Publisher
Compiler
Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean citizen, his life and dreams
Introduction

1.
The Birth of Dr. Ahn Jung-geun
2.
Developing a patriotic enlightenment movement
3.
Catholic missionary activities
4.
Anti-Japanese armed struggle
5.
Just Alliance
6.
Harbin Uprising
7.
Lushun Trial Struggle
8.
Death Sentence and the Theory of Oriental Peace
9.
Calligraphy and quotations
10.
Memorial and Evaluation

Ahn Jung-geun's chronology
References

Beyond the gunshots fired in Harbin, encounter the profound thoughts and dreams of Ahn Jung-geun.
─ Reviving the life and philosophy of Dr. Ahn Jung-geun through his calligraphy and rare photographs.

"The Life and Dreams of Ahn Jung-geun" is a historical record and cultural heritage that reconstructs the life and spirit of Ahn Jung-geun, who sacrificed his life to protect national sovereignty in the final years of the Korean Empire, based on his own handwritten will and rare photographs from the time.
By compiling domestic and international historical materials over a long period of time, the content of existing works on Ahn Jung-geun, which were mainly focused on text, was reconstructed with a focus on historical materials such as ‘photographs’ and ‘inkworks.’
Through this, readers can go beyond simply 'remembering' Ahn Jung-geun's achievements and vividly encounter him as a human being, as a national leader, and as a thinker who dreamed of world peace, as if watching a documentary.

The soul of the 'Great Korean' contained in a single photograph and a single calligraphy character

This book is largely composed of three axes.

1.
A life's journey through photos

Although photographs related to Ahn Jung-geun are extremely limited, the editor personally visited domestic and international museums, research institutes, bereaved family members, and private collectors to secure rare photographic materials.
It is a chronological account of Ahn Jung-geun's childhood in Haeju, Hwanghae Province, his educational activities during his youth, his assassination of Ito Hirobumi in Harbin, his imprisonment in Lushun Prison, and his final moments.
Each photo is accompanied by detailed commentary and historical background, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of the times and Dr. Ahn's inner thoughts.


2.
Reading Ahn Jung-geun's thoughts and spirit through his last words

Dr. Ahn Jung-geun, who was imprisoned in Lushun Prison, left behind numerous calligraphy works.
It contains not the loneliness or fear of a man facing death, but rather the belief in a better world, the conviction of righteousness, and the dream of peace in the East.
Each word in this short but profound sentence reveals the essence of Ahn Jung-geun's thoughts and personality.
This book contains high-quality images of over 60 of his last words, along with detailed commentary on the historical and philosophical context of each sentence.


3.
Chronology, material descriptions, and special commentary by the compiler

Additionally, it includes a chronological table of Ahn Jung-geun's life organized by era, background explanations of major events, and analysis of historical materials.
In particular, the commentary written by the editor goes far beyond simply providing information, leading readers to reflect on today's reality through the life of Dr. Ahn.

From ‘a righteous man who avenged the mother of his country’ to ‘a thinker of peace’

We usually remember Ahn Jung-geun as the righteous hero who assassinated Ito Hirobumi.
But this book tells the story of Ahn Jung-geun beyond that.
Dr. Ahn was a thinker who dreamed of peace and unity among the three countries of the East.
He is the conscience of the times, denouncing Japan's aggression based on international law and justice.
He is an intellectual and a man of action who harmoniously embraces Christian faith, Confucian morality, and national identity.
Although his work, "On Peace in the East," was unfinished, it is filled with insights that allow us to reflect on the conflicts and challenges facing East Asia today.
This book brings back that unfinished dream and tells us what kind of future we should move toward.


Now, why Ahn Jung-geun again?

The year 2025 marks the 115th anniversary of the death of Ahn Jung-geun.
Remembering him is not a remembrance of something that happened in the past.
The memory of him presents us with an ongoing challenge that forces us to reflect on our current reality and find a way forward.
What can we call justice today? What should we live for? What is true patriotism? "The Life and Dreams of Ahn Jung-geun" can provide definitive answers to these questions.
This book will resonate deeply and offer insight to all readers who seek wisdom for the future by rereading the records of the past through the lens of the present.

“After I die, bury my remains near Harbin Park, and when our sovereignty is restored, bring them back to my homeland.”
─ Ahn Jung-geun
As he said in his will, it is time for us to face Ahn Jung-geun again, not as a historical figure, but as a living, breathing ‘Great Korean’ who lives among us today.
“The Life and Dreams of Ahn Jung-geun” is a book that opens the door to such encounters.