Hong Ji-min Reveals Story of Independence Activist Father Hong Chang-sik on 'Immortal Songs' Liberation Day Special

KBS 2TV’s ’Immortal Songs’ aired a special episode for Liberation Day on August 15, during which musical actress Hong Ji-min mentioned her late father, independence activist Hong Chang-sik. On the broadcast, Hong Ji-min introduced her father Hong Chang-sik’s independence movement history, revealing that he joined the secret organization ’Baekdusan-e’ at the age of 16 and was arrested along with his comrades while carrying out activities to blow up Japanese military supplies. She explained that he served time in prison for violating the Public Order Maintenance Act and was liberated while in jail. Hong Ji-min said that because her father was from North Korea, the family felt a burden and they were completely unaware of these facts. She also shared that the family learned about it belatedly when her father received a medal. Hong Chang-sik cared for his comrades until just before his death despite being paralyzed on his left side due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Although he spent his life as an independence activist, he helped the Liberation Association with paperwork for those whose records were not documented. Hong Ji-min said, ″That is why I am very proud of my father. I really wanted to share that story.″