[SV] INDEPEDENCE DAY MOVEMENT
The celebration of Korea’s 105th anniversary of 삼일절(Samiljeol) or Independence Movement day was held on March 1 in San Francisco’s Korean American center. Independence Movement day marks the anniversary of the Korean Declaration of Independence from Japanese colonization on March 1 of 1919; the movement was a pivotal moment in Korean history, as it symbolized the unified resistance of the Korean people against oppressive and brutal colonial rule. On this day, Koreans from all walks of life, including students, intellectuals, and activists, participated in peaceful demonstrations and protests across the country, demanding autonomy and freedom. This is how the declaration sparked a nationwide uprising, which ultimately laid the foundation for the liberation of Korea in 1945 against brutal suppression by Japanese authorities. Samiljeol is a national holiday in South Korea, commemorated with various cultural events, ceremonies, and reflections on the sacrifices made by those who fought for Korea’s independence. made by those who fought for Korea’s independence. In San Francisco Korean American Center, built through donations of the members of the Korean American community of the bay area led by Dr.Jonathan Kim, President of SF Bay Area Korea Center & 김진덕 정경식 재단. The event welcomed various distinguished guests alongside student volunteers from Hwarang SV District. Following the conclusion of speeches, Justin Lee, Jayden Lee, Christopher Jung, and Timothy Park from the Dublin chapter were chosen to read 독립선언문(Dokrip Seondeonmun) or the Declaration of Independence of Korea, splitting the lines for each of the person. The Declaration of Independence of Korea refers to the proclamation made by Korean nationalists on March 1, 1919, announcing Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule. This declaration, also known as the March 1st Movement Declaration, ignited a nationwide uprising against Japanese oppression and marked the beginning of an effort to regain sovereignty and autonomy for Korea. The document outlined the aspirations of the Korean people for self-determination and freedom from colonial rule, rallying support for the independence movement and inspiring subsequent resistance efforts. There were presentations about AI replica of 도산 안창호 선생님(Mr. Ahn Chang Ho), who was a prominent Korean politician, Korean independence activist, and an early leader of the Korean-American immigrant community in the United States. Because Mr. Ahn Chang Ho established the Young Korean Academy in San Francisco in 1913 to promote and continue Korean culture even in the faraway lands, creating an AI replica of him who has already passed away seemed very meaningful. As being nominated as a student leader, I, myself, also received an opportunity to share my thoughts regarding the event and Samiljeol. Although I haven’t directly experienced Samiljeol myself, I remember how Samiljeol was celebrated in Korea when I was young, as every household in my apartment held up 태극기(taegukgi), the Korean flag, to commemorate the thankfulness for our peaceful lives right now. I was also very impressed by how the legacy of this meaningful day was continued to be celebrated from a foreign land that is 13 hours away from Korea, within a Korean American community that was created to continue the Korean culture and mindset protected by the sacrifices. More on, videos on the life of 유관순 열사님(Ms. Yoo Gwan-Sun) were presented. She was a prominent Korean independence activist during the Japanese colonial period and was involved in the movement at a young age, inspired by her father’s nationalist sentiments. In 1919, at the age of 16, she participated in the March 1st movement and played a significant role in organizing and leading student demonstrations in her hometown of Cheonan. However, the Japanese authorities cracked down harshly on the protesters, and Yoo Gwan-sun was arrested along with many others. Despite enduring torture and mistreatment in prison, Yoo Gwan-sun remained steadfast in her commitment to the independence movement. She became a symbol of resistance and courage for her fellow Koreans. Tragically, she passed away in prison on September 28, 1920, at the young age of 17, due to the severe conditions and abuse she endured. Yoo Gwan-sun's legacy continues to inspire Koreans as a symbol of unwavering dedication to freedom and national sovereignty. She is revered as a national hero in South Korea, and her sacrifice is remembered and commemorated annually on Independence Movement Day. The celebration of the 105th anniversary of Samiljeol, or the Independence Movement Day, was an extremely meaningful event, as it continued the legacy of thanking and commemorating the sacrifices made for Korea’s independence.
Written by Eunsu Cho
(SV Vice District Chairperson)
