Neglected History

What is the purpose of studying history?  That is the question that determines the content of the text.  Do we write history books as a template for teaching future generations, as an admonition against repeating the sins of the past, or as a platform for glorifying ourselves in the eyes of posterity?  Whatever the purpose, historians must pick and choose the content as human history is too expansive for a single text or even a single author of multiple texts.  Certain episodes in human history are bound to be either neglected or conveniently swept under the proverbial rug.

One such incident occurred on Jeju island.  Korean historians often refer to historical events by a significant date.  This one is referred to as the 4-3, or April 3rd, incident.  The incident did not really start on that date, and ended much later.

When Japan was defeated at the end of World War II the Japanese occupation of Korea ended only to be replaced by the joint occupation of the United States and the Soviet Union.  The two World War II allies were no longer friends so instead of cooperating to rebuild the Korean Peninsula, the two occupying forces divided the country.

Meanwhile in Jeju, there was unrest on several levels.  Returning soldiers who had been drafted by the Japanese army returned in droves to find no jobs.  There was overall resentment towards a new occupier that was too wrapped up in self-interests to deal with local concerns.  Finally, the people of Jeju were strongly opposed to the division of Korea.

Demonstrations resulted and on March 1, 1947 six Jeju residents were killed.  In response, the U.S. Military Administration sent in police and youth corps to suppress the uprising.  The brutality of  these agents towards the residents of Jeju continued but did not end the strikes.  On April 3, 1948 the Namdo party of Jeju rose up in protest against the continued targeting and torture of Jeju citizens.

Meanwhile, a presidential election was held that cemented the division of Korea.  Several Jeju districts abstained from the election in protest of the division of Korea.  Some Jeju citizens were actively involved in Athens a unification movement.  Others joined armed bands to actively resist the police and gang violence.

Martial law was declared on September 11 prior to which a military order was given that any person, regardless of age or gender, found in the middle area of Halla Mountai, located 5 km from the coastline, would be regarded as rebels and should be shot on sight.

Many villagers living in the area had no idea why they were being persecuted.  They fled to the caves in the mountains.  Many died when their villages were burned before they could flee.  Others were discovered in the caves and executed.  Others tried to get away by fleeing from the caves when the army approached, but they were often tracked by their footprints in the snow.  Others were captured and tortured only to be executed without a trial when the Korean War was declared on June 25, 1950.

Altogether the 4-3 incident lasted for seven years and seven months until September 21, 1954.  It is estimated that between 25,000 and 30,000 men, women, and children were slaughtered by order of the U. S. and South Korean military command for the crime of " opposing the general election and the formation of a South Korean state" and for demonstrating against oppression by police and military supported Northwest Youth Association.

The Jeju 4-3 Research Institute was established in 1989 to learn more about what happened during the seven years of persecution and systematic killing of Jeju citizens.

The film, JiSeul, depicting the 4-3 incident won the the Best Picture Award at the 2013 Sundance  film festival.  I haven't seen it yet, but it just moved to the top of my "must see" list.


Jeju is a small island crucially located half way between korea and Japan.  The location makes it crucial to Northeast Asian politics and defense policy, but the island people have always fought for peace.  They oppose the use of their island for military or political purposes.  They prefer to preserve the natural beauty of the island land and sea-scape while continuing to cherish their unique culture.