Kazakh minister pays 1st visit to grave of Korean independence fighter since repatriation

Kazakhstan's Culture Minister Arman Krykbayev paid his first visit to the grave of Hong Beom-do, a celebrated Korean independence activist who fought against Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, at the national cemetery in Daejeon, South Korea. This marked the initial occasion for a Kazakh minister to honor Hong's grave since his remains were returned from Kazakhstan to Korea in 2021, thanks to concerted diplomatic efforts and collaboration from the Kazakh government.

In the guestbook, Krykbayev spoke on behalf of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the nation's people, paying tribute to Hong, a "distinguished son" who made the ultimate sacrifice for his homeland. The minister emphasized that "their courage and heroic deeds will remain an indelible legacy, forever remembered by generations to come."

At the cemetery's memorial tower, Krykbayev placed a wreath in Hong's name, burned incense, and observed a moment of silence before continuing his tribute.