Photo by the village international team/ Benjamin Monnet and Angie Zelter in the Dongbu police station on March 14, 2012.Photo by the village international team/ On March 14, 2012, In front of the Dongbu Police station, Benjamin Monnet and Angie Zelter are met by the Jeju Immigration Officers who noticed them that they would carry the two to the Jeju Immigration Office to get investigated on the matter of deportation
[Immediate Release] Repeal the deportation order against BenjaminMonnet and Angie Zelter!
By the Gangjeong Village International Team, March 15, 2012
(Translated by Jooyea Lee. See the Korean statement here.)
On March 14th, Jeju District Public Prosecutor’s Office released 13 who had been arrested two days before, but requested an extension for the arrest of Ms. Seri Kim. At around 4:00 p.m., they transferred the French activist, Mr. Benjamin Monnet and the peace activist from the U.K., Angie Zelter, to Jeju Immigration on the basis that they would decide on deporting these two activists.
Lawyers for Democratic Lawyers’ Association, along with the Gangjeong International Team had previously met up with the three individuals at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Seri Kim was wearing a neck support for the injury that occurred when two Daerim contractors violently restrained her. In addition to her neck pain, Ms. Kim complained of pains on her left shoulder and also on her knees. The toes on her right foot were also twisted, according to her. At 2:00 p.m., Mr. Benjamin Monnet visited the local hospital, also complaining of the pains caused by injury when Daerim employees pushed him: on his legs; the back of his neck; muscle pains on his upper and lower back. The inside of his left knee occurred when Jeju coast guard overturned Mr. Monnet’s kayak and rapidly advanced the guards’ rubber boat. Doctor said it will take two weeks for the injury to heal completely.
On March 12th, both Ms. Seri Kim and Mr. Benjamin Monnet had crawled under into the barbed wire side of the Gureombi rocks, where they sustained 2 and half hours on an excavator, in order to avoid potential violence from the Daerim employees. As for Ms. Angie Zelter, she had cut the barbed wire—installed illegally by the Korean navy. The Police charged Ms. Kim for obstruction of business on March 12th, as well as for obstruction of traffic on March 7th—she had held out in front of the vehicles, which belonged to those who set barricades, to stop the blast). For Mr. Monnet, the police charged him with: unlawful interference with official duty (for the event that occurred on Feb. 27th); misdemeanor, infliction of injury, obstruction of business (March 12th). For Ms. Zelter, misdemeanor for entering into the construction site over the fence (March 9th); so called group damage with dangerous tool (* which means wire cutter to cut the wire razor fence) and misdemeanor (March 12th).
All these allegations are arbitrary and malicious interpretation/application of the law, considering the customary violence against the villagers and activists who protested against the naval base construction. No action has been taken towards Mr. Benjamin Monnet’s lawsuit against Daerim employees and the police respectively—Mr. Monnet was beaten on Nov. 9th 2011 by Daerim employees; and by the Police on Dec. 26th, 2011. On April 6th, 2011, despite the police assault against the film critic Mr. Yang Yoon-Mo, no investigation so far, as for the accountability. Mr. Monnet only pushed the policeman in order to protect himself, rather than injuring the police as he had been charged as such. As for the charges that were brought upon himself regarding the incidences on Feb. 27th and March 12th, Mr. Monnet strongly claims that they are lies and excessive charges.
On March 6th, Jeju Provincial Governor Mr. Woo Keun-Min, jointly with representatives of Jeju—both the ruling and the opposition parties—had requested the provisional pending on the Gureombi blast as well as for the construction itself, expressing regrets at the unreasonable execution of the construction with all the design errors. But the navy, ignoring the needs of these Island representatives forged ahead with the blast to destroy Gureombi—Korea’s one and only costal wetland and the bedrock inhabited by where rare flora and fauna; an area that deems to be connected to Gangjeong Stream that provides 70% of drinking water to Seogwipo residents. The construction site is the country’s only UNESCO soft coral habitats and also where Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins make appearances, which are designated by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as endangered species.
The three individuals—Seri Kim, Benjamin Monnet, and Angie Zelter—devoted themselves through consistently non-violent and peaceful measures under international law: the principles of peace: against the construction of naval base and militarization, they simply tried to prevent the destruction of the Earth through another military base.
But the Jeju Immigration Office, after investigating nearly three hours ordered deportation for Mr. Monnet at 8:00 pm, when ten Immigration Office employees entered the office. Female employees, as if they had been prepared to do so, started collecting evidence with their cameras. The three-hour investigation on Mr. Monnetwas all an act. Lawyers for Democratic Society representative, appalled by this, urgently raised the complaint but the staff arbitrarily transferred Mr. Monnet, unfed and still in his prisoner’s uniform. Their excuse was being that Mr. Monnet should be on the last flight out of Jeju.
Angie Zelter, who is also confined at the Jeju Immigration Office will be investigated around 3:00 p.m. on March 15th. Around 11:00 am or 1:30 pm, Seri Kim’s case will be examined to issue an arrest warrant against her. In solidarity with the film critic Mr. Yang Yoon-mo, Angie Zelter is temporarily fasting. Benjamin Monnet is also fasting in the prison of Hwasoon Immigration Office, Gyunggi province against illegal destruction of the Jeju naval base project and illegal arrest.
We strongly condemn the Lee Myung-bak government who, in addition to the illegal construction (destruction) and arrests, is forging ahead with the forceful deportation of international activists who are dedicating themselves to protect the Island of Peace, Jeju. Lee Myung-bak regime’s human rights abuses are unscrupulous, as it ignores the potential diplomatic criticism. In addition, the construction and the human rights violations in relation to the construction cannot be explained without the United States’ undue desire for domination as it tries to utilize the Jeju naval base as a springboard to contain China. It is also the move to undermine the international solidarity against the Jeju naval base construction. The struggles against the Jeju naval base construction has already evolved into international struggle. Capitalism and government and any other forces that resist the contemporary needs for peace cannot be sustained.
Immediately release those arrested and;
Repeal the deportation order against Benjamin Monnet and Angie Zelter;
Stop the illegal naval base construction immediately!
March 15th, 2012
Gangjeong International Team
…………………………………………………….
We have just heard that the entry by the three members of the Veterans for Peace, US. Who were supposed to visit the Gangjeong village on March 14 has also been denied. We strongly denounce the Lee Myung-Bak government who shamelessly commit violation on human rights internationally.
…………………………………………………….
Reference articles and videos
Video by Dungree: Letter to deported Benjamin (April 18, 2012)
Upon the 10th remembrance year of the blasting of the Gureombi Rock coast for the Jeju navy base construction, 40 international solidarity messages have arrived from March 1st to 7th.
The struggle against Jeju naval base has been a truly international one, which shows the struggle for peace can seldom be a local one. We thank and remember all the international friends who have expressed solidarity to the struggle. The peace-loving people in the world will end wars and militarism together. We especially thank 40 internationals who recently sent us solidarity messages:
Christine Ahn, Dennis Apel, Sharon Chung, Felice and Jack Cohen-Joppa, Jacqui Deveneau, Leonard Eiger, Bruce K. Gagnon, Heidi and Bruno, Martha Hennessy, Jane Jin Kaisen, Kyle Kajihiro, Yuchi Kamoshita, Eugene Kang, George Katsiaficas, Kristyn, Dohee Lee, Jon Letman, Grant M Leuning, Paul Liem for the Korea Policy Institute, Ramsay Liem, Seth Martin, Natasha Mayers, Lisa Natividad, Nodutdol, Okimoto Fukiko, Okimoto Hiroshi, Codie Otte, Paco, Koohan Paik-Mander, Nare Park, Juyeon JC Rhee, William H. Slavick, Tom Smith, Sara Spriggs, Mary Beth Sullivan, Toshio Takahashi, David Vine, Russell Wray, Angie Zelter
Add. on March 8: Hey W E Cheung, Tarak Kauff
Add. on March 11: Women’s Voices Women Speak
See the Korean translation, here. You can see the original request message at the bottom.
………………
Christine Ahn
We send you our heartfelt gratitude for your peace activism which has inspired so many around the world. One decade ago, as Gureombi was being blasted and Gangjeong destroyed, the world watched with horror how a democratic country like South Korea could allow this naval base to be built to project US power against China. As war rages on in Ukraine and tensions between the US and China intensify over Taiwan, we must double our efforts to push back against the drive to further militarize the Asia Pacific and our world. We send our love and dedication to join you in struggle. Christine Ahn and Jeju Ahn-Miles
Dennis Apel
To my friends on Jeju Island and especially in Gangjeong Village. Ten years ago I was honored to join you in an epic struggle to resist the construction of the Naval Base there. As an activist in the United States who has known resistance and been arrested many times and imprisoned three times, my arrest on Jeju Island was perhaps the proudest of my life. I have never witnessed a struggle more dedicated, persistent, soul-centered and inspiring as was, and is, the struggle with which you have gifted the world. It is my deep conviction that, in spite of the fact that there is now a Naval Base where once was the sacred Gureombi Rock, you have been instruments for the salvation of humanity by your willingness to suffer for the sake of beauty against the onslaught of darkness and destruction. I honor your commitment and efforts and thank you for allowing me to be part of it. In gratitude for who you are…
Sharon Chung
Respect and honor to the mighty people of Gangjeong that have continued the people’s resistance and fight against the destruction of Gureombi, the pollution of the beautiful waters around Gangjeong and shutting down the Jeju naval base!
My spirit and heart continue to mourn for the destruction of Gureombi and the brutality against the peoples resistance who oppose the escalation of war and militarism. In solidarity, we must continue to resist and oppose the powers of militarism and imperialism that puts war and profits over people. I support the on-going resistance in Gangjeong and fight to SHUT DOWN JEJU NAVAL BASE!
Felice and Jack Cohen-Joppa
No to the desecration and destruction of sacred places – Yes to life and peace!
Our deep respect and gratitude to all of the good people who defended Gureombi Rock – and all those who have acted, gone to jail, spoken out and prayed for peace on the Island of Peace… and continue to do so.
Solidarity and love across the miles, always, from the Sonoran desert,
Felice and Jack Cohen-Joppa
The Nuclear Resister, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
Jacqui Deveneau
My name is Jacqui Deveneau. I am from Maine in the US. Many Peace activists in Maine have known of and support the people of Jeju. I have been following all of this and sharing all that Sung-hee Choi has shared. It is heart breaking what they did to the Gureombi rock. It is very hard to live in the US and know all the inhumane things our government and military have done all around the world to cause so much death and strife. My wish would be that the US would restore the “Peace Island” to its people.
Leonard Eiger
Dear friends in the struggle of justice for Jeju,
Thank you for the opportunity to send a message of solidarity. It is important to never give up in our resistance and to mark these important dates and events. I send this message on behalf of all of us at Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action in Poulsbo, Washington, USA, where we are located next to the Bangor Trident nuclear ballistic missile submarine base, home to the largest deployed concentration of nuclear weapons in the United States. Some of our members have travelled to Jeju to participate in your resistance work. Your struggle is our struggle as well, and we are with you to the end of that struggle.
With Thanks and In Peace,
Leonard Eiger, on behalf of Ground Zero Center
Greetings and solidarity from all of us at Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action on the 10th remembrance year of the destruction of the sacred Gureombi Rock on Jeju Island. Although the violent, militaristic powers of empire have desecrated your beautiful Island of Peace, you still stand strong in your peaceful, collective spirit against violence, militarism and war. We stand with you, and will continue working for the day when the people of Jeju Island, and all the world’s people, live free from war and the suffering it causes.
Derek Emmons
Even across an ocean, we send love and prayers of perseverance for your protection and remembrance of this sacred space. While I have never set foot on Jeju, I recognize this is a place that reminds all of us in diaspora of who we are and how we connect at the core, to land, sea, and source. I have so much respect for you, as taking on an empire and being at the foreline of military imperialism takes more than anyone on the outside can know. I pray you take care of yourselves, your bodies, minds, and hearts, and perhaps through current and future alliships and solidarity, there will be forward movement to restore Jeju’s web of life. With Love, Derek (Grandson of a Warbride)
Bruce K. Gagnon
It is with mixed feelings that I send this solidarity message from the Global Network. First, it is with great sadness that we come to the 10th anniversary of the destruction of sacred Gureombi Rock.
But my other feeling is deep respect and gladness that the resistance to this outrageous naval base continues in the village and around the world.
Due to great organizing to oppose the base people all over the globe know about, and care about, Gangjeong village and its spirit.
We know that the US, and an ever expanding NATO, are planning big military operations aimed at China and Russia in your region in the times ahead.
Thus the spirit of resistance to this aggression by the US and its misguided allies remains more important than ever.
We pledge our un-ending loyalty and support for the positive and peaceful resistance against the naval base in Gangjeong.
Bruce K. Gagnon, Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
Heidi and Bruno
See the video message here. (forwarded by the Frontiers)
It is the 10th anniversary of the blasting of Gureombi.
We are Heidi and Bruno Sägesser from Switzerland. In 2018 we met Brother Song and his family in Korea and we are glad to know them. Since then our thoughts and prayers have been with Jeju.
Brother Song was imprisoned from March 2020 to October 2021. During that time we felt sorry from our hearts. During those nearly 2 years we joined petitions many times. Today, the 10th anniversary of the blasting of Gureombi is a day of remembrance and mourning.
We cannot understand why our brother Song was locked up so long like that and we cannot understand why the military who stole the land and destroyed Gureombi Rock are not being punished.
We send our greetings to all of you in Jeju and Korea. We hope that your nonviolent resistance will always have strength and courage, creativity and confidence.
Martha Hennessy
This World Heritage site is lost forever to us, especially to the people of Jeju.
God created such a unique phenomenon of this mother rock that was loved, held, and caressed by the people born to her. What a crime and sin, to destroy her in the name of war making. The idolatry of war demands innocent victims and so many have suffered the violence. But we have a vision that will never be taken away from us and we will make it come true. The peaceful paradise of Jeju will become a beautiful garden again when the war empire crumbles.
Hey W E Cheung
I hope we can be there with you guys yesterday. It is not easy to talk about peace these days and with the strong oppression as a large net that no one in the world can easily escape. On this remarkable day, I hope we can have more confident with people around us so we can share more to face our fear with love but not hate. Thank you for sharing the courage of loving the world and each other.
May our memory make more justice.
Jane Jin Kaisen
In the spring of 2011 I used to come to Gangjeong often. At the time I was living in Jeju, a place I consider my ancestral home and that I hold deep in my heart. I was there to make a film about the memories of the Jeju Massacre and how this violent and traumatic event is not just of the past but resonates in the present moment. The Gangjeong struggle was at its height and civilians and activists were putting their lives and freedom at stake in their fierce and heartbroken protests against the naval base in a recognition of how its construction would mean a remilitarization of the island that would jeopardize peace.
Many mornings I would walk to the seashore, sometimes alone, sometimes accompanied by others like the morning when we did 100 bows at dawn with Gureombi Rock peaking out of the ocean carpet in the distance.
There is no longer a Gureombi Rock. A sacred place was shattered to pieces to pave way for the base. Its removal is one of the visible signs of just how much is lost to the logics of control and militarization. Along with that loss is the loss of sea life and peoples’ livelihoods. But what I learned in Gangjeong from people who resisted and are still resisting the base and structures of exploitation and power, and who spent years protesting, praying and building alternative visions, is something that can never be taken away, a deep sense of compassion, solidarity, and insistence that other worlds are possible.
From Jane Jin Kaisen, artist, filmmaker and professor of art living in Copenhagen
Kyle Kajihiro
Aloha friends and fellow kia’i (protectors) in Jeju! I was blessed to visit Gangjeong at the beginning of your struggle, before the destruction. I will always remember the beauty and sacred power of the land and sea, and the brave spirit of the people. I felt as if I was home in Hawai’i. I mourn with you the destruction of Gureombi for war making, as we mourn the destruction of Pu’uloa (aka “Pearl Harbor”) to create a war base. But i celebrate the powerful and joyful movement you have become. Jeju will help to guide us to a better and more peaceful future! Thank you!
Kyle Kajihiro, member of Hawaiʻi Peace and Justice and Oʻahu Water Protectors
Yuchi Kamoshita
NaMuMyoHoRenGeKyo
What is the true meaning of non-violence ?
It is to understand the people who are on the opposite side.
It is not giving up that anyone can change their minds.
Gureombi Rock, a symbol of nature & peace.
I thank you for your kindness.
yuichi kamoshita
Eugene Kang
Dear Gangjeong,
Deep respect and love, as we honor 10 years of resistance since the destruction of the sacred Gureombi Rock, desecrated by the construction of the US naval base.
As a Korean in diaspora, I had the privilege of visiting Gangjeong in 2013, and again in 2014. Never before have I felt more connection to my Korean identity and ancestors. I was able to spend time with the most amazing community of people, and camped along the Gangjeong Cheon, in the powerful, palpable presence of Gureombi. It is hard to find the words for the feeling of injustice and sorrow and mourning for the destruction of such sacred land and life. The war machine moves rapidly and without conscience, but I know the fierce spirit of Gangjeong is unbreakable.
Peace and power to the people of Gangjeong! Sending love and respect to those who have been putting their lives on the line in the struggle against the US naval base and further militarization in Jeju, defending the sacred Gureombi Rock, precious land, and life in Gangjeong Village. Thank you for showing me, and the world, what resilience truly looks like. I stand forever with you. Toojeng!
Eugene Kang
Oakland, CA
George Katsiaficas
Today, humanity and all life on this planet are threatened with a crisis of extinction. World leaders, the so-called “best and brightest“ of each nation, instead of combining forces to combat environmental devastation, ally with one another to fight petty wars over inconsequential objectives. The beautiful honeymoon island of Jeju has been caught in great power dynamics that not only have destroyed the pristine environment of reefs and coastline but also encouraged US military encirclement of China, thereby creating the preconditions for such conflicts such as now raging in the Ukraine. The struggle in Jeju is on the frontlines of the planetary struggle to end wars and to stop the ongoing destruction of the our planet.
George Katsiaficas,
Author and activist
Tarak Kauff
I visited Gangjeong Village in 2015 along with other U.S. military veterans to stand in solidarity with the courageous people resisting the destructive building of a South Korean naval base that we all knew would be used to allow U.S. Navy warships to dock there. I was horrified to learn of the blasting and paving over with concrete of a natural wonder, Gureombi Rock, which was sacred to the people of Gangjeong Village. That was a crime not only against the people of the Village, but against nature itself. I applaud the courage and determination of all the people resisting this naval base and please know that members of Veterans For Peace, not only myself and those who were there are in solidarity with their struggle.
Kristyn
My name is Kristyn, and I’m a Korean American farmer in California. I think of friends and comrades in Gangjeong each day, and thank you for the ways you have protected your land and community. I understand how heartbreaking it is to see this sacred place exposed to this violence, but hope that your spirits can remain intact. Please know that we stand in solidarity with the farmers and fishers of Gangjeong, now and forever.
Dohee Lee
(Originally in Korean text)
Through art and spirituality activism, I send a solidarity message for peace in my homeland, Jeju, and solidarity for peace and justice along with the Ohlone people who are native to Oakland, California where I live.
The land is our mother and ancestor. Stopping the destruction and subjugation of the land is the culture cultivated by our ancestors and it is to protect our future descendants.
예술영성운동으로 제주 고향땅의 평화와 제가 살고있는 캘리포니아 오클랜드 올로니 땅의 원주민과 함께 땅의 정의와 평화를 위한 연대의 메세지를 보내드립니다.
땅은 우리의 어머니이고 조상입니다. 땅의 훼손과 탄압을 막음은 조상의 일궈온 문화와 미래의 자손을 지키기 위함입니다. – 센프란시스코 베이지역 오클랜드에서 푸리아트 이도희-
Dohee Lee (She/Her), Puri Arts Director/Performance Artist/Ritualist/Educator
Jon Letman
The beautiful, spiritual, and irreplaceable Gureombi Rock coastline of southern Jeju island was and always will be a special and important place. Despite the decimation and destruction that took place, the spirit of peace remains strong there and in the surrounding areas, embodied in the fierce, but peaceful, tireless efforts of all who speak and act out against violence and militarism and continue to demand peace. May their efforts remain strong and lead to victory in the form of a world without war.
Grant M Leuning
My dear friends, may this message of love and solidarity find you well. I am one of so many who have been with you in Gangjeong who do not know the feeling of Gureombi Rock beneath my feet. And yet, as this anniversary approaches I feel a profound sadness and mourning for this place that I have not seen. Your daily practice of resistance that has allowed me and thousands like me to see Gureombi, to pray with Gureombi, to shout with Gureombi, to miss Gureombi rock and mourn with you on this anniversary. For that reason, as much as this date is the mark of a catastrophe, it is also the mark of a miracle. You are the miracle. The community that you have built through your endless struggle has not only kept the faith alive, that Gureombi rock will be returned to us, but has also shown us how resistance and protest can build something new, greater than a naval base, the culture of life and peace itself. 대지와 해방, 구럼비 보고 싶다, 강정마을 사랑해
Grant Leuning, Comité Magonista Tierra y Libertad
Paul Liem for the Korea Policy Institute
Beneath the concrete, Gureombi rock lives. Geopolitics and porous concrete are impermanent, fleeting, but Gureombi is steadfast, everlasting. Ten years since Gureombi was blasted with dynamite, and seventy years since Korea was divided are mere specks in time in the geology of Gangjeong’s coastline and in the history of the Korean people and nation. How arrogant and mean-spirited are the U.S. and R.O.K militaries to strut upon Gureombi rock, as if they own it. Gureombi belongs to the world’s people, under the stewardship of the Gangjeong villagers, and is the property of no one. As surely as the day will come when Korea is One, the brave villagers of Gangjeong will blast away the concrete, and sunlight will fall, again, upon Gureombi rock.
Paul Liem
For the Korea Policy Institute
Ramsay Liem
A ten year anniversary should be a joyous time. But for Gureombi and the people of Jeju Island and the Korean mainland who love her, it is a tragedy that only serves the militarism of those who would sacrifice pristine nature for ships of war. Deep respect for Gangjeong people and their supporters who have never given up the fight to preserve the spirit of Gureombi as a refuge of peace for all living things. You inspire the world in a time of great uncertainty.
Ramsay Liem For the Channing and Popai LIem Education Foundation
Seth Martin
[Ten] years have passed since the brutal violation, attempted murder, and imprisonment of Gureombi by corporate and military profiteers and their cowardly followers. Just days before she was dynamited in March 2012, I felt Gureombi’s beating heart through my feet when a large group of us took part in a holy mass for and with her. We had to kayak to Gureombi’s shoreline, since her abusers had already fenced off all public entrances to Gureombi by land. We sang and wept together, and many of us were arrested that day. Gureombi filled all of us with love, strength, and righteous rage. When I sang on her surface, I felt Gureombi singing through me.
Now, whenever I sing or talk about Gureombi, I feel the weight covering Gureombi’s mangled body pressing down on my chest, and struggle not to choke over the concrete, shiny glass, and smiling lies used to continually smother Gureombi and the story of Gangjeong’s resistance with perverse narratives of “Progress”, “Self-Defense”, and–worst of all–forced, forgetful, silence.
Gureombi changed my life forever. Gureombi enflamed my heart with courage and anger and love. Gureombi welcomed me as her child, and commanded me to sing her song wherever I go, to share her pain and love and power with any struggle I am part of. How can I keep from singing?
