Interest in Korea and the Korean Wave has significantly increased worldwide, particularly in Korean pop culture and cuisine. Amidst this, an American graduate student with a keen interest in Korean history, especially the Korean independence movement, has become a topic of interest. The Monday Times visited the Choi Jae-hyung Memorial Foundation with this special graduate student, Kamilah Dreux (Korean name, Han Haeng-wun), to discuss Korean independence and anti-Japanese movements with the Foundation's Chairperson, Moon Young-suk. 

Q1.  First, could you introduce yourself, Kamilah (Haeng-wun)?

A1.  Hello, my name is Kamilah Dreux, also known as Han Haeng-wun. I am a student majoring in Korean History at Korea University's Graduate School. Besides my studies, I  work in broadcasting, translation, and as a singer. I have been learning Korean for 12 years, and I am studying at Korea University to delve deeper into the Korean independence movement.

Q2.  Why did you visit the Independence Activist Choi Jae-hyung Memorial Foundation?

A2.  I have been interested in the Korean independence movement since I was young. After coming to Korea, I started working with the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), a cyber diplomatic organization. While collaborating with a cultural foundation at VANK, I learned that the foundation’s representative had received the Choi Jae-hyung Award. During a project creating a video about Independence Activist Choi Jae-hyung at VANK, I came across a summary book of materials about him. Upon reading it, I decided this would be the focus of my research. As a foreigner, there were many aspects I didn't fully understand,  so I visited the foundation to inquire more about Choi Jae-hyung’s life and work. 

Q3.   Haengwun, what inspired your interest in Korean history, particularly the anti-Japanese movement and Choi Jae-hyung?

A3.   My grandmother inspired my interest in Korean history by sharing books on the Korean independence movement with me from a young age. Choi Jae-hyung's remarkable contributions to the movement deeply impressed me. Learning about his motivations and efforts has been a great inspiration. His unwavering dedication to the cause and his people motivated me to research his life further.

Q4.  I see. Now, Chairperson Moon, could you explain who Choi Jae-hyung is?

A4.  Choi Jae-hyung was an independence activist who also excelled in various fields. Despite a challenging childhood, he was rescued by a Russian merchant ship captain and his wife, which led to greater historical events. Choi Jae-hyung sailed around the world for six years with this captain, developing commercial skills, a strong character, and the ability to overcome hardships. Returning to Vladivostok, he worked as an interpreter and eventually became a leader in the Korean community there, driven by his patriotism and dedication. He earned significant wealth, earning the nickname "the Carnegie of the East," but his focus was on creating a prosperous society for fellow Koreans. During the Russo-Japanese War, he devoted himself fully to the independence movement, playing a pivotal leadership role in the Primorsky Krai region of the Russian Far East. Choi Jae-hyung deserves wider recognition for his diverse experiences and sacrifices made for his homeland and compatriots. 

Q5.  Chairperson, how is Choi Jae-hyung connected to Patriot Ahn Jung-geun?

A5.   After King Gojong's forced abdication and the disbanding of the Korean army in 1907, Ahn Jung-geun went into exile to collaborate with overseas independence activists. He met Choi Jae-hyung, who had returned from Japan after recognizing Japan's imperial ambitions and began recruiting militias. In 1908, they formed the Donguihoe independence organization, with Choi as president and Ahn as a council member. They organized the Korean Righteous Army, with Choi serving as president and Ahn as chief of staff. Together, they aimed to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, the head of Japan's residency-general, to achieve Korean independence. Choi provided Ahn with a pistol and allowed him to train at his home, leading to the successful assassination of Ito Hirobumi in Harbin. Even after Ahn’s death, Choi continued to support Ahn's family.

Q6.  Now, could you tell us about the work of the Choi Jae-hyung Memorial Foundation?

A6.  In 2010, four entrepreneurs — Kim Chang-song, Kim Su-pil, Park Chun-bong, and Jeon Sang-baek — were deeply moved after learning about Choi Jae-hyung during a trip and established a scholarship foundation in his name the following year. It became an incorporated association in 2015 and was registered with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs in 2018 as an organization dedicated to independence activists, continuing to honor Choi Jae-hyung's legacy as a leader of the anti-Japanese independence movement in the Primorsky Krai region. Since 2020, the foundation has awarded the Choi Jae-hyung Award and holds an annual essay contest to promote awareness of Independence Activist Choi Jae-hyung.

Q7.  Chairperson, what are your thoughts after hearing Han Haeng-wun's story?

A7.  Today, it is especially gratifying to hear of Han Haeng-wun's interest in Choi Jae-hyung. I was particularly struck by how VANK has become an important connection for us. Furthermore, when she received the summary book of Choi Jae-hyung's materials from Chairman Kim Jun-il, who received the Choi Jae-hyung Award, she felt compelled to write a paper on him. I sincerely applaud Haeng-wun for her determination, as a U.S. citizen, to research Choi Jae-hyung. As the chairperson of the Choi Jae-hyung Memorial Foundation, I am both delighted and grateful. I look forward to what lies ahead with great anticipation and once again thank her for choosing Choi Jae-hyung, a first generaton pioneer of the Korean diaspora, as her paper's subject.

Q8.   Haeng-wun, how do you feel about meeting the chairperson today, and what are your future plans?

A8.   I am incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity. Meeting the chairperson feels like a dream come true. I am committed to diligently working on my thesis and aspire to continue my research on Choi Jae-hyung for my doctoral dissertation. Ultimately, my goal is to work as a researcher at the Independence Hall of Korea.