The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST) in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai (Director KANG Yong Min) and the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government mark the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government established on April 11, 1919, with events at the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai. An exhibition titled The Korean Provisional Government: A Colossal Root will run from March 26 (Tue) to May 4 (Sat), showcasing the Provisional Government’s history, alongside cultural events featuring musical performances inspired by the independence movement.

Exhibition from the establishment, activities, returning to Korea, and its legacy of the provisional government

The commemorative exhibition is organized into five sections, presenting 67 artifacts that illuminate the establishment, activities, and return to Korea of the Provisional Government, including the grand welcome ceremony at Seoul Stadium.

Part 1, Return Victorious: This section unveils the establishment of the Provisional Government in Shanghai, focusing on the leadership’s diplomatic and military efforts during the 1940s. Part 2, To the Homeland!: This section details the Provisional Government’s journey back home following negotiations with China and the United States after liberation. Part 3, The Triumphal Return of the Provisional Government: This section recreates the national welcoming ceremony with a reconstructed arch and floral tram in front of the Hwashin Department Store in Jongno in December 1945. Part 4, Remembering the Provisional Government: This section highlights the surviving government buildings and historic sites in China. Part 5, Succession to the Provisional Government of Korea: This section showcases the South Korean government’s dedication to embodying the spirit of the provisional government through its constitution, people, commemorations, and symbols. This includes the Korean Gazette No. 1, the trilingual (Korean, Chinese, and English) sheet music of the Korean national anthem, and a flag signed by the Liberation Army.

From March 26 to 28, the popera performance Painting 105 Years of History Through Music

From April 11 to 13, the musical The Turbulent Parenting Diary of an Independence Activist Couple Jessie’s Diary

In addition, the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai will host a series of cultural events themed around the independence movement and the Provisional Government, enriching the commemorative experience. From March 26 (Mon) to 28 (Wed), the acclaimed popera group “Rang Korea” will present “Painting 105 Years of History Through Music,” a performance that intertwines Korean poetry and historical themes. “The Turbulent Parenting Diary of an Independence Activist Couple ‘Jessie’s Diary,’” a musical inspired by the real-life stories of independence activists YANG Woo Jo and CHOI Sun Hwa, will take the stage from April 11 (Thur) to 13 (Sat). Accompanying the musical, Korean-Chinese books and photographic exhibits related to the performance will be displayed, offering attendees a deeper cultural insight. Furthermore, the event will include a culinary experience featuring foods commonly consumed by independence activists in China, highlighting the similarities and differences between Korean and Chinese food cultures.

YONG Ho Seong, Deputy Minister of the International Cultural Affairs and Public Relation at MCST, stated, “We hope this exhibition will cultivate new understanding and empathy between Koreans and Chinese through the shared history of the Provisional Government. We eagerly anticipate welcoming both Koreans and Chinese to the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai to partake in this fascinating historical exploration and the vibrant tapestry of Korean culture. The Ministry is committed to promoting the history and legacy of the Korean Provisional Government, a cornerstone of our nation’s fight for independence, both within Korea and internationally.”