I borrow the words of Utah Phillips to say what I know: Gureombi and Gangjeong did not die, and neither are dying now: Gureombi and Gangjeong are being killed, and the people killing them have names and addresses. We are the grasses growing from the still-beating, but concrete-covered heart of Gureombi. Ours are the voices remaining of the murdered creatures who called Gureombi Mother and Home, and sang her song to us. We must keep singing Gureombi’s song and weeping Gureombi’s tears, and refuse to accept the lie that Gureombi is no more and can never return. Because, as Malvina Reynolds used to sing, “The concrete gets tired, from what it has to do, it breaks and it buckles, and the grass grows through. God bless the grass.”
Mother Gureombi, like the sea grasses, we are your children. Give us strength to break apart all that smothers your heart and ours. We are on your side, and Spring is on ours.
–Seth Martin (Seth Mountain, 이산), March 5th, 2022
Natasha Mayers
To my noble brothers and sisters who have waged a most glorious struggle against the militarism of my country (USA) and yours:
You are in my heart forever after having spent a week with you in Ganjeong, occupying Gureombi Rock, being arrested for entering the forbidden zone after crawling under the hideous barbed wire.
You danced and sang and fed us and taught us your history and inspired us to keep going with our activism in the U.S. protesting the Aegis destroyers built in our state.
Your vision and patience and courage are inspirational!
With love,
Natasha Mayers
Whitefield, Maine, USA
Lisa Natividad
Hafa adai (local greetings) from Guahan (Guam) in the Pacific! We stand in solidarity with the people of Gangjeong village on the 10th remembrance year of the blasting of the Gureombi Rock, where the Jeju navy base is now built. Our communities are victims of our geostrategic locations on the globe in the U.S.’s agenda for the containment of China. We must continue to defend our homelands. It is our wish that Jeju remains an island paradise of peace.
We are saddened to meet to remember these destructive events that are used for violence and war. On this occasion we also center in our minds the intention of peace throughout the Asia-Pacific region and Europe- in Ukraine and in Russia. It is at times such as these that we must stand strong and firm in our resolve for peace. Peace is the only option. We invoke the use of diplomacy and are reminded of the importance of respect in how we treat each other. It is the only way forward for all of humanity! May we find peace in our hearts so that it resonates throughout the whole world.
Nodutdol
On the 10th year anniversary of the blasting of Gureombi Rock to make way for Jeju Naval base, Nodutdol stands in solidarity with the villagers of Gangjeong who are justly fighting for their livelihood and sacred lands. The destruction of Gureombi Rock is representative of the destructive nature of South Korean militarism and US imperialism all over the globe. Those who try to sacrifice our homelands, our shared environment, and our people for their selfish gains have no consideration for history and no vision for the future. Koreans overseas recognize and uphold your struggle as one of our own, and together we will close the bases and restore our lands. Toojeng!
Okimoto Fukiko
I send you this message from my heart. I have visited Gangjeong with other women who oppose [the US base construction in] Henoko. I remember as if it was yesterday how we cried to see that the situation was just like Henoko.
Now, I am furiously angry about Russia/Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Those who are being sacrificed in the war are the citizens and soldiers of Ukraine and soldiers of Russia.
Russian soldiers, throw away your weapons right now! People of Ukraine, don’t take up arms!
I fervently hope that people of Russia and people of Ukraine will hold each other’s hands and people of the world who wish for peace will stand in solidarity, so that Putin and Zelenskyy will meet to dialogue in person. Ukraine does not need weapons; they don’t need bases or armies. In Jeju, as well as Ukraine and anywhere in the world, there must be no weapons that kill people or militaries or bases. With my whole heart I wish for a world with no war.
For the 10th year since the blasting of Gureombi, a solidarity message to all of you in Gangjeong who keep up the struggle and don’t give up.
Just as Gangjeong’s sea was destroyed as concrete flowed in to build the navy base, the tropical coral sea of Henoko/Oura Bay is being filled everyday with earth and sand to make a base for the US marines. The Ryukyu archipelago is being militarized. Local people’s lives are threatened and livelihoods are destroyed for no reason by the policies of the Korean, Japanese, and US governments. Like the sudden invasion of Ukraine by Russia, East Asia is also facing the threat of imminent war. Across the seas, across borders, let us join hands. We always gain courage from all of you in Gangjeong. We will raise our voices loudly. In Jeju and in Okinawa we don’t need all these bases. Through demilitarization of the islands of East Asia, we will stop the vortex of increased military spending and the threat of war! Though it may take time, the people of Jeju and Okinawa, and the people of East Asia will prevail!
Sending you strength as the struggle continues for over ten years. I visited Jeju and Gangjeong in 2014 when the gureombi was still somewhat intact. I felt lucky to have a buk and take a moment to drum as the waves met the gureombi. As a Korean adoptee in diaspora, experiencing the sacredness of the coastal rock was a profound moment. Although it was my first time being on and near gureombi, there was an undeniable power and beauty, and it has shaped my definition of what it means to be Korean even though i have not grown up or lived in Korea. The destruction of the coast by the US military is an abomination, and as the resistance continues on Jeju, i look forward to the day when there is no more war, or US imperialism. Much love and standing in solidarity with you all!
Paco
The tragic destruction of the sacred Gureombi rock was a loss for the whole world and the struggle to protect Gureombi, and preserve Jeju as an island of peace, has brought much emotional, physical, and spiritual pain. But amidst suffering and desperation, it has also been a beacon of hope for those who seek alternatives to the violence that appears to permeate everything around us. Never perfect, yet still a model for a different way to live in a world seemingly overcome with capitalist greed, selfish pursuits, and violent lust for war. Out of this movement, many seeds will sprout.
Koohan Paik-Mander
Jeju Island is the Island of Peace. And the word “Pacific” means “peace.” So, how ironic and heartbreaking that Jeju-do has been targeted (along with many other “key” islands) by the U.S. military machine to be used as a node from which to project violence toward China. This is the very antithesis of “peace.”
The blasting of the sacred Gureombi coastal habitat and the dredging of the biodiverse coral forests are also the antithesis of peace. The blasting of Gureombi is a grave crime during this time of a species-extinction crisis and climate catastrophe. We should be nurturing the regeneration of ecosystems, not killing them. Gureombi provided a habitat for many species that sequestered greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Mother Gureombi was taking care of everyone on Planet Earth. It has been a decade since you were taken away from us, but we will never forget your love. In fact, we have become your Love.
Koohan Paik-Mander
Nare Park
precious gureombi.
you had become the ocean when we finally came. it was late fall five years after. we came and stood with you, and danced with those who protect life as a submarine docked at the base. two nights before, in gyeongsangbukdo elders laughed with us and sang songs cursing war. those elders, who had handed us steaming eomuk tang to chase off the cold night, barricaded in a shipping container the next day and stood in the way of two militaries. behind one of those militaries is the latest state on that land that wields power over the people, over you. behind the second was the state that blasted us, tore at our spirits, separated us from you. now we are becoming the ocean too. we are with you. we greet you in the morning and cry for you at night. may you be unearthed.
may we dance together on the ashes of the jeju naval base and all military bases.
welcome to a new day, our gureombi.
from a member of anti-imperialist, anti-racist gyopo group visit, november 2017
Juyeon JC Rhee
Nodutdol for Korean community development, located in New York City in the US has been visiting and standing with villagers and peace-keepers of Gangjeong village since 2010. We are deeply saddened on this 10th commemorative anniversary – blasting of the Gureombi Rock coast. We still see the Gureombi Rock in our minds. The Gureombi Rock is still our sacred base for livelihood and spiritual growth in maintaining our commitment to fight against militarism and to build true peace in Jeju Island and the world. Sisters and brothers, each of us are the Gureombi Rock when we are peace-keepers. Toojeng!
William H. Slavick
Jeju’s fate
We live in a time when it has become quite clear that conditions for human life and its necessities are finite, yet we continue to level, obliterate, waste, burn, and pollute as if Earth is ever regenerate of whatever we destroy. Jeju’s fate should model the environmental responsibility its conversion to war purposes flouted.
