By Honorary Reporter George Barker from U.K.
Photos = Hsu Chung Mao Studio

Hsu Chung Mao, a veteran Taiwanese journalist with 20 years of frontline reporting in major global conflicts, is the head of Nueva Vision, a publisher of historical photo albums in Taiwan and China. His publications about Korea include "Korea under Japanese Occupation, 1918–1945," "Hanyang," "Tradition and People," and "Destruction and Restoration."

Collections of Hsu's photos of Korea published in 2024

To mark the 80th anniversary of liberation, Hsu has presented a collection of 540 photos he assembled over the past 20 years including previously unreleased pictures of a room where independence martyr Ahn Jung-geun once lived, street scenes during the Japanese colonial period and landowners oppressed by Japanese soldiers. He said he aims to showcase images that depict the last century of Korea's history, especially those that are rare or are no longer accessible, through his work. 

To learn more about his work, I conducted an email interview with Hsu on July 29.

The journalist has collected historical photographs for over 30 years, primarily focusing on China and Taiwan. While collecting Chinese photos, he discovered images related to the Korean Provisional Government (KPG) in Chongqing during World War II, including rare photos of the Korean Liberation Army (KLA). This sparked his interest in historical photos of Korea, leading him to acquire Korean images whenever he saw them at antique markets.

"Korea's National Memory 1860s-1960s: the 80th Anniversary of Liberation" by Hsu Chung Mao Studio

Given his extensive experience in editing historical photo albums, Hsu said the process of creating his latest photobook didn't take long, as he had the materials and skills needed. At the Seoul International Book Fair, he said that while the books were costly due to high production quality, he encouraged visitors to sit down and flip through them. 

"It's not just about visuals but about feeling a nation's journey, the pain, joy, despair and hope, all merging like a song that echoes in the heart," he said. "I deeply enjoy engaging with readers; it's a strong, vivid life experience for me and the original motivation behind publishing these books." 

"It's the culmination of the efforts we have poured over the past 20 years, and also a tribute to this land, its people and the times we love."

Black-and-white photos of Korea that have been restored and colorized include a portrait of independence activist Kim Gu (Ku) (left) and a picture of the room where patriotic martyr Ahn Jung-geun lived.

Hsu shared a memorable experience when former President Moon Jae-in visited his booth. The latter was especially moved by photos of the KPG in China and images of independence activist Kim Gu. 

"We had a historical dialogue; while times have changed, the shared anti-colonial, anti-imperialist spirit still lives on," Hsu said. 

Following the meeting, Hsu donated high-quality historical photos of the KPG in Chongqing and the KLA that were later displayed at the former president's bookstore at a commemorative event on Aug. 15, Liberation Day. "In this way, I feel I'm also taking part in the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation," Hsu said.

On his thoughts on the 80th anniversary of liberation, Hsu emphasized the shared history between Korea and China (including Taiwan) under Japanese colonial rule. "Both nations experienced deep trauma and supported each other in the fight against imperialism," he said. "Our histories teach resistance against invasion and the spirit of rebuilding."

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.