Book chronicles story of independence crusader

From Ahn Jung-geun, Yoon Bong-gil to Yu Gwan-sun, Korean independence fighters during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) have been taught to youths for decades but not much has been known of one American’s contribution to the country’s liberation ― a man who told an AP reporter on his deathbed “I would rather be buried in Korea than in Westminster Abbey.”

Overshadowed by his Korean compatriots, a recently published book written by Kim Dong-jin sheds light on the life of American missionary and journalist Homer B. Hulbert’s (1863-1949) 20-year efforts to modernize the Korean education system and spread the word on Japan’s forceful annexation of the peninsula. 

As one of the King Gojong’s envoys, Hulbert’s story has been rarely told.

According to the book, he was at the forefront of establishing a modern educational system in Korea, as he believed it was the key to Korea’s independence from Japan’s rule.

“Crusader for Korea” chronicles the life of Homer B. Hulbert, who devoted two decades of his life to working for Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule.                                      The True Friend