김좌진 장군의 중국에서의 행적과 외교적 의미 고찰

Abstract

Kim Jwa-jin (1889–1930) was a key Korean independence fighter whose anti-Japanese activities were largely based in China. This study reviews his efforts and their diplomatic implications. From 1917 to 1930, Kim played a pivotal role in Manchuria’s independence movement. After escaping Japanese surveillance, he joined Jeongui-dan and co-founded the Northern Military Administration Office in 1918. His leadership culminated in the 1920 Battle of Qingshanli, where Korean guerrillas won a decisive victory. Throughout the 1920s, Kim organized the Shinminbu government, established schools, and promoted Korean self-governance in northeastern China, until his assassination in 1930. Chinese perceptions of Kim have evolved significantly. Once relatively unknown, he is now increasingly recognized by Chinese media and academia as a hero of the anti-Japanese struggle. Platforms like Baidu Baike praise his achievements, and Chinese scholars have highlighted his role in Korean resistance since the late 1990s, reflecting a growing appreciation of shared Korean-Chinese anti-imperialist efforts. Kim’s legacy also carries diplomatic weight. His former base in Heilongjiang now hosts the Kim Jwa-jin Memorial Hall and Sino-Korean Friendship Park, established in 1999 through joint efforts. These sites symbolize shared history and foster goodwill, serving as hubs for both South Korean visitors and local Chinese education. Commemorative actions—such as South Korea naming a submarine after Kim—are favorably received in China, reinforcing bilateral ties. His legacy, celebrated by both nations, exemplifies how shared historical memory can strengthen diplomatic relations and promote continued cooperation.