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Коммеморативные практики Республики Корея как инструмент сохранения памяти о борьбе за независимость Кореи в России и Казахстане
This report analyzes the notion of commemoration as a tangible component and an important tool that affects the process of formation of historical memory. The author points at the main factors constituting collective national historical memory, in particular the erection of monuments dedicated to heroes and fighters for Korea’s independence on the territory of the Russian Federation. At the same time, the role of special governmental institutions of the Republic of Korea is emphasized. Such governmental bodies as the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans and the Memorial of Korea’s Independence History perform the function of the so-called “memory institutes”. The activity of these organizations is focused on the search for the participants of the liberation movement in Russia’s archives, the copying of the historical documents from the 1920s—1930s period, and the erection of memorials and memory signs dedicated to the liberation movement for Korea’s independence. Starting from 2001, the memorials dedicated to the heroes of Korea’s liberation movement, such as Lee Sang-seol, Ahn Jung-geun, Lee Dong-hwi, Cho Myung Hee were erected on the territory of the Russian Far East. In Kazakhstan, memorials dedicated to the Heroes of Korea and the victims of deportations were erected. Also, the remains of Hong Beom-do and Gye Bon-woo were relocated to Korea. In this article, the author analyzes the role and value of the commemorative practice not only from the cultural-ethical, but also political-functional meaning. The main task of the current historical revisionism is to shape a collective memory, proving that it was the people of Korea who liberated the Korean peninsula from the Japanese colonialism. In this respect, the Republic of Korea is implementing a series of events aimed at generating, supporting, and correcting the historical memory in accordance with state-national interests.