Kwon Ki-Ok

Korean aviator (1901-1988)

Kwon Ki-Ok was a Korean activist, pilot, and winner of the Merit for National Foundation.[1] Ki-Ok was born in Pyongyang, South Pyongan on Jan,11th 1901.

Early Life

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Ki-Ok was born in Pyongyang, South Pyongan on Jan,11th 1901.[2]

Ki-Ok joined a secret society that wanted Korean independence called "송죽회”.[3] Kwon played a big role in the March. 1 Movement by secretly copying the Korean anthem.[3] Ki-Ok was caught giving Kim Jae-Duk a pistol and was sentenced to jail for 6 months.[3] She went to Shanghai, China after her release for Hongdo Girl's Middle School and later went to Unnam Military School.[3]

Career

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She learned to fly a plane in under 9 hours at Unnam Military Aviation School.[3] Japanese authorities tried to have her assassinated by paying a Korean male peer but failed.[3] Ki-Ok continued to be a pilot for 10 more years at the Chinese Air Force.[3] Ki-Ok returned to Korea in 1949 and became the first female publisher in 1966.[3] Kwon received a  presidential citation in 1968, and Order of Merit for the National Foundation, National Medal in 1977.[3] She died on April 19, 1988.[3]

References

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  1. Aribaud, Myriam (2021-07-23). [​​https://womenslibrary.org.uk/2021/07/23/korean-women-in-history/ "Korean Women in History"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); zero width space character in |url= at position 1 (help)
  2. "Kwon Ki-ok – The Unsung Heroes Who Fought for Independence!". Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 "Kwon Ki-Ok, the First Female Korean Aviator". 국민대학교 신문방송사 (in Korean). 2022-05-23. Retrieved 2024-02-09.