1908~1945년 서대문형무소 사형 집행의 실제와 성격

Abstract

This article deals with the death penalty executed in Seodaemun Prison from 1908 to 1945. Seodaemun Prison is the only place where the execution site and prison remain during the Japanese colonial period, and although it is recognized as a symbol of the independence movement, research on execution has not been conducted yet. Therefore, in this paper, the institutional issues surrounding the execution of the death penalty are first dealt with, and the establishment, change, and current state of the death penalty are summarized. Furthermore, through the analysis of the executioners, the political nature of the death penalty during the Japanese colonial period was described. Under the Japanese colonial rule, the entire process from the death penalty to execution and follow-up was legislated and thoroughly managed and controlled. Through this, the legitimacy of the law that can permanently eliminate the anti-Japanese forces was secured, and the punishment provisions for the anti-Japanese forces were more strongly applied by using the colonial characteristics. In particular, by stipulating the retrieval and funeral of the body after execution by law, the execution of the death penalty was thoroughly prevented from being linked to another anti-Japanese atmosphere. The execution center of Seodaemun Prison was originally located on the northeast side of the site － between the present 10 and 11 prisons － at the time of its opening, but it was moved to its current location in the process of prison expansion around 1922. Currently, there is only one gallows in the execution ground, but in the beginning there were two gallows. Considering the circumstances at the time when there were many death row prisoners due to the activities of voluntary soldiers, it seems that two were installed for quick and efficient execution. From 1908 to 1945, the number of executions confirmed by surveying the 'Gazette' was 493, confirming the highest number of executions in the country. Among them, there are many independence activists who participated in voluntary service, volunteer work, and armed struggle. 92 people, or about 19%, have been recognized by the government for the fact of the independence movement. This number is expected to increase further data supplementation and research. The Japanese imperialism made the death penalty for political prisoners appear as a just punishment for those who “endangered public security” with acts such as murder or robbery. However, in reality, the ultimate purpose of the independence movement was erased and only superficial acts such as ‘murder’ or ‘robbery’ were presented. The main purpose of this article is to arouse interest in independence activists who lost their lives at the gallows of Seodaemun Prison during the independence movement.