On March 1st, Korean Independence Movement Day, Changwon decided to put the faces of its five representative freedom fighters on their local paper currency called Nu-bi-jeon. Korea has never included faces of freedom fighters in any of their paper money, including other local currencies or coins. Accordingly, Changwon is the first city in Korea to incorporate independence activists in their paper money. Its purpose is to raise awareness about local patriots and to make the next generation feel a sense of pride.  

In the 381st meeting, Kim Yeong-Jin, a member of Gyeongsangnam-do provincial council (GPC), said, “Most of the local currencies in Korea use designs that have no relationship to their city.” He also commented, “There are 1,039 decorated independence patriots in the Gyeongnam region, but no local government has tried to spread the word about local freedom fighters. Then, he said, “On a global scale, South Korea is the only country that does not include any independence fighters in their paper money.” Furthermore, he suggested, “Let us make Gyeongnam’s 18 cities’ local currency with our local independence activists to spread the knowledge about our infamous history.” These are the basis of why Changwon decided to include the faces of five independence activists in their local currency. Changwon is planning to issue 200 billion won of local currency this year. The first patriot from Changwon’s five representative freedom fighters on the Nu-bi-jeon is Lee Kyoh-Jae, who distributed the Declaration of Independence on March 1st Movement in 1919 and worked at the provisional government. The second patriot is Myung Do-Seok who funded the Masan Independence Protest and trained anti-Japanese soldiers. Another patriot is Bae Jung-Se, who led another independence protest and sacrificed his life for Korea while he worked at the Armed anti-Japanese independence movement group. Moreover, patriot Kim Jin-Hoon, who organized the Joseon Independence Party and also offered his life during the anti-Japanese movement is also on the Nu-bi-jeon. The last patriot is pastor Joo Ki-Cheol who passed away while resisting the shrine worship against the Japanese forces.

Mayor of Changwon City Huh Sung-moo said, “Even though we had lots of active independence movements in Changwon, it is very sad that we can not spread the names of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. Nu-bi-jeon is going to be a good opportunity to introduce our city’s patriots .”