Seoul: Ink-and-brush writing left by Korean independence activist An Jung-geun in the days before his execution has been repatriated from Japan, coinciding with the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule, cultural heritage authorities announced.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) and the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation showcased the work at Deoksu Palace in central Seoul, leading up to the August 15 Liberation Day. The phrase, translated as "International law is no match for a cannon," was penned by An in March 1910 at Lushun Prison, just days before his execution on March 26. An was executed by Japanese authorities after assassinating Ito Hirobumi, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, in Harbin in 1909. He maintained that the assassination was a legitimate act of war and sought a trial under international law, but was instead prosecuted for murder and sentenced to death by Japan.

The KHS highlighted that the inscription captures An's profound disillusionment with the ineffectiveness of international law against military force. The work is signed by An and features his unique handprint seal. An accompanying note confirms its creation in March 1910 at Lushun Prison, indicating it was left by An shortly before his execution. Experts affirm the piece's authenticity, noting consistent brushwork, character structure, and the handprint seal compared to other known works by An.

Records on the reverse side trace the artifact's early custody to Sadakichi Kurihara, the warden of Lushun Prison, and later to a collector known only as "Pyong," who preserved the calligraphy. The foundation learned about the piece through local contacts in Japan in May 2025 and successfully repatriated it in November. The former owner is believed to have purchased it at an auction.

The national cultural heritage portal run by the KHS reports that 31 pieces of An's calligraphy are designated as treasures. "We'll continue to identify and repatriate Korean cultural assets located abroad and share their value with the public," stated Park Jeong-hye, chair of the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation.