Order of Merit for National Foundation

5th class

nation award

What is  Merit for National Foundation:

A medal awarded to those who have made distinguished contributions to the establishment of the Republic of Korea or those who have made distinguished contributions to the foundation of the nation.

5th class:

Kang Tae-seon:

[1924.6.15 – Present]

Achievements

○ 1942: Formed an independence movement group with Ji Won-ho and Shim Jong-bo.
○ 1942: Developed a strong nationalist consciousness after experiencing discrimination and reading ideological books such as Three Principles of the People by Zhou Fohai.
○ 1942: Established six key resolutions for the independence movement, including resisting forced assimilation and prioritizing a free democratic system post-liberation.
○ 1982: Awarded the Presidential Citation by the South Korean government.
○ 1990: Awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Patriotic Medal).
○ His birthplace in Jeju has been designated as a historical site honoring great figures.

Verdicts

  • On June 3, 1944, Kang Tae-seon was arrested by Japanese police for organizing an independence movement and resisting Japan’s assimilation policies.
    On August 25, 1944, the Osaka District Court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison for violating the Public Security Preservation Law.
    He was released following Korea’s liberation on August 15, 1945.