Since 1949, the South Korean government has given official recognition and honors to the patriots who fought for the country's independence.<br />Women freedom fighters, though, account for only two percent of those who've been recognized.<br />Ko Roon-hee explains how that's now changing. <br />93-year-old Hahn Won-ju is the daughter of a woman named Park Duk-sil, who was an activist for Korea's independence.<br /> During Japanese colonial rule, Park not only raised funds to support the independence movement but also served in an anti-Japanese organization.<br />This year's Liberation Day is extra special for Hahn… because her late mother has been recognized and awarded by the government for the first time.<br /><br />"I am very happy because my mother has regained her honor. Also, this award gave me a chance to learn about her specific achievements."<br /><br />Starting this year, South Korea's Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs <br /> eased the requirements for the award… so that it could honor more women, like Park, who only account for around 2-percent of the total number of patriots recognized so far. <br /><br /> This means documents such as memoirs were admitted for the screening process. <br />They took into account the fact that many women participated indirectly in the movement… through activities like supporting their husbands.<br /><br /> After months of effort, this year the patriots ministry and the Institute of Korean History and Culture found 2-hundred-and-2 more women activists, 26 of whom are to be honored by the government on August 15th.<br /><br />"Korean women provided food, clothing, and care for many people during the Japanese colonial period. We thought these kind of activities should be considered in the screening process."<br /><br />And to remember the female independence fighters, groups hold a range of events throughout the country.<br /><br /> One organization is the Memorial Society of Women's Independence Movement against Japanese Occupation.<br />They put on a theatrical play,... painting a vivid picture of the crucial role women played as activists against Japan's colonial rule.<br /><br /> Along with the South Korean government, this organization said they will put on more such events in the future to share the women's legacy with the public.<br />Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News. <br />
