Korean independence activist An's prison handwriting repatriated from Japan

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation have returned to South Korea a prison handwritten note penned by Korean independence activist An Jung-geun, ahead of the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, cultural heritage authorities announced on Thursday. The commemorative event took place at Deoksu Palace in central Seoul, in advance of Liberation Day on August 15.

An's poignant message, translated as "International law is no match for a cannon," comprises eight Chinese characters. It was inscribed by An in March 1910 at Lushun Prison, located in present-day northeastern China, mere days before his assassination of Ito Hirobumi, the inaugural Japanese governor-general of Korea. An was subsequently executed by Japanese authorities on March 26, 1909, after carrying out the killing.

The KHS highlighted that An's inscription demonstrates his profound disappointment with the ineffectiveness of international law. He believed his act of assassination was a justified act of war and sought a trial under international law. However, Japan prosecuted him for murder and sentenced him to death. The repatriation of An's note underscores the significance of his sacrifice in the struggle for Korean independence.