Page 69 - NAKS MAC 2026 EBook

2026년 독립기념 ‘코리아 리뷰’ 에세이

educating, and sacrificing because they believed in future Koreans. We owe them
gratitude and responsibility.
As a leader of that future generation, I do not want to simply inherit their sacrifices
without their values. I want to carry the courage. Remembering that being proud of
my Korean heritage isn’t just about celebrating where my family came from but

rather recognizing my ancestors and what their generation fought for.
Because of the courageous acts of the generations before us, they are able to see
the progression of their work in unimaginable ways. Korean culture now reaches
millions all across the world through music, film, food, language, and art. The
global influence of Korean culture highlights survival of what they fought for. The
peoples whose identity was almost suppressed by colonial rule, now something
that many people are proud of regardless of background. The music playing
through someone’s headphones, the Korean words someone chooses to learn, and
the stories watched by millions are reminders that culture did survive, even when
they tried to erase it.This independence gives me a sense of pride, providing me
along with the future generations with something to carry on.
So the question is what will my generation leave behind? Following the pattern left
by the many before us. We carry the spirit of independence that should not end
with my generation. It should become something to pass on to the generations.

The willingness to stand for others and the understanding that with freedom
comes responsibility.
This year, as Americans celebrate 250 years of independence and Koreans
remember 81 years since liberation, I see both of my worlds colliding in one
generation, which is mine. America’s history reminds me that independence can
create a nation. Korea's story reminds me that liberation can restore a nation. My
family’s story reminds me that these events are not just history, but something
that contributed to forming me into existence.
My halmeoni was not directly impacted by the events of 1919, but her life exists
because others did.
And I exist because of her.
That is what liberation means to me, not being freed from something, but being
given the chance to flourish into something greater. I cannot possibly repay the
activists who made my freedom possible. But I can remember, learn and carry on
their legacies.
Truth enlightens the world. The spirit of independence carries it forward.

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