Nisha Rathode (Editor)

Uhm Bok dong

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Name
  
Uhm Bok-dong


Uhm Bok-dong httpsiytimgcomvisS681DRCUr0maxresdefaultjpg

Died
  
1951, Dongducheon, South Korea

[IG LIVE] Uhm Bok Dong casts stage greetings


Uhm Bok-dong (1892-1951) was a Korean cyclist active during the Japanese colonial era.

Contents

Uhm bok dong a cycle hero in the joseon dynasty 1


The Spring of Life

Uhm Bok-dong was born in Seoul, 1892. He learned to ride a bicycle while he was working as a delivery clerk for a bicycle shop. He distinguished himself by winning a lot of bicycle competitions, including one hosted by Kyung-sung Ilbo and Mae-il Shinmun (both of hosts were all newspaper companies) at April 13, 1913. He also won a competition held in Jang-chung-dan Park, gained popularity with his red uniform. Uhm became a popular figure among the people of Joseon, even depicted in one of popular songs. He swept many bicycle competitions to which he was invited.

In 1920's Kyung-sung Civil Sports Day, Japanese referees abruptly halted the bicycle race in order to interrupt Uhm's victory. Exasperated, Uhm ran into the box seat and broke the championship flag, protesting the absurd decision. This happening led to disturbance between Korean and Japanese audience. He also won a 10,000 meter race at the Joseon Bicycle Competition in 1932, at the age of 40.

Miserable End

His later days were tragic. After the independence, he wandered Dongducheon and Uijeongbu, homeless. He was bombed to death at a mountain in Dongducheon in 1951, after the Korean War broke out.

Cycle Competition

Korea Cycling Federation held the National Cycle Competition, in memory of Uhm, from 1977 to 1999.

Modern Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea designated the Uhm's bicycle as a modern cultural heritage. His bicycle was manufactured by Rudge-Whitworth, an English bicycle manufacturer, the oldest bicycle in South Korea. Currently possessed by Korea National Sport University, its manufacture date is estimated between 1910 and 1914. CHA announced that its serial number (1065274) proved its rarity over the world. It is told that a junior cyclist who inherited the bicycle from Uhm took refugee with the bicycle on his back after the war broke out. His cycle shared an ordeal with the people of Korea.

Film

In March 2017, it was confirmed a film based on Uhm Bok-dong's life was to be produced. Singer-actor Rain will portray the character of Uhm in the film. Actor Lee Beom-soo is the producer of this film which will be directed by Kim Yu-sung.

References

Uhm Bok-dong Wikipedia