SEOUL — The Korea Post, under the Ministry of Science and ICT, announced on August 20, 2026, that it will issue 528,000 commemorative stamps to honor the 150th anniversary of the birth of Baekbeom Kim Gu, one of Korea’s most revered independence activists and a pillar of the nation’s modern history.
The commemorative stamps, set to be released on August 28, feature a profound portrait of Kim Gu taken in Chongqing, China, in 1942, during his leadership of the Korean Provisional Government. The design utilizes a silver background, layered with passages from his seminal memoir, Baekbeom Ilji (Diary of Baekbeom), to symbolize his unwavering resolve and the enduring strength of his spirit during the darkest days of the Japanese colonial period.
Beyond the stamps themselves, the special postmark associated with the release carries a powerful quote from the "My Wish" chapter of Baekbeom Ilji: "I want our nation to become the most beautiful nation in the world." This phrase encapsulates Kim’s lifelong philosophy: he did not desire a nation defined by military or economic hegemony, but rather one grounded in the power of culture, benevolence, and love.
A Global Symbol of Peace and Culture
The year 2026 has been officially designated as a UNESCO anniversary year to honor Kim Gu’s birth. This recognition places him alongside global historical icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Ho Chi Minh, and Nelson Mandela, further cementing his status as a world-class figure of independence and humanitarianism. UNESCO’s designation highlights how Kim’s vision of "peace through culture" transcends borders, remaining deeply relevant in an era often divided by power struggles and political instability.
Experts note that Kim’s belief that "culture is the source of true strength" is particularly resonant in the modern era. As K-culture gains global prominence, Kim’s vision of a nation that influences the world not through force, but through dignity and humanity, is seen as a timeless guide for the future of the Korean Peninsula.
Commemorative Events and Availability
In conjunction with the stamp release, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has announced a "Culture Week," running from August 25 to 30. As part of these celebrations, an exhibition featuring the new commemorative stamps will be held at Gwanghwamun Square in the heart of Seoul from August 26 through August 30, inviting citizens to reflect on the life and legacy of the man who stood as a guardian of ethics and national identity.
The commemorative stamps will be available for purchase starting August 28 at general post offices across the country and through the official online post office website. This issuance serves not only as a philatelic milestone but as a national moment of remembrance, encouraging the public to look beyond historical records and internalize the values of peace, compassion, and dignity that defined Kim Gu’s life.
As Korea looks back on 150 years since the birth of this monumental figure, the message remains clear: Baekbeom Kim Gu is not merely a hero of the past, but an enduring architect of the beautiful, independent nation that Korea strives to be today.
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