Daegu, South Korea – The former home of labor activist Jeon Tae-il in Daegu has been restored and opened to the public as a memorial, thanks to the efforts of citizens and a non-profit organization.

Jeon, who tragically set himself on fire in 1970 to protest poor working conditions in South Korea's garment industry, had referred to this house as the happiest place of his life. The small, rented room where he lived with his family has now been transformed into a space to commemorate his life and legacy.

The restoration project was initiated by the non-profit organization "Jeon Tae-il's Friends" in 2019, after the existence of the house was confirmed through the testimonies of Jeon's family and acquaintances. Through a series of fundraising campaigns, the group was able to purchase the house and begin the restoration process.

The house, located in Namsan-dong, Daegu, was a humble abode where Jeon's family of six lived in a 12.54 square meter room. The family eked out a living by sewing clothes, with Jeon often helping his mother by threading needles and ironing garments. Despite the harsh conditions, Jeon was a diligent student, often staying up late to study.

However, Jeon was forced to drop out of school in 1963 due to financial difficulties. In 1964, the family moved out of Daegu in search of better opportunities.

The restoration process faced several challenges, including securing funding and dealing with local government regulations. Despite these obstacles, the group persevered and was able to complete the project through the support of the community.

The restored house now serves as a memorial and a space for education and community engagement. The small room where Jeon lived has been preserved as a historical site, while the rest of the house has been converted into exhibition spaces, workshops, and meeting rooms.

Song Pil-kyung, chairman of Jeon Tae-il's Friends, expressed his gratitude for the community's support and said that the organization is committed to preserving Jeon's legacy and inspiring future generations.

The opening of the memorial comes as South Korea continues to grapple with issues of labor rights and social inequality. Jeon Tae-il's sacrifice and his unwavering commitment to improving working conditions continue to resonate with people today.

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