November 09

In November 1945, shortly after Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule, martial arts enthusiast Hwang Kee established the Moo Duk Kwan school in Seoul. He formalized a system of self-defense called Soo Bahk Do, drawing on traditional Korean arts and influences from Chinese martial techniques. Moo Duk Kwan emphasized discipline, physical conditioning, and moral development, quickly attracting students nationwide. Under Hwang’s leadership, the organization developed standardized forms, ranking systems, and a structured curriculum. Moo Duk Kwan played a central role in unifying various Korean martial arts styles and contributed to the eventual creation of taekwondo. Today, Soo Bahk Do is practiced worldwide, preserving Hwang Kee’s legacy and Korean cultural heritage.

On November 9, 1993, the 427-year-old Stari Most bridge, an Ottoman-era landmark in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, collapsed after sustained bombing by Croat forces. The graceful stone arch had stood since 1566, connecting the city’s Muslim and Christian communities. Its destruction became emblematic of the cultural and human devastation of the Bosnian War. The loss sparked international outcry and mobilized efforts by UNESCO and other organizations to reconstruct the bridge. Engineers and craftsmen later rebuilt Stari Most using original techniques and materials, completing the project in 2004. The reconstructed bridge stands today as a symbol of reconciliation and cultural resilience. Its fall and rebirth highlight the importance of heritage preservation amid conflict. The event underscores how war can imperil both lives and irreplaceable monuments.