Examples of Distortions

China: “In early June 1937, a unit of the Joseon People’s Liberation Army led by Gim Ilseong, broke through the rugged region of the Amnok River and invaded Bochunbo.”(Senior High School, World History (3), People’s Education Press, 1993.)

Poland: “In April 1932, a guerrilla force was organized by Gim Ilseong, who had been fighting for Korea’s liberation since he was 14 years old, in the Baekdu mountain region, and he became commander of the People’s Liberation Army. Gim led the unified front against Japan and was elected as the commander in 1936. (Alexandra Dominique, Korean History, Katovicze, 1992.)

Comment

In regard to anti-Japanese activities by Koreans during the Japanese occupation, only the guerrilla activities led by Gim Ilseong are mentioned while nationalist anti-Japanese movements are rarely mentioned or are completely omitted. In reality, however, Gim’s guerrilla activities were only one of many anti-Japanese independence efforts made by Koreans. Beginning in the late 19^th century, countless Koreans fought against imperial Japan’s intrusion and continued the anti-Japanese struggle even after colonization.

During Japan’s 35-year colonial rule of Korea, resistance never ceased. First, resistance came to a climax with the March First Independence Movement of 1919, which was a non-violent, civil demonstration to make the world aware of the Korean people’s desire for independence. Beginning on March 1, independence demonstrations spread throughout Korea, and thousands of people were killed by the Japanese military during their ruthless suppression. Thereafter, Korean resistance forces were formed in the Manchuria area and fought against the Japanese military. The Battle of Pong-o-dong and the Battle of Cheongsan-ri(Chingshan-ri in Chinese) were large-scale battles during which the Korean forces crushed the Japanese forces.

Second, a Provisional Government of Korea in exile was established in China and led the anti-Japanese movement abroad. In 1940, the Provisional Government formed an alliance with the Chinese Government and established the Korean Liberation Army. Moreover, the Provisional Government declared war on Japan and fought on the side of the Allies in World War II. During the War, the Korean Liberation Army formed an alliance with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) of the United States and carried out special training in preparation for military operations on the Korean Peninsula. The Korean Liberation Army’s anti-Japanese efforts continued in China, Manchuria and as far as the Indian and Burmese fronts.

Despite such historic facts, some foreign textbooks (especially those published in socialist countries) misrepresent the independence efforts of Koreans as being led by socialists, including Gim Ilseong. They need to be revised as quickly as possible to accurately reflect the whole story of the liberation efforts