William H. Slavick, Pax Christi Maine
Tom Smith
Courageous Gangjeong Island villlagers waged a crucial struggle against the militarization of their home and I was honoured to join in solidarity. Militarization tears the social fabric and communities of resistance are our only hope against it. Despite it being blasted and now occupied by war machines, one day Gureombi will return to its people. What a priviledge to have been able to join this struggle! I have no doubt the people’s struggle will continue to inspire future movements for demilitarition and peace – which are both crucial for the survival of our species.
Sara Spriggs
I visited Jeju Island in 2014. I will never forget what I witnessed there. The sacred beauty of Gureombi rock and beach. The power, love, commitment, strength, emotion, humor, resilience, and relationships of the people who refuse to give up. You welcomed us, strangers, and fed us a delicious meal. Your struggle against US imperialism protects not only Jeju but all of Asia and the Pacific, and all our kin across the world from military expansion. You inspire the world. The world is watching and supports you. I am so grateful to you. Seeing your devotion to the land that nourishes life truly changed me. We support you Jeju!
Love, Sara Spriggs in Oakland, California, USA
Mary Beth Sullivan
We send a message of solidarity to the people of Gangjeong Village, Jeju Island who continue to inspire the world with their persistent prayer and fierce resistance to the militarism that buried their sacred, rocky shore. We mourn March 7, 2012, when the blasting of Gureombi Rock began. The people who live the Gangjeong Village struggle inspire everyone on earth who refuses to be intimidated by the bullies of militarism. You give your lives to honor the sacredness of the natural world. Your efforts show the path to survival for the 21st Century. May your strong spirit continue to lead the way.
From Mary Beth Sullivan, Social Worker in Maine, USA, advisory board member of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space.
Toshio TAKAHASHI
This year is the 50th year since Okinawa’s reversion [from US to Japanese control].
50 years ago, our predecessors hoped for an Okinawa without US bases, but after the reversion, not only US bases, but also Japanese self-defense force bases are multiplying one after another.
Stop the structural discrimination against Okinawa! US forces, get out of Asia!
With love, friendship, solidarity and thanks, Toshio TAKAHASHI Ginowan-city Okinawa JAPAN
Many more than a hundred people from Okinawa have visited the persistent struggle of Gangjeong Villagers against the navy base, and met and connected in solidarity with the local villagers, their supporting colleagues, and people who have joined the struggle from around the world. For many years, while struggling to oppose base construction in Henoko and Takae, Futenma and Kadena, Miyako Island, Ishigaki and Yonaguni Islands, and on Okinawa Island, we have encouraged each other across the sea. Now we can’t come and go for exchange events because of the COVID pandemic covering the world, but our hearts are always one. We will continue to be with you. Tujaeng!
오키나와는 올해 [반환50년]입니다. 우리 선배들은 50년전에는 미군기지 없는 오키나와를 희망했지만, [반환]후 미구기지 분만아니라 일본 자위대기지까지 연이어 많아졌습니다. 구조적 오키나와 차별을 타파! 미군은 아시아에서 떠나라!
사랑, 우정, 연대, 그리고 감사로
Toshio TAKAHASHI Ginowan-city Okinawa JAPAN
2022年3月3日
沖縄からの連帯メッセージ
高橋年男（沖縄・韓国民衆連帯）
海軍基地に反対する江汀村の粘り強い闘いの現場には、沖縄から、100人をはるかに超える人々が訪問し、地元の住民や支援の仲間たち、そして世界中から闘いに馳せ参じた人々と出会い、連帯のきずなでつながってきました。この長い時間、辺野古・高江で、普天間・嘉手納で、宮古島・石垣島・与那国島で、沖縄もまた、基地建設に反対する闘いの渦中にあり、海を越えて励ましあってきました。世界中が新型コロナ感染に覆われた今は、お互いに渡航して交流ができませんが、心はいつも一つです。앞으로도 함께 하겠습니다. 투쟁!
David Vine
I had the privilege of visiting beautiful Gureombi and the equally beautiful movement that struggled so hard to save it. The destruction of the gorgeously intricate black volcanic rock, a sacred part of Gangjeong village, is an outrage and a crime that never had to occur. I am ashamed and apologize to the people of Gangjeong and South Korea and the region for the role that my government, the US government, played in the destruction and in the creation of the naval base that now sits awfully on the shoreline. The base has fueled the dangerous militarization of East Asia and should be closed. I hope people around the world take inspiration–as I do–from the brave movement of people that rallied to save Gureombi and that is still struggling to make the world more peaceful.
David Vine, Professor, American University, Washington, DC, USA
Women’s Voices Women Speak
Women’s Voices Women Speak stands in solidarity with Gangjeong on March 7th, 2022, the 10-year remembrance of the blasting of the Gureombi Rock to build yet another useless naval base. This is a grave injustice. As a collective of women resisting militarism in Hawaiʻi, where U.S. bases have desecrated Kanaka Maoli (indigenous) land and poisoned wai (fresh water), we see our struggle as interconnected with the struggle in Gangjeong. We are inspired by the people of Jeju Island who have demonstrated such courage and determination to protect their place known as a Peace Island. #SolidarityfromHonolulu #HawaiiforJeju #genuine_security (Sent by Kim Compoc)
Russell Wray
I first learned of your long and difficult struggle to protect Gangjeong Village, its people, lands and waters, and all the other life, and Peace itself, from my friend and fellow Mainer Bruce Gagnon. In 2015 I had the great opportunity to visit Gangjeong for a short (too short!) time with a Veterans for Peace delegation, where I was able to meet many of the wonderful activists and see for myself what remains of the extreme natural beauty. I also witnessed this beauty’s desecration that had resulted from the brutal demolition and covering over of Gureombi and construction of the war-making Navy base.
I remain deeply inspired by the incredible persistence, creativity, and bravery of your ongoing resistance to the insanity of militarism. Many, many thanks.
With Love and Solidarity,
Russell Wray
Angie Zelter
Dear Jeju peace campaigners,
I send you solidarity greetings on this sad 10th anniversary of the blasting of the precious Gureombi Rock. I remember so well the protests there and wish I could be with you again to aid you in your continuing struggle against the militarisation of your island of peace. Your protests have to continue and I hope you find the strength to continue your resistance.
I can hardly believe so much time has passed and the world is still at war contributing to the existential climate and biodiversity crises. The military are a major cause of these crises and all of us in our different ways must continue to work for disarmament and peace rather than allowing the continual preparations for war to destroy our world.
We are at a crucial time in the history of humankind and we need to act together to bring equity, justice, and compassion to all. We must work in solidarity with each other, across the false borders that try to separate us, in order to change the ways in which our governments, leaders and corporations are extracting and exploiting the resources of our planet through their military and economic power for the short term benefit of the very, very few which leaves the vast majority of the population and our environment in destitution, conflict and immense suffering.
You understand well that we all live or die together on this fragile planet. The struggle in Ganjeong is one that concerns us all as it is a struggle against the industrial war machine. You are brave, special war-resisters and an important part of our global peace loving community. I send you strength and love for the continuation of your struggle. I am with you always in spirit. Angie Zelter.
=======================
[Original request letter]
Dear friends around the world,
Hope you are very well in this hard time of COVID and wars..
We wonder whether some of you can write a short solidarity message (around 100 words) for Gangjeong upon the 10th remembrance year of the blasting of the Gureombi Rock (where the Jeju navy base is now built on).
For translation purposes, it will be great if we can have your messages no later than March 5th (In Korean time). If you can, please send a ~100 word message to gjengnews@gmail.com. We are very sorry for the short notice of this request.
Yet, we are requesting this because we are aware that the anti-Jeju navy base struggle has been truly international. Without the mention of the devotion by internationals, the struggle loses its profound meaning.
Gureombi Rock, a 1.2km length contiguous rock coast next to the Gangjeong sea was an absolute preservation area with many spring waters and inhabited by many species including endangered species. It was a sacred site itself.
The South Korean government forcefully built the base there despite people’s fierce resistance. And this year hits the 10th year since the blast of Gureombi Rock for base-building. The blast started on March 7th, 2012 and continued for two months that year (many parts were just buried under concrete, also). The base now serves for the United States Indo-Pacific strategy, contributing to increasing regional military tension.
