최서면의 안중근 연구 및 기념활동

Choi Seo-myeon’s Commemorative Activities and Research on Ahn Jung-geun

이 연구는 최서면(崔書勉, 1928~2020)의 일본과 한국에서 안중근 연구 및 기념활동을 1차 자료를 통해 다음과 같이 규명했다. 첫째, 해방 후 1957년까지 국제적 민족주의를 형성하고, 정치과정 중 투옥 되어 천주교 신자가 된 최서면은 연구자의 길을 선택한다. 둘째, 일본 망명 기간인 1957년부터 1987년까지 최서면은 일본 정·재계 인사들을 통해 한일양국의 우호증진을 목표로 안중근 연구와 기념사업을 추동 한다. 셋째, 한국으로 귀국한 최서면은 남북통일을 목표로 안중근 유해발굴사업, 안중근 연구의 후속세대 전승을 위한 활동에 기여한다. 최서면은 한일관계와 남북관계를 개선하려는 “안중근학(安重根學)의 복사(服事)”로서 비공식적 민간외교의 역할을 수행했다.

This article highlights, by consulting new historical sources, research and commemorative undertakings of Choi Seo-myeon (崔書勉, 1928~2020) on Ahn Jung-geun that took place in Japan and South Korea, which may be summarized as follows. Firstly, in the period from Chosun’s liberalization to 1957, Choi Seo-myeon, who had advocated international nationalism and become a Catholic during his imprisonment over the course of political turmoil, finally chose to be a researcher. Secondly, from 1957 to 1987 during which time Choi was living in exile in Japan, he initiated and took charge of Ahn Jung-geun research and commemorative projects by reaching Japanese political and business circles to promote amicable relations between Japan and South Korea. And thirdly, after returning to South Korea, Choi devoted himself to excavating Ahn Jung-geun’s remains aiming for unification of North and South Koreas, while contributing to leaving legacy of Ahn Jung-geun research for next generations. Choi Seo-myeon lived as “an alter boy for Ahn Jung-geun Study” fully devoted to improving Japanese-Korean and Inter-Korean relationships, willingly serving as an informal and private diplomatic channel.