Ahn Hee-je (August 4, 1885 – August 3, 1943) was a Korean independence activist. His family origin was Tamjin, and his pen name was Baeksan. Born in Uiryeong County, Gyeongsangnam-do, he initially studied Confucian classics before graduating from Yangjeong Uisuk. He founded schools in Dongnae and his hometown of Uiryeong, dedicating himself to education and enlightenment movements.
In 1909, he joined the Daedong Youth Party alongside Yun Se-bok and Seo Sang-il. After the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910, he went into exile in Manchuria to fully engage in the independence movement. Returning to Korea in 1914, he established the Baeksan Trading Company in Busan to financially support the independence movement.
During the March 1st Movement in 1919, Ahn distributed the Declaration of Independence in Uiryeong. Following the establishment of the Provisional Government of Korea in Shanghai, he provided financial aid through Baeksan Trading. He also founded the Gimi Scholarship Society to foster talent and acquired the *Joongoe Ilbo* newspaper in 1925.
In the 1930s, Ahn went into exile again, this time to Manchuria, where he established the Balhae Farm and Balhae School. In 1931, he joined Daejonggyo, a Korean religious movement led by his longtime comrade Yun Se-bok, and worked to promote national spirit.
In November 1942, Ahn was arrested during the “Imogyo Incident” when Japanese authorities cracked down on Daejonggyo leaders. He was severely tortured and released on bail in August 1943, only to die a few hours later. He is remembered as one of the “Ten Martyrs of Daejonggyo,” who perished during Japanese colonial rule.
Translation :
I respectfully received the letter you sent through someone. I understand that despite your care and attention, there has been no noticeable improvement in the patient’s condition, which causes me great concern. The Sangju family arrived home three days ago, and fortunately, my mother’s health has not worsened.
Before I left, I received Lee’s documents from Brother Jo Won-yul for the first time, had them copied, and returned the original. However, I haven’t had the time to print them, so they remain stored in a box. Recently, I had to travel to Busan again. I should have hurried to carry out the plan, but there are some parts where letters and phrases are either missing or added, making it uncertain. This has been troubling me, leaving no peace of mind. Yet, I haven’t been able to visit Seokgok to make corrections and have only been worrying about it. I plan to visit you tomorrow or the day after to discuss this matter. Please understand my delay.
Respectfully,
Heeje bows and sends this letter.
