Kim Gu

After the March 1st Movement, Kim Gu went into exile in Shanghai, China, where he joined the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea (KPG). He became a key figure in the independence struggle against Japanese colonial rule.

As head of the KPG's secret service, Kim Gu orchestrated the assassination of Japanese military officers in Shanghai, including the bombing at Hongkew Park that killed General Yoshinori Shirakawa. This was a major act of resistance against Japanese imperialism.

Following Japan's surrender, Kim Gu returned to Korea in November 1945. He was greeted as a hero by many Koreans and resumed his role as a leader of the Korean independence movement, advocating for a unified, independent Korea.

Kim Gu strongly opposed the establishment of separate governments in North and South Korea. He refused to participate in the UN-supervised elections in the South, arguing they would lead to permanent division, and instead pursued unification talks with North Korean leaders.

On June 26, 1949, Kim Gu was shot and killed at his residence in Seoul by South Korean Army Lieutenant Ahn Doo-hee. The assassination was politically motivated, likely linked to Kim's opposition to the Rhee government and his unification stance.