In 1946, one year after Korea’s independence, Independence Movement Day became a national anniversary. May 24, 1949 was declared a national holiday. Thirty-three South Korean religious and cultural leaders launched the campaign. They developed the Korean Declaration of Independence to oppose Japanese rule over Korea, which lasted from 1910 to 1945. Koreans have been deprived of many liberties. On March 1, 1919, the Memorial Day of their late emperor, a mass parade was held in Seoul.
The 33 leaders hope to draw international attention and pressure on Japan and end the colonial rule of North Korea. The manifesto was signed and read in the city, and many gathered to listen to a student named Jae-yong Cheng read the manifesto. The assembly formed a peaceful procession. Other special representatives of the movement will read the Declaration of Independence at designated locations across the country at exactly 2 p.m. this day.
The movement lasted 12 months until the Japanese suppressed it. By then, some 2 million South Koreans had participated in more than 1,500 demonstrations across the country. About 7,000 people were killed and about 16,000 injured during the campaign. About 715 houses, 47 churches and two schools were destroyed by the fire. More than 46,000 people were arrested and about 10,000 were tried and convicted.
Complete News Source : National Today
