The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Minister KangJung-ai) announced that Lim Cheon-taek, Seo Byeong-hak, and Park Chang-woonhave been selected as the "Independence Activists of October 2024." These activistsled independence movements in Latin America, particularly in Cuba and Mexico.In 1905, over 1,000 Koreans arrived in Mexico, marking the first Koreanimmigration to the country. After working for four years on henequen plantations,these immigrants actively participated in Korean-American organizations andnationalist education, contributing to Korea’s independence movement.Lim Cheon-taek (1903) moved to Mexico with his mother and later relocated to Cubaat the age of 18. He was involved in various Korean organizations such as the KoreanNational Association's Matanzas branch, the Union of Koreans in Cuba, and theKorean Patriotic Society in Cuba. He also served as the principal of Minseong KoreanSchool and Jinsung School, dedicating himself to nationalist education. Lim raisedfunds to support the Korean Liberation Army and engaged with intellectuals in Koreato spread national consciousness.Seo Byeong-hak (1885) worked for four years on a henequen plantation in Mexicobefore moving to Cuba in 1921. He was active in several Korean organizations,including the Merida, Ohakgina, Matanzas, and Havana branches of the KoreanNational Association. Seo worked as a teacher at Minseong Korean School andHavana Korean School, striving to instill a sense of identity and nationalism amongKorean immigrants. He also supported the independence movement by consistentlyraising funds for the Korean Liberation Army.Park Chang-woon (1889) also labored on a henequen plantation in Mexico beforerelocating to Cuba in 1921. He was active in Korean organizations such as the Meridaand Matanzas branches of the Korean National Association and the Korean PatrioticSociety in the Americas. Park supported Haedong School financially and served asthe principal of Minseong Korean School, focusing on the education of Korean youth.He also contributed to relief funds for flood victims, famine relief, and independence.Despite the difficult circumstances, these three independence activists in LatinAmerica worked together through the Korean National Association, dedicating theirlives to protecting Korean interests and advancing the independence movement.To honor their contributions, the government awarded Lim Cheon-taek the PatroticMedal (Order of Merit for National Foundation), and Seo Byeong-hak and ParkChang-woon the National Medal (Order of Merit for National Foundation).