Musical actor Hong Jimin opened up about feelings he could not convey to his late father, Hong Chang-sik, an independence activist, while remembering him.
On the 18th, a video titled "Words I Wanted to Say to Our Father, an Independence Activist" was released on the YouTube channel 'Hong Jimin Right Now'.
In the video, Hong Jimin mentioned the recent recording of KBS2's 'Immortal Songs' special for Liberation Day and said, "Around this time of year, I think a lot about my father."
Hong Jimin reflected on his father who joined the anti-Japanese movement at a young age, saying, "Now that I've raised children, I wonder how he could have engaged in independence activities at just 16 years old."
According to the Public Records of Patriots and Veterans Affairs' digital archive, Hong Chang-sik joined the Baekdu Mountain Association, an independence movement group, in 1942 and carried out anti-Japanese activities around Seongjin, North Hamgyong Province. The following year, he was arrested by Japanese colonial police and sentenced to a fixed-term imprisonment of one year or a long-term imprisonment of three years for violating the Peace Preservation Law. He was released upon Korea's liberation while serving his sentence at Gimcheon Prison, and the government posthumously awarded him the Order of National Merit (Order of Patriotism) in 1990.
Hong Jimin said, "My father was arrested in 1943. He lived in prison for violating the Peace Preservation Law and passed away in prison during liberation." He added, "Not only my father, but there are too many unknown individuals who engaged in independence activities at a young age. I truly think they are remarkable."
He also shared an anecdote that his father continued to work for other independence activists even after suffering a stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body.
Hong Jimin said, "Since he could still use his right hand, he continued independence activities." He added, "Until just before passing away, he prepared documents and materials for those who were unable to submit proper records. I am so proud and amazed by my father even in that regard."
Hong Jimin also expressed regret over his father, who passed away when Hong was 20 years old. He said, "At that time, I was too young and had little understanding of my father's great achievements. I couldn't say enough things like 'I am so proud of my father,' 'My father is so cool,' or 'I love my father so much.' It makes me a bit sad and regretful now."
He continued, "This Liberation Day feels especially longing for my father and one where I miss him greatly," conveying his heartfelt emotions: "I miss you, Dad. I love you, Dad. And I am so proud of you."
He added, "Let us once again remember that the ordinary lives we enjoy today were not simply given to us but are the result of many people's dedication, efforts, and sacrifices. From now on, I will live each day with a grateful heart."
Hong Jimin also read a letter dedicated to his father during the Liberation Day special episode of 'Immortal Songs' broadcast on the 15th, followed by a powerful performance of Insooni's song "Father."
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