We, the people in Gangjeong remember the day of March 7th with tragic feelings but also with the determination that we should close the base someday. The day also reminds us that we still have many tasks as Jeju Island is in danger of more militarization including the building of a new navy base entry road.
As wars and militarization extend throughout the world, we hope this is another small chance to connect us and to build stronger solidarity.
Jan. 23, 2021, marks 5000 days of struggle against the Jeju Naval Base in Gangjeong. Organized opposition to the naval base plans started on May 18, 2007. Over the next 5000 days, the anti-base movement endured attacks on local democratic decision making, false representation in the media, division of the village community, state violence used to suppress nonviolent resistance, destruction of the environment (notably of the Gureombi Rock coastline), and the militarization of Jeju, the supposed “Island of World Peace.” Over those 5000 days, this peace movement was sustained through candle-light gatherings, rallies, marches, community meals, religious ceremonies, appreciation of nature, creative expression through poetry, visual arts, music and dance, and an outpouring of solidarity from all over the globe.
International peace activists recognized that the Jeju Naval Base represented a threat to world peace, and that the peace movement in Gangjeong transcended national borders. Many people came to Gangjeong to join in solidarity against the naval base and many more shared the story of the Gangjeong peace movement with audiences around the world. By standing with the Gangjeong villagers’ struggle, many international activists also experienced oppression by the state: one person received an injunction order, one recieved an exit order, more than 23 people were denied entry to Korea, and more than 12 foreign activists were arrested.
Gangjeong international team collected solidarity messages in honor of Gangjeong’s 5000 days’ struggle against the Jeju Naval Base:
From Rev. Catherine Christie, National Council of Churches in Korea
5000 Days! My good friends of Gangjeong, warm greetings and hope for continuing strength. As I came to Korea in 2010 to work with the National Council of Churches in Korea, it was becoming deeply involved in the struggle of Gangjeong villagers. My first visit was in August 2011, with a delegation from Christian Council of Asia invited by the NCCK. That was before the fence totally surrounded Gureombi. We worshipped on Gureombi, heard the story of the Naval base, joined the Catholic Mass and the evening candlelight vigil with the villagers. A few weeks later the fence was completed, amid our great grief. In March 2012 I was in Seoul at a protest when news came the first blasting of Gureombi had begun. [Regina Pyon] was there too, and we wept together. My involvement with Gangjeong Village was one of the high points of my ministry in Korea. All the blessings of Life, Love and Peace be with you all.
From Ramsay Liem, Emeritus Professor, Boston College, Channing and Popai Liem Education Foundation
The Essence of Korea’s Pride – The Gangjeong Struggle – Many of my Korean American students tell me that K-Pop, Korean Dramas, Samsung, Hyundai, and the like are the reasons they have pride in their homeland. These are the visible symbols of the miracle on the Han River for them. What they do not understand, however, is the long and arduous struggle of Korean workers, farmers, and everyday citizens to build a truly just and democratic state out of the ashes of war in the face of powerful state and external antidemocratic forces. No better example exists than the Gangjeong villagers and their supporters who have sacrificed land, livelihoods, and bodies to fight the militarization of their island by state and foreign interests. The fortitude of the Gangjeong peace-makers is extraordinary and an example of Korea’s truest gift to peace-loving people of the world. Your 5000 day struggle is an inspiration to all and teaches us that the human capacity to seek justice is boundless.
From Kyle Kajihiro, Cancel RIMPAC Coalition, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
Aloha friends in Jeju! Congratulations on this important milestone: 5000 days of struggle to keep Jeju as an island of peace. I fell in love with Jeju when I visited early in the struggle when the naval base plans were first announced. Volcanic peaks, lush forests, black lava shores, seas teeming with life, stone grandparents protecting villages—it looked and felt like Hawaiʻi, my home. Thank you for teaching and inspiring us with your creative, joyful, and fierce spirit of struggle. I will always remember your yellow banners fluttering over blue water as the image of our solidarity across the sea.
From Angie Zelter, founder of Trident Ploughshares and co-founder of the International Woman’s Peace Service
The ‘struggle against’ that continues in Gangjeong affects us all wherever we live. It is a struggle against militarism, fear and corporate power, and for real democracy, justice, equity, and peace. I was inside the naval base on 7th March 2012 when they blew up the Gureombi rock. It was a sad and shocking day when the military and corporations showed their abusive power to destroy. But it was also a time of solidarity and connection across cultures and between global peace lovers. We did not stop the explosions that day but we spoke truth to power, acting together, as we continue to do, for a better more humane and compassionate world.
From Lina Koleilat, ethnographer and historian at Australian National University
5000 days of everyday resistance, 5000 days of protest, of tears and joy, of disappointment and hope. 5000 days of prayers and lunches and dance. Visitors come and go, some from mainland, some from across the continents, but you stayed, you stayed rooted but not static. Respect to your resistance to militarism, to war and to empire. Respect to all of you beautiful people who have persevered for the rock, for the dolphins, for the sea and for all of us. Your daily struggle inspire us all! Strength and power to you all from Ngunnawal and Ngambri country from so called Australia. Sending you all big hugs!
From Takahashi Toshio, Okinawa Korea People’s Solidarity
What stands out in my memory is Sept. 5, 2012, when 10 people came from Okinawa to join the symposium in conjunction with the IUCN and to have an exchange program in Gangjeong. 4 of us were denied entry at Incheon Airport, and another person coming from Tokyo was also denied entry. (see photo.) I think that the Korean government denied us entry as we were going to Gangjeong from Okinawa and Japan because they were extremely frightened that the whole world would hear about the problem of the outrageous Jeju naval base construction. With support from people seeking peace all around the world, we struggle against the Jeju Naval Base, and through international solidarity for human rights and peace in Okinawa, we will resist against the new base construction at Henoko, as well. We are with you. Be strong! Peace! Solidarity!
What stands out in my memory is being denied entry to Korea when I traveled with Tomiyama-san and Takahashi-san from Okinawa Korea People’s Solidarity to join the struggle against the navy base in Gangjeong; Tomiyama-san and I were denied entry two times. I cannot forget the delight of living together during a week-long international exchange program for the first time, nor the the rigorousness of the struggle. The sirens suddenly sounded, and people ran to the base construction entrance and started their sit-in protest. I was surprised and inspired to see some women resist by wrapping their bodies in metal chains.
From Nisei Yuko, a Japanese-Korean living in Okinawa
I first learned about the Gangjeong struggle in Okinawa when I met Peace Wind members who were struggling against the navy base. Peace cannot be achieved by weapons. This fact is proven through the witness of human history. The human determination expressed in the steadfast solidarity of Gangjeong and Okinawa represents hope for the future. We need the ability to increase human imagination, not through hostility, but through peace. People in any era know that only those who do not carry weapons will build true peace. That is how I want to live.
