Remains of two Korean independence fighters to return from abroad

South Korea will bring home the remains of two independence fighters from the United States and Uzbekistan on November 15.

Ho Si-han and Lee Gwal fought for Korean independence during Japan’s colonial rule, which lasted from 1910 to 1945.

Lee will be the first independence fighter buried in Uzbekistan whose remains return to Korea.

A ceremony is planned in Seoul the next day, followed by burial at the national cemetery in Daejeon.

Their return continues an effort that has lasted 80 years to bring home the remains of Korean independence activists buried overseas.

The veterans ministry says 158 sets of remains have been repatriated from 14 countries so far.

It has identified 240 overseas graves in 10 countries and plans further returns after consulting with families.