In celebration of the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women's University and actress Song Hye-kyo have teamed up to donate 10,000 Korean history guidebooks to Saipan and Tinian.
The guidebooks, produced in both Korean and English, have been donated to the Saipan World Resort, a popular destination for Koreans, and are available at the reception.
The guidebooks detail the experiences of Koreans who were subjected to forced labor in Saipan and Tinian, including memorials for Korean victims, caves used by Japanese military comfort women, and sites related to the atomic bomb loading pits.
Professor Seo stated, "The preservation status of Korea's historical sites overseas is not in the best condition."
However, he emphasized, "The continuous interest and visits by our citizens can be the greatest force in preserving Korea's historical sites abroad."
For those unable to visit these sites in person, original files can be downloaded from the website 'Stories of Our History Overseas' for use.
This project marks the first of three planned for this year in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of liberation. Over the past 14 years, Seo Kyung-duk, with the support of Song Hye-kyo, has donated Korean-language guidebooks, Hangul signs, and bas-reliefs of independence activists to 38 historical sites overseas.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)