Key facts
- Kazakhstan's Minister of Culture and Information Arman Krykbayev visited the grave of Korean independence fighter Hong Beom-do in Daejeon, South Korea.
- This was the first visit by a Kazakh minister to Hong's grave since his remains were repatriated to South Korea in 2021.
- Krykbayev paid tribute on behalf of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
- Hong Beom-do led Korean independence forces against Japan in battles in Manchuria in 1920.
- Hong lived in Kazakhstan from 1937 until his death in 1943, with his remains repatriated in August 2021.
- The visit occurred during President Tokayev's trip to South Korea for the inaugural South Korea-Central Asia Summit.
Kazakhstan's Minister of Culture and Information Arman Krykbayev paid tribute on Wednesday at the grave of Hong Beom-do, a prominent Korean independence fighter, at the National Daejeon National Cemetery in South Korea. This visit marks the first time a Kazakh minister has paid respects at Hong's grave since his remains were repatriated from Kazakhstan to South Korea on August 15, 2021, following years of diplomatic efforts.
Krykbayev, representing Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Kazakh people, wrote in the guest book that Hong's courage and heroic deeds would be an indelible legacy. He also dedicated a wreath at the cemetery's memorial tower and observed a moment of silence. Hong Beom-do is remembered for leading Korean independence forces in significant battles against Japan in Manchuria in 1920, including the Battle of Fengwudong. He was relocated to Kazakhstan in 1937 under Soviet policy and lived there until his death in 1943.
During his visit, Krykbayev stated that the repatriation of Hong's remains is a tribute to the past and a sign of mutual respect for history and homeland, adding that such figures strengthen friendship between Kazakhstan and South Korea. He is in South Korea accompanying President Tokayev for the inaugural South Korea-Central Asia Summit, which includes leaders from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had previously expressed gratitude to the Kazakh government for its cooperation in the repatriation. President Tokayev acknowledged Hong as a national hero of South Korea. An official noted that sending the culture minister to pay respects symbolizes the close and friendly relations between the two countries. On the sidelines of the summit, South Korea and Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of understanding to preserve historical sites in Kazakhstan related to Korea's independence movement and to enhance academic exchanges.