Kim Se-hwan, Pioneer of Suwon's March 1st Movement, Named 'March's Independence Activist'

·[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has selected Kim Se-hwan (金世煥, 1889–1945), an independence activist from Suwon, as 'Independence Activist of the Month' in commemoration of the 101st anniversary of the March 1st Movement.

Born on February 242, Nam-su-dong, Suwon, Kim Se-hwan was one of the 48 national representatives of the March 1st Movement. He led independence movement organizational activities in Suwon, Icheon, and South Chungcheong regions, and pursued active endeavors in Suwon's educational sector.

In his childhood, he frequented the Methodist church in Bosidong, Seong-an (now Jonggro Church of Suwon in Buk-su-dong), where he nurtured not only Christian faith but also dreams of becoming an educator and independence activist.

After advancing to the government-run Foreign Language School in Seoul, Kim Se-hwan traveled to Japan and studied modern academics at Chuo University. Upon returning to Suwon, he worked as a textile supervisor at a commercial training institute (now Suwon Middle and High School) while teaching students at Samil Girls' School (now Maehyang Middle School and Maehyang Girls' Information High School), dedicating himself to teaching.

He also served as one of 48 national representatives of the March 1st Movement. Through Park Hui-do, a YMCA secretary, he participated in preparatory meetings for the March 1st Movement and served as an organizational leader in South Chungcheong and Suwon regions.

He met with key figures at local churches and obtained their consent to sign as national representatives. However, he arrived in Seoul too late to add his signature to the Declaration of Independence.

When arrested by Japanese police for participating in the mass uprising and questioned in court, "Will you continue to work for Joseon's independence in the future?" Kim Se-hwan answered without hesitation, "Yes, I will."

After serving over a year in prison, Kim Se-hwan was released in October 1920 and returned to Suwon. Unable to be reinstated as a teacher due to Japanese imperial interference, he operated a grain business in the city and engaged in social and community leadership activities.

In 1927, he participated in the Singan Society, serving as chairman of the Suwon branch and chairman of the Suwon Sports Association, continuing nationalist activities.

Subsequently, Kim Se-hwan centered his activities at Hwaseong Academy (formerly Suwon Kangseup-so, now Suwon High School), Samil Girls' School, and Jonggro Church, dedicating himself to fostering future leaders and advancing Suwon's educational sector.

He then witnessed liberation in 1945 and passed away on September 16th at his home, slightly more than a month later. He was buried in a national cemetery, and the Order of Merit for National Foundation—Independence Medal was posthumously awarded to him in 1963.

Aligned with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs' selection of Kim Se-hwan, a leader who upheld the spirit of nationalism in Suwon, as this month's independence activist, the Suwon Museum has prepared a permanent exhibition space dedicated to independence activists from the Suwon region.

Starting in March, the museum plans to unveil the permanent exhibition corner 'Modern Figures of Suwon' in the history gallery of the Suwon Museum as a new display titled 'Independence Activists of Suwon.'

The permanent exhibition is composed of contents introducing Suwon's proud independence activists, including Kim Se-hwan (Order of Merit for National Foundation—Independence Medal), one of the 48 national representatives, and other figures who ceaselessly resisted Japanese imperial rule and advocated for national independence.