Ahn Jung-geun — Independence Hero or Terrorist?

Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) is the figure who most starkly illustrates the gap in Korean-Japanese historical perspectives. In Korea, he's a national hero worthy of being on currency; in Japan, he's a criminal who assassinated the first prime minister.

The Event

On October 26, 1909, Ahn shot and killed Ito Hirobumi, Japan's Privy Council president, at Harbin Station in Manchuria. Ito was the first Resident-General of Korea who led the Eulsa Treaty (1905) stripping Korea's diplomatic rights.

Ahn was arrested on the spot, tried at Lüshun Prison, and executed on March 26, 1910, at age 31.

Korean Evaluation: Righteous Fighter (義士)

In Korea, Ahn is called "Uisa" (義士) — one who sacrificed their life for justice.

• Posthumously awarded Korea's highest Order of Merit

• Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall on Seoul's Namsan

• Taught as symbol of independence from elementary school

• His act is called "uigeo" (righteous uprising), not assassination

Ito's 15 Crimes

At trial, Ahn logically stated 15 crimes of Ito: involvement in Empress Myeongseong's murder, deposing Emperor Gojong, forcing unequal treaties, massacring innocent Koreans, seizing government/railways/mines, disbanding the military, obstructing education, etc.

Japanese Evaluation: Assassin/Terrorist

In Japan, Ito Hirobumi is the "father of Japanese modernization" and first PM. Ahn is viewed as a terrorist who assassinated a great statesman, regardless of political motives.

Some argue Ito actually opposed full annexation of Korea, preferring a protectorate. His death empowered hardline annexationists, accelerating the 1910 annexation — making Ahn's act "counterproductive."

Korea counters: whether protectorate or annexation, both robbed Korea's sovereignty — a difference of degree, not essence.

Ahn's "Eastern Peace Theory"

Ahn was not just a nationalist fighter. In prison, he wrote "On Eastern Peace" (東洋平和論) (unfinished, interrupted by execution).

Core argument: Korea, China, Japan should achieve peace as equal partners through joint military, bank, and currency — strikingly similar to today's EU model, envisioned 100 years earlier.

China also evaluates Ahn as an "anti-Japanese hero" — a memorial was built at Harbin Station in 2014 through Korea-China cooperation.