Actor Song Hye Kyo marked Korea's March 1st Independence Movement Day with a meaningful tribute. In collaboration with Seo Kyung-duk, she supported the production of a short documentary highlighting the life of independence activist Nam Ja-hyun.
On March 1, Seo released a four-minute video titled "Nam Ja-hyun, the Female Independence Activist Who Broke the Mold of Her Era" via Instagram and YouTube. The video outlines Nam Ja-hyun's life and historic contributions to Korea's independence movement.
The Mother of the Independence Army
Nam Ja-hyun took part in the March 1st Movement in Seoul and, at the age of 47, went into exile in Manchuria. She joined the Seorogunjeongseo (West Route Military Government Office) and led women's enlightenment efforts by establishing women's education associations and churches across the region. She also devoted herself to nursing injured independence fighters.
Later, she transformed into an armed anti-Japanese resistance activist. She carried out secret operations to assassinate Japanese Governor-General Saito and Minister Plenipotentiary Muto but was arrested. At 61, she staged a hunger strike in prison and left behind the final words, "Independence is achieved through spirit."
Sixth Independence Project with Global Reach
Seo explained that he planned the project while Song Hye Kyo sponsored its production. The video features both Korean and English narration, aiming to reach audiences domestically and internationally.
This marks Song's sixth sponsorship of a documentary spotlighting independence activists. She previously supported projects honoring Jeong Jeong-hwa, Yoon Hee-sun, Kim Maria, Park Cha-jung, and Kim Hyang-hwa—female activists whose stories remain less widely known.
Seo added that he and Song plan to continue producing multilingual video series about more female independence activists in the future.
Song Hye Kyo and Seo Kyung-duk have collaborated for 15 years. Together, they have supported Korean-language guidebooks, Hangul signboards, and relief sculptures at Korean independence movement sites worldwide, completing donations to a total of 37 locations.
