Born in Pyongan Province, Choi Jin-ha came to the United States in September 1916 for the purpose of studying abroad. In January of the following year, he was appointed as the secretary-general of the Korean National Association in North America, where he worked diligently for the development of the association and the independence movement of his homeland.
When the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was established in Shanghai in 1919, he actively supported its military and diplomatic activities by raising funds.
Choi was elected as the president of the association multiple times in 1921, 1923, 1924, and 1935, dedicating himself to the growth of the organization and the support of the independence movement. In June 1936, he focused on revitalizing and reforming the association, and in January of the following year, he was elected as the secretary-general of the Central Executive Committee.
Until Korea’s liberation, he led efforts in diplomatic initiatives, supported national defense, and ensured the welfare of Korean expatriates during wartime, while also backing the organization of the Provisional Government and the Korean Liberation Army. After February 1950, he served concurrently as the secretary-general of the Korean National Association and the chief editor of the Shinhan Minbo, contributing to the association’s development for 27 years. In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Order of National Foundation in 1995.
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