Dozens gathered at Imjingang Station, the Seoul metro’s closest stop to North Korea, on a sweltering morning. Ahn Hak-sop, a 95-year-old former North Korean prisoner of war, was the subject of much attention. He made a final journey back to his own country after living in South Korea for the majority of his life. He held a North Korean flag as he approached the Unification Bridge, despite being weak from illness, and said he wanted to be buried “in a truly independent land,” free from outside influence.
What Inspired This Last Trip?
Ahn Hak-sop yearned to be buried in North Korea at the age of 95. Even though it was only a short walk and he was in poor health, he went out by the bridge and took a meaningful, symbolic walk. In front of his fans, he expressed his desire to die in his homeland, free from what he sees as outside authority, demonstrating his steadfast faith in North Korean principles. Here is the link to our article on Royal Trip Highlights.
What is the background of Ahn Hak-sop and who is he?
Ahn Hak-sop was born in Ganghwa County in 1930, during the Japanese colonial era, and grew up in the turbulent Korean environment. Later, during the Korean War, he enlisted in the North Korean military. Because he refused to give up his ideas, he was captured in 1953 and imprisoned in South Korea for more than 40 years. He stayed in Gimpo close to the DMZ after being released. He turned down an invitation to go back north in 2000, saying he didn’t want to allow American rule in the South. Decades later, he still holds fast to his beliefs.
Why Did They Not Allow His Return?
Ahn Hak-sop begged to cross the border, but South Korean officials refused. There was not enough time, according to officials, to handle his request. He was returned to Gimpo when his attempt failed to reach the Unification Bridge. Nevertheless, his acts and the publicity they generated gave his cause new life. Here is the link to our article on Tourism Crisis 2025.
What Other Significance Does This Hold?
The tale of Ahn Hak-sop represents the profound and enduring split between North and South Korea. The emotional toll that decades of isolation have taken on people and families is demonstrated by his ultimate longing to go home. Beyond selfish desire, his trip poses significant queries on identity and the nature of true allegiance. It also emphasizes how, even after hostilities have stopped, the ideological struggle between the two Koreas still influences people’s lives. His story serves as a reminder that there are still emotional and political scars on both sides of the DMZ.
Final Thoughts
Ahn Hak‑sop represents a potent fusion of ideology, history, and the human need for belonging. His resolve to die in North Korea highlights a lifetime of deeply held beliefs molded by years of political conflict. Beyond a single tale, this personal appeal provides a moving analysis of the Korean peninsula’s continued divide. His narrative, as he approaches the end of his voyage, encapsulates the nuanced feelings associated with identity, homeland, and the long-lasting effects of Korea’s division.
