A Glimpse of Korea’s Independence Struggle: March 1st, 1919

By Yousra Feriel Drioua

Koreans and citizens worldwide gasped for air when martial law was lifted last December – December 3rd, a day that will haunt history books for generations to come, as did March 1st, 1919.

Although the Korean won took quite a hit and the Korean economy will require some time to recover, recent political events in Korea proved that civilians on the peninsula are painfully aware of the price they need to pay for freedom. One of the many lessons Korean history teaches is that civilians cannot let their guard down or become complacent, even in a seemingly democratic society.

I cannot shake from my mind the image of Congresswoman An Gwi-ryeong grabbing a soldier’s gun with her bare hands. No matter what one’s political ideations may be, and though some might call it a foolish act, it was what both despair and courage look like in dire situations. Men and women of all ages ran to the National Assembly to stop history from repeating itself. One of the most painful scenes was when the elderly formed a human shield using their bodies against the army. The elderly, who most likely lived through some of Korea’s most agonizing historical events; Japanese colonial rule, the Korean War, the Jeju Massacre, the Gwangju Uprising, and somewhere in the middle, the March 1st Movement. The March 1st Movement, also known as Samil Undong (삼일 운동), is an official holiday in Korea, but historically speaking, it was a pivotal step toward Korea’s sovereignty and independence.

In 1910, the Japanese had annexed Korea. Fast forward to 1919, thirty-three Korean leaders publicly declared Korea’s independence and officially declared a series of peaceful demonstrations across the country, in response to the oppressive policies of their colonizer at the time. The movement quickly gained traction with over 1,500 demonstrations and approximately two million participants. That is when the Japanese authorities responded with extreme repression, resulting in numerous deaths and arrests, despite the peaceful nature of the liberating initiative.

Samil Undong is considered a cornerstone of Korean independence and the modern Korean democratic struggle. It was an event that inspired and probably set in motion many others in Korea.

History, indeed, has a way of repeating itself – not just in Korea but across the world. The responsibility to remain vigilant and hold governments accountable falls on the shoulders of citizens everywhere and the most powerful legacy we can pass on to future generations is education and political literacy, ensuring they understand that democracy and freedom are not a given but must be taken. The fight for democracy is neither linear nor finite; it requires constant effort, unwavering resolve, and the strength of every individual. After all, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and in this struggle, every link matters.

The Author

Yousra Feriel Drioua is a freelance writer and activist with an MA in media communication and journalism. She’s an Algerian citizen residing in South Korea and aspires to be someone of use to society. Instagram: @myyigli