Fighting for Freedom
Michael Lim’s Family Legacy
”True wealth lies in helping others
and sharing that wealth with other people.”
Lesson Objective
Through the story of Michael Lim's family, gain insight into the struggles and contributions of Korean Americans during the Japanese occupation. Through this, learn about the impact the Korean American community has had on society. Furthermore, explore how we can contribute to our communities today.
Summary
Michael Lim, a violinist of the Hawaiʻi Symphony, tries to learn more about his great-grandparents. From the viewpoint of their great-grandson, we gaze into the lives of this courageous couple and their legacy in the history of the Hawaiian Korean community.
About Michael Lim
Michael Lim is a musician that communicates through music. Michael Lim plays violin with the Hawaii Symphony orchestra and also teaches music in middle school and high school. He has special great-grandparents. Won-Kiu Ahn, who immigrated to Hawaii at the age of 26, gave everything he had to fight for his country’s independence and the rights of Korean immigrants in Hawaii until he passed away at 70. Chung Song Ahn was also a female leader who was just as brave and strong-willed as her husband. Michael Lim is the fourth-generation descendant of activists who made significant contributions to both the history of Hawaiian immigration and the independence of Korea.
Historical Information
1. Three members of Michael Lim’s ancestors were selected among 27 notable Koreans by the centennial committee in 2002, in celebration of 100 years of Korean immigration to Hawaii. Why were they selected?
Won-Kiu Ahn, Michael Lim's great-grandfather, originally came to Hawaii as a plantation worker. He later became a successful businessman, founded the Korean National Association, raised money for the independence movement, and helped many Korean immigrants in Hawaii.
Chung Song Ahn, Michael Lim’s great-grandmother, contributed significantly to the Korean community in Hawaii through her work as a teacher and volunteer.
Choon Ho Lim, Michael Lim’s paternal great-grandfather, also arrived in Hawaii as a plantation worker. He later became a pastor and worked to create better working conditions for Korean farm laborers and helped them settle in Hawaii.
2. What is the Korean independence movement that Michael Lim’s great-grandparents supported?
The Korean independence movement was a combination of diplomatic efforts and armed struggles aimed at liberating Korea from Japanese colonial rule. It began in the late 19th century or early 20th century and continued until Japan's surrender in 1945.
3. Why did Korean immigrants in Hawaii think educating their children was pivotal?
Korean immigration to Hawaii stopped in June 1905. Soon after, Korea was forced to sign the Treaty of 1905, which led to its annexation by Japan*. Many Korean immigrants believed that their country was lost because the people were uneducated, and they thought that education was the key to preventing such an event in the future.
*In 1905, diplomatic sovereignty of Korea was deprived, and in 1907, Japan effectively annexed Korea.
The first school for Korean immigrants in Hawaii, the Aliʻiolani Elementary School, was established in 1906, just three years after the first wave of immigration. This school was founded through donations from Korean immigrants and the Methodist Church. The following year, Dr. Syngman Rhee developed the school and later founded the "The Korean Christian Church". Education was seen as the key to reclaiming the homeland, and soon after, immigrants gathered funds to establish Korean language schools to ensure that their children received education in their mother tongue.
Discussions Points
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Why was education so important in the history of Michael Lim's family?
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In what ways did donations contribute to the development of the Korean community in Hawaii, addressing both immediate needs and supporting long-term growth?
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How important is the role of individuals in achieving a nation's independence? Using the case of Korean immigrants in Hawaii, discuss how individual actions and contributions can impact the overall national independence movement.
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Do you agree that achieving happiness involves more than material wealth? Discuss the extent to which factors beyond materialism contribute to one's sense of fulfillment and happiness.
Film · book recommendation
Reading Level: College - level
Diary of a Dean: Campus Revolution 1968-1992 (2016)
by Elizabeth Ahn Toupin
This book tells the lifelong journey of Elizabeth Ahn Toupin from the sugarcane fields of Oahu to the elm-covered campus of Tufts University.