On March 1, KST, actor Jung Hae In made a post on his Instagram that not many of his non-Korean fans would have understood the meaning of.
Jung posted the South Korean national flag (Taegeukgi) on his Instagram story without any caption. The simple yet thoughtful post was made on the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the March First Movement.
The March First Movement marks an important historical event for Korea. It refers to a series of protests against the Japanese colonial rule, beginning on March 1, 1919. The protests were concentrated in March and April that year, though related protests continued until 1921. The movement is considered one of the landmark events in the Korean independence movement.
Jung’s post has made headlines across Korean news outlets, where he was praised for honoring not only the history of his country but also his lineage as a direct descendant of Jeong Yak Yong (alternatively spelled as Chŏng Yagyong). He was a Korean agronomist, philosopher, and poet, often called by his artistic name, Tasan. As one of the greatest thinkers of the later Joseon period, he remains a much-revered figure in Korean history.
In October of last year, Jung Hae In revealed that he was a descendant of Tasan’s second son when he appeared on You Quiz on the Block. The actor shared that he heard about his lineage while living with his paternal grandparents.
I grew up living with my paternal grandmother and grandfather, so I heard a lot about our family history from a young age. But it didn’t really hit me at the time. It was only when I started studying history that I went back and looked into it again.
— Jung Hae In
The actor also admitted that he felt conscious about his actions as a descendant of the great Korean scholar. Even his social media algorithm often shows him content related to Jeong Yak Yong, which, he admitted, helps like a periodic reminder.
Given that Jung Hae In was mindful enough to celebrate the March First Movement’s anniversary on his social media, there is no doubt about his dedication to honor his heritage.