"Even Koyote Members Didn't Know for 20 Years"...The Hidden Identity of Paek Ga's Great-Great-Grandfather

Paek Ga Reveals for the First Time His Descent from Independence Activist Jin Huichang
"I Was Cautious, Worried It Might Seem Like I Was Riding on His Achievements"

Paekga (real name: Paek Sunghyun), a member of the group Koyote, has revealed for the first time that his great-great-grandfather was Jin Hee-chang Kyunglim (1874-1933), an independence activist. He explained that he had not shared this family history before, as he was concerned it might appear as though he was leveraging his ancestor's achievements for his own fame.

Group Koyote member Paekga revealed that his great-great-grandfather was an independence activist. Screenshot from the YouTube channel 'Paekga Unnie'

On August 15, Liberation Day, Paekga shared a video on his YouTube channel 'Paekga Unnie,' stating, "In fact, my great-great-grandfather was an independence activist," and added, "I have never even told the group members I have worked with for over 20 years."

Jin, Paekga's great-great-grandfather, was born in Seoul and went into exile in Shanghai, China in 1911 after the forced annexation by Japan. There, he engaged in educational work to raise national consciousness among Koreans and worked to lay the foundations for the independence movement. According to the Academy of Korean Studies, Jin participated in forming the Provisional Assembly in April 1919. Even after the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, he supported its activities by raising military funds and more.

Group KOYOTAE member Paekga revealed that his great-great-grandfather was an independence activist. Screenshot from the YouTube channel 'Paekga Unni'

Jin's name is also mentioned in the autobiography of Baekbeom Kim Gu, 'Baekbeomilji.' In the video, Paekga explained, "My great-great-grandfather's name is listed in the second volume of Baekbeomilji," and said that Kim Gu referred to Jin Hee-chang as a close comrade. Jin passed away in Shanghai in 1933, and the government, recognizing his achievements in the independence movement, posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Independence Medal, in 1980.

Paekga also shared that his late mother used to say, "Our family descends from an independence activist. Carry yourself with pride, never be intimidated wherever you go."

As for why he had not revealed his family history before, he said, "I was always very cautious about mentioning my great-great-grandfather's name because I worried it might seem like I was riding on his achievements," adding, "His sacrifice was too immense and profound for me to treat it as a source of pride."

Group Koyote member Paekga revealed that his great-great-grandfather was an independence activist. Screenshot from the YouTube channel 'Paekgaunnie'

This revelation also came with Paekga's hope to help descendants of independence activists. He said, "In the past, I was not in a position or had the resources to help anyone, but now I can. I want to support descendants of independence activists who may need help." Towards the end of the video, he conveyed, "If there are descendants of national patriots in need, please reach out to me."

Meanwhile, Paekga began his singing career as a member of Koyote with the group's 6th album in 2004, after his work as a photographer. He currently runs a cafe and gallery in Jeju Island, continuing his activities in music and broadcasting.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.