The remains of Hong Beom-do, one of Korea's notable independence fighters in the early 20th century, were laid to rest at the national cemetery on Wednesday.

President Moon Jae-in, as well as leaders of the both ruling and opposition parties, the defense minister, chiefs of staff, and representatives from a commemorative foundation attended the solemn ceremony held at the Daejeon National Cemetery.

In a speech, Moon said the return of Hong's remains from Kazakhstan nearly eight decades after his death will bring hope to South Korean people amid their struggle against the COVID-19 global crisis.

As top commander of Korea's liberation army, Hong is most well-known for leading a victory against Japanese forces during the Battle of Fengwudong in Manchuria, China, in 1920.

After fleeing to the Soviet Far East in 1921 to escape Japanese officials, Hong was forced to relocate to the Kazakh region in 1937 under the Joseph Stalin regime, where he remained until his death in 1943.

Hong's remains were returned last Sunday ahead of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's state visit to Seoul. On Tuesday, Hong was posthumously awarded the first-grade Order of Merit for National Foundation.