E2024-G164

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 China when he was 19, eventually 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 in Yangnim-dong, and the Jeong Yul-seong Music Festival, held at Missionary Wilson's House in Yangnim-dong.