The March First Independence Movement of 1919 sparked a national resistance to the Japanese occupation of Korea.

The independence movement is one of celebration and remembrance of those who made sacrifices for the nation’s independence.

Events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the movement were held in Jeju at (조천읍) Jocheon-eup last week to keep the spirit of independence alive.

Mike Laidman reports.

“Hurrah for independence!”
<현장음 : 만세! 만세! 만세!>

[slug] Jocheon-eup, Jeju City

Women in traditional Korean white jackets and long black skirts shout “Hurrah for independence.”

(만세) Mansae Hill in (조천) Jocheon is full of people holding the Korean flag and bearing torches.

[slug] Event commemorating March 1st Independence Movement

These are just a part of the events being held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement.

They are participating in order to keep their ancestors' spirit of independence alive.

INTERVIEW
Han Dae-seop / Jeju Branch, Korean Liberation Society
This is the site of the beginning of our forebears organized efforts to regain national sovereignty from Japan.
<인터뷰 : 한대섭/ 광복회제주지부장>
"우리 선조들이 나라를 찾겠다고 목숨을 무릅쓰고 피와 땀을 흘려 이 곳에서 독립 운동을 시작했습니다."

INTERVIEW
Kim Min-ok / Jocheon Elementary School
I'm so glad to have joined this event to mark the movement's 100th anniversary. I hope that there will be more events like this in the future.
<인터뷰 :김민욱/ 조천초등학교>
"3·1운동 100주년이라는 뜻깊은 날에 뜻깊은 행사를 할 수 있어 기쁘고 앞으로도 이런 행사가 많았으면 좋겠어요."

[slug] Independence Torch Relay

The Independence Torch Relay is being held from March 1st through April 11th, the day Korea’s interim government was established.

Over the course of the event, a total of 2,019 runners will carry torches over 100 different locations across the nation, memorializing the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement.

In Jeju, the flames arrived in (조천) Jocheon, where the March 1st Movement started on March 21, 1919, and lasted for four days.

[slug] Over 100 participate in Independence Torch Relay

Hosted by the Department of Veteran Affairs, the event was attended by some 100 islanders, including the director of Veteran Affairs, the Jeju Haenyeo Anti-Japanese Movement Committee, as well as relatives of veterans.

The participants walked the 1 km stretch of road between the Yeonbukjeong (연북정) Coast in Jocheon (조천) and (만세) Mansae Hill while shouting “Hurrah for independence.”

[slug] Haenyeo resistance re-enacted at sea

Included in the events was a performance held at sea, reenacting the plight of Jeju’s haenyeo against Japanese oppression.

INTERVIEW
Park Suk-hui / Gujwa Haenyo Society
We, the descendants of those hanyeo, are putting on this performance to show the world the souls of steel our mothers had.
<인터뷰 :박숙희/ 구좌읍 해녀회장>
"우리 후배들이 (해녀의) 강인한 정신을 전세계에 알리기 위해 (참여했어요.)"

[Reporter] Mike Laidman
[Camera] Jwa Sang-eun

Even after one hundred of years, the shouts and celebration for Korea’s independence resonate strong and true here on Jeju.

Mike Laidman, KCTV