Daejeon: Kazakhstan's culture minister, Arman Krykbayev, paid tribute at the grave of Hong Beom-do, a prominent Korean independence fighter, at the national cemetery in Daejeon. This visit marks the first time a Kazakh minister has visited Hong's grave since his remains were repatriated from Kazakhstan to South Korea in 2021, following extensive diplomatic efforts and cooperation from the Kazakh government.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Minister Krykbayev's visit represents a significant gesture of respect and historical acknowledgment. "On behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the people of Kazakhstan, I pay tribute to General Hong Beom-do, a distinguished son who gave his life for his homeland, and to all the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice," the minister wrote in the guest book. The minister's actions included dedicating a wreath on behalf of the Kazakh president, offering incense, and observing a moment of silence in honor of Hong.
Hong Beom-do is widely remembered for his leadership role in Korean independence efforts during significant battles against Japanese forces in Manchuria in 1920, notably the Battle of Fengwudong. Despite his forced relocation from the Soviet Far East to Kazakhstan in 1937 under Joseph Stalin's policies, Hong's legacy endured. He lived in Kazakhstan until his death in 1943 in the city of Kyzylorda, where he was buried before his remains were repatriated in 2021.
Minister Krykbayev emphasized the dual significance of the repatriation, stating, "On one hand, the repatriation is a tribute to the past, and on the other, it is a sign that both Koreans and Kazakhs love their history, their people, and their homeland." He further noted that the historical figures like Hong Beom-do would continue to strengthen ties between Kazakhstan and South Korea.
The visit coincides with Krykbayev's attendance alongside President Tokayev at the inaugural South Korea-Central Asia Summit. This summit was also attended by leaders from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. During discussions, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed appreciation for Kazakhstan's role in the repatriation process, while President Tokayev acknowledged Hong as a respected national hero in both countries.
An official familiar with the summit proceedings highlighted the importance of Krykbayev's visit, describing it as a symbol of the close and friendly relations between Kazakhstan and South Korea. In addition, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the preservation of historical sites in Kazakhstan connected to Korea's independence movement against Japan, while also promoting academic exchanges.