한국 독립운동의 표상, 3ㆍ1운동

Abstract

On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the March !st Movement, I would like to once again, shed light on its historical significance. The March 1st Movement was symbol of national spirit and value. It rose out of the struggle against the brutal Japanese imperialism and quickly inflamed demands for freedom and world justice. More than 2 million people of all ages and sexes participated in the movement as more than 1500 protests took place around the country. More than 7500 people were killed by the Japanese police and about 16,000 were wounded. Also, more than 50,000 people were arrested and taken to jail as well. The terrible sacrifice paid Koreans in this process was not in vain. As the Constitution of the Republic of Korea states, the spirit of the March 1st Movement became an eternal torchlight for those of us who sought national autonomy and world peace. The March 1st Movement was watershed moment in the history of independence movements of Korea and shaped other independence movements that followed en suite. The movement was not only Korean national resistance against Japanese imperialism. As proclaimed in its Declaration of Independence, it was part of international movement for world peace and justice that opposed imperialist aggression of all kinds against humanity. Steeped in the principles of humanitarianism, the movement aimed to make great contribution to world peace and freedom. Therefore, the spirit of nationalism as shown during the March 1st Movement was not an evidence of national exclusivity, but an expression of open cosmopolitanism. As such, it was an ‘open' nationalism that corresponded with global cosmopolitanism. As part of cosmopolitant movement for world peace and freedom, the March 1st Movement shines brilliantly upon us on this 90th occasion of its anniversary.