedom and dreamed of a nation that could contribute to world peace and shared prosperity.
‘In this exhibition, we will get to know more closely the life of Kim Koo and his belief in independence through photos and videos about him,’ he said. The exhibition also features Indonesia’s journey to independence, including materials on the proclamation of independence by founding father Soekarno, as well as figures like poet and independence fighter Chairil Anwar and Adam Malik, one of the founders of the ANTARA news agency who played a role in disseminating news of the proclamation.
Chung expressed hope that the exhibition would serve as a momentum for Indonesians and Koreans to better understand each other’s history and culture, thereby strengthening the friendship between the two nations. ‘May my wish become our wish, and may our wish become a journey towards a better future,’ he said. The exhibition is organised by the ANTARA Institute in cooperation with the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI) to commemorate the upcoming 150th anniversary of Kim Koo’s birth and the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.