Ahn Hee-je (1885 – 1943) was a Korean independence activist.
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.
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