The National Museum of Korea has opened a special exhibition commemorating one of the most powerful moments of Korean national identity in Olympic history. "The Radiant Strides, Moving the World" launched on July 25 to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan, spotlighting the remarkable story of Son Kee Chung (1912-2002), who won the marathon gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics while being forced to compete under the Japanese flag.
The exhibition, located at Donated Collection 1 in the museum's permanent exhibition hall on the second floor, features 18 artifacts related to the legendary runner. Among the most significant items is a previously unseen autographed postcard that Son signed immediately after his Olympic victory on August 15, 1936. In a powerful act of defiance, he wrote "Korean Son Kee Chung" in Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, deliberately emphasizing his true nationality despite being officially registered as "Japanese runner Son Kitae."
"While I was greeted by countless well-wishers, my main concern was how to make them aware that I am Korean, not Japanese," Son once reflected about his Olympic experience. This sentiment captured the complex reality faced by Korean athletes during the Japanese colonial period, who were forced to represent Japan while their homeland remained under occupation.
When Son crossed the finish line first on August 9, 1936, at the Berlin Olympics, he achieved more than just an athletic victory. On the podium, rather than celebrating, he kept his head down in a somber display of protest, strategically covering the Japanese flag on his uniform with his laurel wreath. This subtle but powerful gesture became one of the most iconic acts of resistance in Olympic history.
Museum officials emphasize that the newly displayed autograph represents crucial evidence of Son's unwavering determination to assert his Korean identity. Throughout his career, he consistently wrote his name in Hangeul whenever signing autographs, using every opportunity to remind the world of his true heritage.
The exhibition's title draws inspiration from a congratulatory calligraphic message written by Kim Gu (Koo), the head of the Korean Provisional Government. Kim created this four-character phrase meaning "conquering the world with feet" to celebrate another Korean marathon champion, Suh Yun-bok, who won the Boston Marathon in 1947. The phrase represented immense pride and hope for the Korean people, symbolizing both athletic achievement and national resilience.
Among the exhibition's treasures is the actual ancient Greek bronze helmet from the sixth century B.C. that Son received as his prize for winning the 1936 Olympic marathon. In a gesture that exemplified his character, Son later donated this precious artifact to the museum in 1994, stating, "This belongs not only to me but also our people." The helmet now serves as a tangible connection to one of Korea's most significant sporting triumphs.
The display also features Son's original gold medal, the laurel wreath he used to cover the Japanese flag, and his certificate of victory. Another remarkable piece is a newspaper clipping from the major Seoul daily Dong-A Ilbo covering his Olympic victory. The newspaper famously published a photograph of Son with the Japanese flag digitally removed from his uniform, an act of journalistic resistance that led to the paper's temporary shutdown by Japanese authorities.
Visitors can experience Son's journey through an innovative artificial intelligence video presentation that recreates his path to Olympic glory. This modern technology helps bring his story to life for contemporary audiences, illustrating the physical and emotional challenges he faced as a Korean athlete competing under colonial rule.
Son's influence extended far beyond his own competitive career. After Korea's liberation in 1945, he dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring the next generation of Korean runners. Under his guidance, athletes like Suh Yun-bok and Ham Ki-yong achieved international success while proudly representing Korea. Suh captured the Boston Marathon in 1947, followed by Ham's victory in the same race in 1950. These achievements allowed Korean runners to compete under their own flag for the first time in decades.
The culmination of Son's relationship with Korean athletics came during the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, where he had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch. This moment represented a full circle in his life – from being forced to compete as a Japanese athlete to becoming a symbol of Korean athletic pride on home soil.
Museum Director-General You Hong June acknowledged that while the exhibition may not contain numerous artifacts, its significance lies in its focus on the joy and inspiration that Son Kee Chung provided to countless people during one of Korea's darkest historical periods. "The exhibition doesn't have many artifacts but is meaningful in focusing on the joy that athlete Son Kee Chung gave to countless people," You stated.
The timing of this exhibition is particularly meaningful, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. Son's story serves as a powerful reminder of how sports can transcend political boundaries and become a vehicle for expressing national identity and resistance against oppression.
For visitors interested in Korean sports history and the broader story of the nation's struggle for independence, this exhibition offers a unique window into how one athlete's courage and determination helped maintain Korean identity during a period of forced assimilation. Son Kee Chung's legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements to encompass his role as a symbol of Korean resilience and national pride.
"The Radiant Strides, Moving the World" will remain open to the public through December 28, providing visitors ample opportunity to learn about this pivotal figure in Korean sports history and his lasting impact on the nation's athletic heritage.
