The Journey of Renowned Composer Jeong Yul-seong: From Korean Independence Fighter to Chinese Citizen

Narrative

Jeong Yul-seong (1914-1976), born in Gwangju, was an anti-Japanese independence fighter known for having composed the Chinese Liberation Army Song. Jeong moved to Manchuria when he was 19, fighting against Japan’s colonization of Korea as part of the anti-Japanese resistance movement there. becoming a member of the Chinese communist party and fighting on the side of North Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953). There are various sites and events in Gwangju that commemorate Jeong as a composer and independence fighter the Jeong Yul-seong Street Gallery and the Jeong Yul-seong Music Festival, held at Missionary Wilson’s House and Leeleenam Studio in Yangnim History and Culture Village. His birthplace is located on Jeongyulseong-ro Road, which is named after him.