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Commemorating the Meaning of Liberation through Film and Music— Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum to Host 80th Anniversary Events

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The Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum (hereinafter referred to as "the Museum") announced that it will host a variety of commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s Liberation.

On the day of Liberation Day, August 15, at 7:00 p.m., the Museum’s Annex will host a special “Annex Salon” screening of the film Baeksan: From Uiryeong to Balhae, which traces the life and independence movement of Ahn Hee-je, a Korean independence activist. The event will include a post-screening talk with the film’s director.

Ahn Hee-je, known as “Baeksan,” is considered one of the “Three Baeks” in Korean independence history alongside Kim Gu and Kim Jwa-jin. Remarkably, 60% of the funds supporting the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai came from Baeksan Trading Company, which he established in Daecheong-dong, Jung-gu, Busan.

Because his activities were carried out in secrecy and with great precision, the Provisional Government was able to operate. Ironically, however, this very secrecy meant that his contributions were not well known to future generations.

The film follows Baeksan’s journey from his hometown of Uiryeong, through Busan, and into Balhae (Manchuria), shedding light on his noble sacrifices and the contributions that remained hidden for so long.

His unwavering dedication to the cause of Korean independence—supporting the movement financially, fostering national enterprises and media, and establishing overseas bases for independence activities—culminated in his imprisonment and torture in Manchuria’s Akha Prison, where he died just two years before Liberation. His story is brought vividly to life on the screen.

The Museum’s regular performance program at the Annex will also align with the spirit of Liberation’s 80th anniversary, featuring music that expresses the longing for independence and the joy of liberation. The commemorative concert will be held on August 23 at 4:00 p.m., performed by the Delicato Symphony Orchestra, led by director Kim Eun-ah.

Founded in 2018, the Delicato Symphony Orchestra comprises soloists, professional musicians, and educators active in Busan. The orchestra is known for presenting creative performances that reflect the local cultural identity.

The concert will feature a 16-piece orchestra, along with renowned tenor Kim Ji-ho and violinist Lee Hyun-woo. Pianist and music planner Kang Soo-geun will provide commentary, enhancing the depth and diversity of the performance.

Audiences will also enjoy orchestral renditions of representative works by two musicians with roots in Busan who played significant roles in both Korean independence and music history. These include the patriotic song Amnokgang March by independence activist Han Yu-han (birth name Han Hyeong-seok), which embodies the spirit and struggle for liberation, and August 15, a song widely sung in Busan before the emergence of the official Liberation Day anthem, composed by Busan-born musician Geum Soo-hyun. The arrangements are by composer Kang Hyun-min.

The event is open to all interested citizens, with free admission. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis via the Museum’s website (busan.go.kr/mmch), beginning today (July 25).

For more information about the event, please contact the Museum at ☎ 051-607-8034.

Kim Ki-yong, Director of the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum, stated, “This August event at the Annex is meaningful in that it highlights the dedication of those who contributed to Korea’s independence through national enterprise and music. We hope it will be a valuable opportunity to reflect on the significance of Liberation through film and music.”