The legacy and philosophy of Kim Gu, one of Korea’s most prominent independence activists and political leaders, are being highlighted as a heritage to be remembered not only in Korea but around the world on the 150th anniversary of his birth.
The Kim Koo Memorial Association and the Kim Koo Museum and Library will hold a commemorative ceremony at 3 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the convention hall of the Kim Koo Museum and Library in Seoul, marking the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu’s birth and the designation of 2026 as the “UNESCO Commemorative Year for the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Kim Gu.”
Born in 1876, Kim Gu devoted his life to Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule and later advocated national sovereignty, peace and the power of culture. The 150th anniversary carries particular significance as his life and ideas are being recognized in an international context through the UNESCO commemorative designation.
The central theme of this year’s ceremony is “My Wish: Peace and Culture,” reflecting the ideals Kim Gu emphasized until the end of his life. The event aims to revisit his vision of peace and culture and reinterpret those values for today, while encouraging future generations to carry them forward.
About 300 people, including senior government officials, lawmakers and representatives from relevant institutions and organizations, are expected to attend the ceremony. The entire event will also be livestreamed on YouTube so that members of the public unable to attend in person can watch the proceedings.
The ceremony will begin with a national ceremony, followed by welcoming remarks from Park Yoo-chul, chairman of the Kim Koo Memorial Association, and congratulatory addresses from prominent guests.
A special opening performance will retrace Kim Gu’s life and legacy through video and live performances. A musical theater actor will perform “My Wish,” a song from the musical Watch, conveying the ceremony’s central message of peace and culture through the arts.
The ceremony will also introduce the process that led to the UNESCO commemorative designation. After a video outlining the designation’s progress is screened, the secretary-general of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO will present a commemorative plaque to the director of the Kim Koo Museum and Library.
The presentation is intended to highlight how Kim Gu’s life and philosophy have come to be viewed not simply as part of Korea’s historical legacy, but as a heritage worthy of international remembrance.
Messages of congratulations from figures in Korea and abroad will also be presented in video form, alongside a series of commemorative performances that will combine the historical significance of the 150th anniversary with culture and the arts.
Another highlight will be a ceremony presenting a commemorative postage stamp marking Kim Gu’s 150th birth anniversary. The head of Korea’s postal service will present the commemorative stamp to the director of the Kim Koo Museum and Library, creating a symbolic moment to officially mark the milestone.
Kim Gu played a central role in Korea’s independence movement during Japanese colonial rule. Following Korea’s liberation, he continued to stress the importance of national self-determination, peace and culture. Rather than envisioning Korea solely as a powerful nation, he dreamed of a country that would contribute to world peace through the strength of its culture.
His vision remains relevant today, particularly his belief that a nation’s cultural strength can serve humanity and promote peace beyond national borders.
The UNESCO commemorative designation is expected to provide an opportunity to revisit these ideals from a broader perspective. Rather than remembering the life of a man born 150 years ago solely as a chapter of history, the initiative seeks to share his vision of peace and culture as universal values with people around the world.
Organizers said they hope the ceremony will help Kim Gu’s spirit transcend generations and borders. In particular, the participation of younger generations is expected to turn the words of “My Wish” from a historic statement into a renewed commitment for people living today.