오키나와에서 해군기지 반대 투쟁을 진행하는 “평화바람 “식구하고 만난것이 강정투쟁을 알게 된 출발이다. 평화는 무기로는 이룩할 수 없다.그것은 인류 역사가 증명하는 사실. 강정 그리고 오키나와에서 꾸준히 연대하는 인간의 의지는 미래에 남기는 소원이다. 인간의 상상력을 적대가 아니고 평화로 높일 노력이 필요하다. 사람들은 어떤 시대에도 무기를 안 가지는 사람만이 진실 평화를 짓겠다고 알 것이다. 나는 그렇게 살고 싶습니다. -오키나와 在住 재일동포 二世 兪渶子
From Merci Llarinas-Angeles, Peace Women Partners, Philippines
Support statement for Jeju on its 5000 Days of Struggle – “They may build the base on your land and waters, but do not let them conquer your spirit!” I spoke this at the Closing Ceremony of the Grand March for Life and Peace which I joined in 2015. Since then I have expressed my solidarity by writing and speaking about your brave struggle in the Philippines and other venues. You inspire me because you continue to plant seeds, harvest and dance to show that you will never give up. I can see that the forces of tyranny will lose their power, but the villagers of Gangjeong will not!
at the Closing Ceremony of the Grand March for Life and Peace in 2015
From Corazon Fabros, Vice President, International Peace Bureau
Gangjeong struggle is always in my heart since first visit in 2010 with No Bases friends from US, Okinawa, Guam and Korea. A meaningful, powerful learning experience on the struggle of people’s strong will to stop the base construction, that I promised to include Jeju as part of my No Bases advocacy. My second visit in 2018 was full of memories of Gureombi rocks where I once sat looking at the open unobstructed beautiful peaceful sea, feeling in my heart the strong determination of the people and prayed hard for those who lost their lives, imprisoned, sacrificed time and energy to fight. 5000 Days of the Gangjeong struggle represents a powerful peoples resistance and international solidarity that will lead to victory no matter how long and difficult it will take.
visiting Gangjeong
From Fr. Pat Cunningham, Columban Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator in Seoul
Many congratulations to all those who have played a part in the 5000 day struggle. As a missionary living in Korea I was grateful for the many opportunities to accompany International peace activists to Gangjeong. As an Irish man I was particularly happy to accompany Peadar King and the Irish documentary film crew during the shooting of ‘Jeju’s Aching Heart’. During the interviews I was able to get a first hand impression of deep personal agony and pain felt by the local residents and activists in their desperate struggle to resist the South Korean state as the police closed off access to the villagers’ sacred Gureombi. The short film also highlights the ongoing international dimension of the struggle which continues to this day as the local peace community continues to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence in the face of state oppression. Many congratulations on reaching this notable landmark in the ongoing struggle.
From Gloria Steinem (feminist journalist and activist) and Christine Ahn (Women Cross DMZ),
A Message of Love, Hope and Gratitude
We grew up in different times and on opposite coasts of the US, yet in August, 2011, we both wrote op-eds in The New York Times condemning the construction of a [de facto] US Naval Base on Jeju Island, just off the coast of South Korea.
Jeju, a jewel of an island is certainly one of the most beautiful places on earth. As Gloria wrote in The Arms Race Intrudes on Paradise, “[T]his naval base is not only an environmental disaster on an island less than two-thirds the size of Rhode Island, it may be a globally dangerous provocation besides.”
We lost that struggle. A once pristine fishing village has become a US military base, all in the name of protecting against China. Yet we remain united in our protection of Jeju Island, a paradise of beaches, ancient trees, and wild flowers blooming on warm volcanic slopes. Long called the Island of the Gods, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and listed as one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
All of us in the struggle to preserve Jeju Island have this goal in our daily consciousness, and maintain the friendships formed during our struggle to support the villagers of Gangjeong, those most threatened by the U.S. naval base. We’ve forged lasting friendships, and included Jeju Island in our lives.
For instance, Christine realized she was pregnant in Gangjeong, and upon returning to the US, she was harassed by the Lee Myung-bak Administration in South Korea for writing about her opposition to the [de facto] US base. When she called the South Korean Embassy to register her complaint, they responded, “Don’t call us, call the U.S. State or Defense Departments, they are the ones pressuring us to build this base.”
Gloria’s friendship helped Christine survive the attacks. When her beautiful daughter was born, Christine named her Jeju, as the spirit of the Gangjeong villagers was in her womb.
Altogether, Jeju, long known as the island of peace and women, is inspiring the next generation of peace activists who will build a world free from war and violence.
Thanks to the Gangjeong resistance, our friendship spawned many more pathbreaking peace initiatives, including the creation of Women Cross DMZ, which organized the 2015 women’s DMZ crossing, and the Korea Peace Now! transnational feminist campaign. On this historic anniversary of 5,000 days since the struggle began, we hope you can look back at the incredible impact you have made on so many people’s lives, peace movements, and our world.
From Lindis Percy, Co-Founder of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases UK
To say when and why I visited South Korea in July 2017 for 12 nights – The visit included 3 nights on Jeju Island and Gangjeong village. I co-founded the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases in 1992.
I was the guest of the People’s Democracy Party (PDP). The invitation came three weeks after a very short and hastily organised visit to Harrogate, (where we live) by three members of a PDP Peace Delegation. They arrived late in the afternoon and stayed with us for one night. We visited NSA/NRO Menwith Hill, (below) a significant US intelligence gathering and surveillance base near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK.
We stayed on for the weekly Tuesday evening demonstration and went out for a meal afterwards. This demonstration was started in 2000 by the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB), and has continued uninterrupted (except for five Tuesdays,) ever since. The PDP left for London to continue their programme. A month later I received an invitation from the PDP to go to South Korea.
CAAB had supported this extraordinary and inspirational campaign for a number of years. During the three days we were on Jeju island I met many wonderful and courageous people. I learnt about the history of occupation by foreign forces. Every day I spoke at meetings, demonstrations and gave several press interviews.
1. A moment that stands out in my memory from the Gangjeong struggle
I was thrilled to meet Sung-Hee (last in Seoul in 2009) who organized a very interesting day on July 7th. We visited Gangjeong village and the Peace Centre where an illustrated history of the people’s resistance against the construction of the Jeju naval base hangs on panels suspended from the ceiling. It is a meeting place and a wonderful centre for peace. I met the amazing Father Mun and joined in the daily Mass. We took part in the daily demonstrations at the main gate to the now completed and vast Jeju naval base, a ROK construction for the US military.
2. A way that the Gangjeong struggle has influenced me
There are many ways that I have been inspired by the examples of so many people engaged with this struggle – never giving up. Often against so many odds and violent actions by the police. I am moved by the commitment they have given over many years and still they steadfastly oppose what has happened. I saw why this was. The destruction of ancient and precious Gureombi rock formation is terrible, irreplaceable and in its place – war fighting and conflict.
3. The 5000 days of the Gangjeong struggle have for Jeju / Korean / international society? Why?
The Gangjeong struggle is a strong lesson for us all. For we are stewards of this planet and must be vigilant as to the dangers from fighting forces who are determined to destroy so much, so as to build more and more systems and structures for war – regardless what’s in their way. We must work to leave the world in a better state and to hand on to the next generation.
For too many words – apologies. Thank you for your tireless work – greeting, solidarity and love to you all.
From Bruce Gagnon, Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space
The following petitions were submitted to the court to call for Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee to not be imprisoned during their trial regarding their visit to the remaining part of Gureombi Rock (inside JejuNavy Base) on March 7, 2020, the 8th anniversary since the blasting of Gureombi Rock in 2012.
The first petition was submitted to the judge at Jeju District Court on March 30, 2020. The court held proceedings to review the arrest warrants for Gangjeong village peace activists Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee. In a short time about 4,700 people signed this petition on their behalf. Ryu Bok Hee was released later on the 30th, but Song Kang Ho was held in custody at the Jeju Dongbu Police Station.
Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee at Jeju District Court on March 30, 2020. Their signs say “Demilitarized Peace Island Jeju” and “I want to see Gureombi” (which could also be translated as “I miss Gureombi”). Photo: Choi Sung Hee
Greetings, your honor.
Together with Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee, we question the legitimacy of the Jeju Navy Base, established through violence at Gangjeong Village on the Peace Island of Jeju. We are people standing in solidarity and working for peace, as Jeju, the Korean peninsula, and even East Asia and the world are confronted with the problem of military bases.
Already the procedures that brought the Jeju Navy Base to Gangjeong Village have raised much social inquiry. The state has a responsibility to be just and democratic above all, but it used methods that could not be just, then threatened citizens and violently made the military base by force. For that reason, President Moon Jae-in visited Gangjeong Village himself during the Fleet Review in 2018 and apologized to the Gangjeong villagers. According to the 2019 report on the investigations into the Jeju Navy Base incident, government bodies and the military were directly involved in dividing Gangjeong and committing serious human rights violations. A Jeju poet who witnessed the process even said “Gangjeong is 4.3” [referring to the state violence carried out in Jeju in 1948 and following]. We are citizens who have witnessed and experienced this kind of violence for as many as ten or more years. Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee, they are also people who keep raising questions so that those misfortunes are not repeated. They are people who feel the pain of everything that is mercilessly destroyed.
