Ahn Jung-geun, an independence fighter, is revered by Koreans as he fought against Japanese colonial rule. Patriotic martyr Ahn assassinated the first Prime Minister of Japan, Ito Hirobumi, who led the Japanese invasion of Korea and became the first governor-general of Korea during the Japanese colonial era. On October 26, 1909, Ahn assassinated Ito on a railway platform in Harbin, China, with a gun hidden in a lunchbox. As he was being arrested by Russian guards, he yelled for Korean independence. After several trials, Ahn was sentenced to death and executed by Japanese officials at Lushun prison in China on March 26, 1910. He asked to be buried near Harbin Park and to relocate his body to Korea when it gained independence. Ahn’s patriotism stimulated Koreans and led to successive independence movements.

This year, March 26, marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Ahn Jung-geun, but the remains of the patriot have still not been found. Historical records indicate that they must be buried not far from the prison where Ahn was executed. Commemorating the anniversary, President Lee Myung-bak affirmed his effort to locate the remains of Ahn and instructed the government to work with China and Japan for the search. Although historical and political issues remain with Japan and China, it is Korea's hope that diplomatic cooperation with the two neighboring countries will help bring home the remains of the patriot.