The March 1st Movement Day holds profound significance for 75 million North and South Koreans, myself included, as it commemorates the pinnacle of the liberation movement against Japanese colonization in 1919. Lasting from 1910 to 1945, Japan’s occupation of Korea was marked by the exploitation of natural and historical resources, suppression of Korean language and culture and forced labor of men and women, including egregious practice of conscripting hundreds of thousands of women as “comfort” women.
The March 1st Movement marked a courageous assertion of Korean identity and a resolute stand against Japanese oppression. It symbolized a collective effort to reclaim homeland and heritage, epitomizing the spirit of nationalism and resistance against Japanese military rule in Korea. Today, the significance of The March 1st Independence Movement endures, serving as a critical reminder of our nation’s resilience and determination.
On March 1st, 1919, millions of oppressed Koreans held protests in over 1500 locations nationwide, constituting the largest scale of national protest against foreign dominance in Korean history. Despite attempts by Japanese military forces to suppress the movement, the day witnessed unprecedented acts of defiance and solidarity. Tragically, the crackdown resulted in approximately 7,000 people killed, 16,000 wounded, and 46,000 arrested, underscoring the brutality of Japanese rule.
The Constitution of Korea stipulates that Koreans are “proud of their resplendent history and traditions dating from time immemorial, upholding the cause of the Provisional Republic of Korea Government born of the March First Independence Movement of 1919 and the democratic ideals of the April Nineteenth Uprising of 1960 against injustice,” acknowledging its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic ideals and governance. Despite the violence inflicted upon demonstrators, the movement laid the groundwork for Korea’s present-day government, emphasizing the power of nonviolent resistance in effecting social change.
At the age of 10, I often spent weekends with my grandfather, who instilled in me a deep appreciation of our national heritage. He would proudly hang the Korean flag on days of commemoration, a tradition that portrayed his unwavering patriotism. Though he seldom spoke about his experiences, my grandfather once told me that he had been a victim of Japan’s colonization, forced into manufacturing labor under harsh conditions.
The sight of his weathered hands bore witness to the toil he had endured to survive under Japanese oppression. I was relieved that he survived through the oppression and has been present with me as my grandfather this day. Learning of my family’s connection to Korea’s tumultuous past left an indelible impression on me, strengthening my determination to honor our history. Every March 1st, I am reminded of my grandfather’s resilience and sacrifice, fueling my own sense of pride and duty to my nation. Whether it’s hanging the Korean flag in our house or educating my peers about the holiday, I try to reconnect our past history with the present lives.
Following Korea’s independence in 1945, the government declared March 1st as the national holiday, called Samiljeol, marked by widespread displays of commemoration. People would hang their flags outside of their homes and shout the independence of Korea with the mini flags on their hands in the streets. However, the contemporary attitudes towards the holiday have shifted, with many individuals displaying apathy and ignorance towards its significance. Mere reposts on social media, such as Instagram, portrayed their methods of commemoration.
A survey conducted by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security revealed that 56.6 percent of people in their 20s lacked familiarity with Korean history. Professor Cho Gwang of Korea University’s history department lamented the decline of history education in modern curricula: “History education is facing its biggest crisis in modern times. It is hard to deny that under the ‘future-oriented’ curriculum, history education has been given much less priority than in past curricula.”
In light of dwindling public engagement with the March 1st Movement, there is a pressing need for enhanced education initiatives both within schools and households. While South Korean students typically begin learning about national history in the 5th grade, with a single semester devoted to the subject, the discontinuity until 8th grade poses a significant challenge to sustained historical understanding. Moreover, the variation in how history is conveyed within households further underscores the need for a concerted effort to instill a deep appreciation of the history during the struggle for Korean independence.
By prioritizing history education and fostering a culture of commemoration at home, we can ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices of those who fought for Korean independence. Initiatives such as historical exhibitions and museum visits offer tangible opportunities for children to connect with their heritage, fostering a sense of national pride and continuity. By investing in these educational endeavors, we can safeguard the legacy of the March 1st Independence Movement for generations to come.
By: Minseo Kang
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