On April 7, Incheon National University (President Jong-Tae Park) announced that its Institute for the Study of Korea’s Independence Movement has received the Group Award at the 6th Choi Jae-hyung Prize.

The 2025 Choi Jae-hyung Prize Selection Committee completed its deliberation on March 25, and the award ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. on April 7 at the Memorial Hall of the Seoul National Cemetery. This year, no Grand Prize was awarded; instead, the Group Award was jointly presented to the Institute for the Study of Korea’s Independence Movement at Incheon National University and Samhwa INC. (represented by CEO Ja-Gwan Koo).

The Institute, led by Dr. Tae-Ryong Lee, along with researchers Dr. Hye-Ran Shin, Dr. Yoon-Ok Lee, Dr. Young-Bok Jeon, Hee-Eun Kim, and Myung-Shin Kim, was highly recognized for its long-standing dedication over the past seven years to uncovering and honoring forgotten independence activists. Since 2019, the team has submitted award recommendations to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs for over 5,000 individuals through 13 phases of research.

Additionally, Kim Dong-woo, a writer who has traveled across continents to rediscover and share the legacy of Korean independence activists overseas, and Min Bok-ki, a medical professional known for his contributions to global medical volunteerism and promoting Korea’s image abroad, were honored with the Activist Award. The Special Award was posthumously given to Jung Min-soo, a former promotional ambassador for the Choi Jae-hyung Memorial Foundation.

A Plaque of Appreciation was also presented to President Jong-Tae Park and former President Dong-Sung Cho of Incheon National University for their support in providing scholarships and accommodations to Ilia Choi, a descendant of Choi Jae-hyung, enabling him to pursue his studies at the university.