South Korean acting prez calls for unity on anniversary of provisional govt establishment

IANS April 11, 2025 164 views

South Korea's acting president Han Duck-soo commemorated the 1919 establishment of Korea's provisional government, a pivotal moment in the nation's fight against Japanese colonial rule. During a ceremony at the National Memorial, Han emphasized the importance of unity and remembering the sacrifices of independence fighters. He pledged government support to honor these patriots, including efforts to repatriate their remains and create historical memorial routes. Han's speech highlighted the resilience and hope that guided Korea's independence movement, drawing parallels to contemporary national challenges.

"Let us go forward together to pass on a free, peaceful and prosperous Republic of Korea" - Han Duck-soo
Seoul, April 11: South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo called for national unity Friday as he marked the anniversary of the 1919 establishment of Korea's provisional government under Japan's colonial rule.

Key Points

1

Han marks 1919 Korean provisional government's establishment in Shanghai

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Government vows to repatriate independence fighters' remains

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Ceremony highlights unity and national resilience

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Commemorates anti-Japanese colonial resistance movement

On April 11, 1919, a group of Korean independence fighters established a provisional government in Shanghai, China, following a wave of anti-Japan protests across the nation, including the famous March 1 Independence Movement that year, Yonhap news agency reported.

Over 27 years, the provisional government relocated to seven other cities in China and served as the hub of Korea's fight to regain independence from Japan following its 1910 annexation.

"Today, as we commemorate the provisional government, we must reflect on the lessons of hope, unity and overcoming crises," Han said during a ceremony held at the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government, noting the grave challenges the nation faces at home and abroad.

"In the same way that our patriotic martyrs overcame a dark and gloomy colonial rule to recover the 'light of the Republic of Korea' through liberation, let us also go forward together to pass on a free, peaceful and prosperous Republic of Korea to our descendants," he said.

Han pledged the government's best efforts to honor the patriots who fought for independence and their bereaved family members.

In particular, he said the government will continue to pursue the repatriation of the remains of independence fighters buried overseas and construct a "Korea Memorial Road" connecting historic sites related to the independence movement.

Reader Comments

J
Jihoon K.
This is such an important reminder of our history. The sacrifices made by our independence fighters should never be forgotten. 🇰🇷 The Korea Memorial Road project sounds like a beautiful way to honor them!
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Soomin L.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish the speech had addressed more concrete plans for national unity beyond symbolic gestures. We need real solutions to today's divisions.
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Taeyang P.
My great-grandfather was part of the independence movement. Seeing his name on the memorial wall last year made me so emotional. It's good to see the government continuing to recognize these heroes.
M
Minji Y.
The part about bringing home remains of fighters buried overseas really got to me. So many families never got proper closure. This is long overdue but welcome news.
H
Hyunwoo C.
Unity is easier said than done these days, but remembering our shared history is a good start. The provisional government's story shows what Koreans can achieve when we work together against adversity.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
South Korea Han Duck-soo Korean Independence Provisional Government Japanese Colonialism National Unity
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