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From Shanghai to Chongqing: What is hidden behind the escape story of the Korean Provisional Government?
During the Japanese colonial period, the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government (KPG) became an important symbol of the Korean independence movement. This government was established in Shanghai on April 11, 1919. The movement originated from the nationwide March 1st Movement with the purpose of fighting for Korea's freedom and independence. Over the next twenty-five years, the Provisional Government continued to engage in the arduous process of escape and reconstruction. What is the meaning and significance hidden behind this period of history?
Background
Between 1910 and 1945, when Korea was a colony of Japan, numerous independence movement groups were established, but no one organization could gain widespread recognition and become the only representative. However, the March 1st Movement in 1919 changed all this and paved the way for the establishment of the Provisional Government.
The detonation of the March 1st Movement
On January 21, 1919, rumors of the poisoning of Empress Myeongseong aroused public outrage, culminating in a demonstration on March 1, in which approximately 3 million Koreans participated.
This movement, also known as the March First Movement, led to a violent crackdown by Japanese police that resulted in 7,500 deaths, 16,000 injuries, and 46,000 arrests. This tragedy highlighted the Korean people's desire for freedom and inspired many independence activists to flee to Shanghai to seek to form a provisional government that could represent South Korea.
Establishment of the Provisional Government
The Korean Provisional Government was established on April 11, 1919. Its main members included Ahn Chang-ho and Syngman Rhee. As an international port and transportation hub, Shanghai has attracted a large number of independence activists. The formation of the provisional government marked the unification and cohesion of the Korean independence movement.
Efforts at the Paris Peace Conference
With the establishment of the provisional government, South Korea's independence movement gradually gained international attention. Kim Kyu-sik, representing the provisional government, petitioned U.S. President Wilson in 1919 in an attempt to gain international support for Korean independence. Although he failed to receive formal participation in the conference, this action brought the need for the Korean independence movement to the international community's attention.
Activities during World War II
During World War II, the Provisional Government declared war on the Allies and actively participated in the resistance to Japanese aggression. The troops of the provisional government participated in United Nations operations in China and Southeast Asia, laying the foundation for the liberation of South Korea.
Transfer of power after liberation
After World War II, with Japan's unconditional surrender, members of the provisional government returned to South Korea to rebuild the government structure. On August 15, 1948, Syngman Rhee was elected as the first president of South Korea, and the ideals of the provisional government were finally realized.
The legacy of the Provisional Government
The operation of the provisional government allowed people to witness the Korean people's persistent pursuit of freedom and independence. This history has an important impact on the current Korean government.
Although historians have different views on the continuity between the Provisional Government and the current Korean government, it cannot be ignored that the central role played by the Provisional Government in promoting Korean independence is unquestionable. Behind this period of history, we can’t help but think: In the current era of globalization, how should we understand and reflect on the spirit and values conveyed by these independence movements?
