Korea`s 2.28 Movement

February 28th Democratic Movement

February 28th Democratic Movement in Korea:

 

Background:

After the end of World War II, Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule, but the country was divided into two zones of occupation, one controlled by the Soviet Union in the north and the other by the United States in the south. In the south, a provisional government was established under the leadership of Syngman Rhee, who became the first president of the Republic of Korea in 1948. However, the government was authoritarian, corrupt, and unpopular, which led to social and political unrest among the people.

 

The Movement:

On February 28, 1947, a group of Korean policemen tried to arrest some street vendors for violating the government's monopoly on salt sales. The vendors resisted, and the conflict escalated into a larger protest against the government's policies, corruption, and repression. The protest spread rapidly throughout the country, as people from all walks of life joined in the demonstrations and demanded political reform and human rights.

 

The government responded to the protests with force, using the military and police to crush the movement and arrest thousands of people. The government also declared martial law and imposed a curfew to suppress dissent. Many of the protesters were tortured, imprisoned, or executed, and the government tried to cover up the extent of the violence.

 

Legacy:

The February 28th Democratic Movement had a profound impact on Korean history, as it marked the beginning of a long struggle for democracy and human rights in the country. The movement helped to galvanize the Korean people's aspirations for freedom and equality, and it led to the establishment of a democratic government in South Korea in 1948. The movement also paved the way for the economic and social development of the country, as it brought about important reforms in areas such as labor, education, and civil rights.

 

Today, February 28th is celebrated as a national holiday in South Korea, known as the "February 28th Movement Day" or "3.1 Movement Day," in honor of the movement's role in advancing democracy and human rights in the country. The memory of the movement is also kept alive through museums, memorials, and other cultural institutions, which serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by those who fought for a better future for Korea.