The article discusses the controversial attribution of a calligraphic plaque at Independence Gate to the notorious figure Lee Wan-yong, comparing his style to that of independence activist Ahn Jung-geun.
This article explores the contentious debate over the authorship of a calligraphy plaque at Independence Gate in South Korea, with competing claims that it was penned by either the infamous collaborator during the Japanese occupation, Lee Wan-yong, or independence activist Kim Ga-jin. The National Heritage Administration has stated that there is insufficient evidence to take an official stance, reflecting ongoing disputes around this issue. The article raises the question of whether Lee Wan-yong possessed the skill to produce such significant calligraphy.
The author, a historian, examines Lee Wan-yong's lesser-known identity as a calligrapher, delving into historical texts and art databases to uncover traces of his work. The analysis of his signature writing style reveals that while he was proficient, he lacked a distinctive style of his own. Notably, art critic Hwang Jeong-su described him as a “remarkable technician” with excellent skills, but this stands in contrast to the critiques surrounding his character as a national traitor.
By comparing Lee Wan-yong's calligraphy with that of Ahn Jung-geun, the article suggests that the nature of a person's writing reflects their character. Ahn's calligraphy is characterized as bold and straightforward, while Lee's is described as delicate and aesthetically pleasing yet elongated. The market value of their writings further illustrates this dichotomy, as Ahn's work recently sold for 1.95 billion won, whereas a piece by Lee fetched only 300,000 won, indicating the differing perceptions of their legacies in South Korean society.
