Korean History › Japanese rule › Japanese colonial rule of Korea
Sohn Kee-chung
1912–2002; Olympic marathon gold, Berlin, August 9, 1936· Person· Culture, religion & science
Well documentedSolid records, physical evidence or scientific consensus.
Korean runner who won the 1936 Berlin Olympic marathon, forced to compete for Japan under the Japanese reading of his name.
See it on the Korean History map →What happened
Sohn Kee-chung (손기정), from Sinuiju, won the marathon on August 9, 1936, in an Olympic-record 2:29:19, with fellow Korean Nam Sung-yong third. Registered as 'Son Kitei', he signed autographs in Korean and bowed his head during Japan's anthem. The Dong-A Ilbo newspaper printed his photo with the Japanese flag erased from his shirt; colonial authorities suspended the paper and arrested staff. He later coached Korean runners and carried the torch into Seoul's Olympic stadium in 1988.
Why it matters
His victory became a symbol of Korean pride under colonial rule, and the flag-erasure incident is a famous act of press resistance.
Legacy and how we know
Olympic results, the Dong-A Ilbo edition of August 25, 1936, police records of the incident, newsreels, and his own memoirs and interviews.
Still debated
The IOC still credits the gold to Japan, with a note on his Korean name; many Koreans want it reassigned.
Connections (2)
▸Sohn Kee-chung competed for Japan during Japanese colonial rule of KoreaWell documented
The connection
Because Korea was a colony, Sohn and Nam Sung-yong could run only for Japan, Sohn as 'Son Kitei'. On the podium both bowed their heads during Japan's anthem. When the Dong-A Ilbo erased the Japanese flag from his photo, the Government-General suspended the paper for about nine months.
When and how
Berlin Olympic Stadium, August 9, 1936; Dong-A Ilbo edition of August 25, 1936, in Seoul.
How we know
Olympic records listing him for Japan, the altered newspaper photograph, and police records of arrests of Dong-A Ilbo staff.
Debates and open questions
The Joseon Jungang Ilbo had blurred the flag days earlier; how coordinated the two papers were, and who decided, is still discussed.
▸Sohn Kee-chung carried the torch at 1988 Seoul OlympicsWell documented
The connection
Sohn won the 1936 Berlin marathon but had to run for Japan under the name Son Kitei. At the 1988 opening ceremony, aged 76, he carried the Olympic flame into Seoul's stadium, leaping with joy, before handing it on. The Korean who won under Japan's flag was honored under his own.
When and how
Seoul Olympic Stadium at Jamsil, September 17, 1988; Sohn passed the torch to sprinter Lim Chun-ae, who handed it to the three final lighters.
How we know
Broadcast footage of the opening ceremony and the Games' official report.
Debates and open questions
The IOC still credits his 1936 gold medal to Japan; South Korean appeals to change the record have not succeeded.