Korean Independence Fighter Choi Jae-hyung and Wife Reunited After 100 Years
The remains of Korean independence fighter Choi Jae-hyung and his wife Elena Petrovna Choi will finally be reunited in Korea after over a century of separation. After more than 70 years since her passing in 1952, Elena’s remains were repatriated from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Korea on Tuesday. Her remains will be temporarily laid to rest at Seoul National Cemetery until Monday.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has announced that the soil from where Choi Jae-hyung is believed to have died in Ussuriysk, Russia will also be brought to Korea on Friday. Choi was tragically killed by the Imperial Japanese Army on April 7, 1920, but his remains have never been recovered.
Next Monday, on August 15th, a day before the celebration of National Liberation Day, an enshrining ceremony will be held at Seoul National Cemetery where the soil and the remains of Choi’s wife will be interred together.
Back in 1970, a grave for the independence fighter was established at the national cemetery. However, in 2009, it was discovered that the wrong remains had been buried by an individual claiming to be Choi’s descendant.
Choi Jae-hyung, born on August 16, 1865, in North Hamgyong Province (now part of North Korea), amassed a fortune by supplying military equipment to Russia. He utilized his wealth to support independence fighters and assist Korean immigrants in Russia. Choi even built 30 schools in Russia’s Primorsky Krai.
Choi married Elena in Russia in 1897, and together they had eight children. Elena supported her husband’s efforts in the independence movement and took care of the family of renowned independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun after his death. However, she was deported to Kyrgyzstan following her husband’s tragic passing in 1920, where she resided for the rest of her life.
The reunion of Choi Jae-hyung and Elena Petrovna Choi’s remains marks a significant moment for Korea, symbolizing the enduring spirit and sacrifices made by independence fighters during that time. Their love and dedication to the cause continue to inspire and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving Korea’s history.