The particulars are as follows:
1. On February 14, at about 10 AM, Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee inquired at the navy civil affairs office about how to visit the remaining part of Gureombi rock inside the navy base and submitted their first application. An official called them in response and reported that it was rejected.
2. On March 7, the anniversary of Gureombi’s blasting, at 9 AM, they visited the navy civil affairs office again and submitted another visit application. They were informed that for the reason of safety they could not enter. They expressed their yearning to see Gureombi, and requested cooperation from the military. They gave their contact information and asked for a reply by 10 am. They got no reply, and at 12:00 they submitted another application form, and waited for permission.
3. No response came. Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee went to Metpuri. Metpuri is the public sea-side area at the far eastern side of Gangjeong which used to be connected to Gureombi. Every year on Jan. 1, a village ceremony is held at an altar at Metpuri during the first moments of the year; the village treasures it as a holy place. People’s longings have been assuaged somewhat since at least this altar remains.
4. Song Kang Ho cut the wire fence in the rain and entered to see Gureombi, which he longed for in his dreams, and Ryu Bok Hee followed after him. They went in to the one part of Gureombi that remains and sat in silent prayer, and at about 3:40 they went towards the main gate and were seen by a soldier. Police came quickly. 50 meters from the entrance to the base, they were told “You entered without permission into a Military Protection Area and you cannot leave now” so they stopped. They followed the order and stood for about 30 minutes. Song Kang Ho held up a 1 meter by 50 cm yellow banner that he always carries with him, which reads “Peace Island Without Military Bases.” Ryu Bok Hee held up a banner reading “Gureombi, did you sleep well this spring?”
5. After being stuck like that for tens of minutes, at around 5:20, one Gangjeong villager entered the main gate and asked “Can I escort these people out?” and one soldier replied, “Escort them out quickly.” Following the exit directions of the guards, they walked out the main gate.
“Gureombi, did you sleep well this spring?” was the text on the banner held by Ryu Bok Hee.
It was made with friends for the 8th anniversary of the blasting of Gureombi. The state says that since the construction of the Navy Base was completed, everything is finished. Conflict arose from the state and the military actively dividing the village, but it sounds like all the social issues have of course been just patched up. Rather, I think we must be reminded of the people, the environment, and especially the values of democracy and peace which have been further harmed. Thus we personify Gureombi as a child taking a nap, and we ask Gureombi to quickly rise up. That’s why the banner says “Gureombi, did you sleep well this spring?”
“Peace Island Without Military Bases” was on the banner held by Song Kang Ho.
In 2005, Jeju was declared “Island of World Peace.” “Demilitarization” was an important precondition in the planning stages for the Peace Island. October 10, 2003 the Jeju University Peace Research Center presentation ‘Tasks for designating and promoting Jeju as a World Peace Island’ evaluated the case of citizens’ opposition against the plans to make a navy base in Hwasun harbor as a will to make Jeju a demilitarized peace island. They said that Jeju “could be an arena of competition between two powers, but instead it could be a buffer between two powers, and could become a neutral reconciliation zone.” …
As Jeju began to promote the navy base construction, this road-map for making Jeju a demilitarized peace island began to collapse. …
However, Gangjeong Village’s anti-navy base movement was a nonviolent peace movement for the demilitarization of the peace island Jeju. Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee have endlessly insisted that Jeju must be a demilitarized peace island. ‘Demilitarized Peace Island!’ This is why we remain in Gangjeong and continue the struggle for peace in the 5th year since the opening of the base, and that’s why Song Kang Ho goes around carrying this banner.
Respectfully, your honor!
In June 1999, three women, Angie Zelter, Ulla Roder, and Ellen Moxley entered Faslane navy base in Scotland and destroyed computer and other special equipment for Trident nuclear submarines in the Maytime floating laboratory. They hung up photos of Hiroshima and Nagasaki destroyed by nuclear bombs and a banner reading “Stop the nuclear testing of death!” That time, as well, the police and military arrived three and a half hours later. The three women who destroyed nuclear submarine materials argued that they were not guilty.
Trident is a 48 million ton submarine launched nuclear missile. Just one Trident missile has 8 times the destructive capacity of the ‘little boy’ bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 killing 150,000 people.
On October 20, 1999 at Greenock Sheriff Court, Judge Margaret Gimblett declared these three people not guilty. She ruled that because their crime of destroying the nuclear submarine system was an act to prevent the even greater crime against humanity posed by the nuclear submarines, it could not be considered illegal.
Respectfully, your honor!
As you well know, President Moon Jae-in met Gangjeong villagers on October 11, 2018 and bowed his head in apology for the long conflict over the navy base problem that embroiled Gangjeong. In that place, he said “The state must protect procedural justice and democratic justice, but it failed. I express deep regrets and offer words of consolation,” he said in apology.
When a national policy undertaking overwhelms the citizens, and when the state furthermore violates its own values with acts of violence, and if through such a process a military installation or military base is completed and citizens do not raise these issues, then we would not have been able to bring forth even this much peace. This much democracy would not have been possible either. The judgement of the military is that entering into a military protection area is a serious problem for national security, but to the contrary, this kind of earnest desire and awakening for peace are just the very kind of first steps that we all, including the military, must take to build momentum for true peace.
Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee’s bodies may be detained, but that will not detain the calls of the citizens’ conscience and free will for true peace and just procedures. Please stop the arrest of Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee. Please show leniency, your honor.
March 29, 2020
People supporting Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee
(written by Oum Mun Hee, referencing Song Kang Ho, Sahaja, the founding documents of the People Making Jeju a Demilitarized Peace Island, Joyakgol (hotpinkdolphins), and attorney Baek Shin-ok, excerpted and translated by Curry, with help from Choi Sung-hee)
Song Kang Ho and Ryu Bok Hee on March 7, 2020. Photo: YangsanG
The second petition was submitted to the judge on April 3, 2020. The Korean petition got 2,100 signatures and the international petition got 348 signatures. Despite this outpouring of support, the court maintained the arrest warrant and Song Kang-Ho was moved to Jeju Prison on that day.
It was the 72nd year since the April 3rd Uprising and Massacre (March 1, 1947 to Sept. 21, 1954), and it was also his birthday (according to the lunar calendar).
Korean criminal law advocates investigation without detention and limits detention to the following cases: 1) There is considerable reason to suspect that a crime has been committed 2) Absence of a fixed residence, or 3) There is concern that the suspect will destroy evidence or flee.
In this case, the purpose of detention is to ensure the accused’s presence in the trial proceedings, so in a strict sense there is no correlation between the detention and the punishment. The principle of investigation without detention is the broad principle of criminal law in the Republic of Korea. According to the constitution, investigation under detention limits fundamental rights, so in principle, excess is forbidden and the scope is restricted to the minimum of what is necessary for the purpose of investigation.
Accordingly. the detention of Gangjeong peace activist Song Kang Ho is unreasonable for the following reasons:
Why his detention is unfair, reason one!
His residence is clear and there is no worry that he will flee.
1) For over 10 years (a long time) he has constantly resided in Gangjeong except for brief absence from the village for overseas emergency relief and to care for his father.
2) He has complied diligently with investigations by police and prosecutors during previous trials for nonviolent direct actions.
3) He is currently facilitating 2 courses at the World Peace University Gangjeong Campus as the founder and doctor of theology. It is appropriate to consider this as a situation in which he cannot leave from Jeju.
Why his detention is unfair, reason two!
He has no reason to destroy evidence.
1) He did not invite public participation in this action, and since before now his non-violent direct actions have been conducted independently. Thus, there is not any reason to destroy evidence.
2) Until now he has given a full account of his actions in the course of investigations.
Why his detention is unfair, reason three!
Song Kang Ho is a trustworthy person.
1) Within 24 hours of notification that the court would examine whether to approve an arrest warrant, with one accord, about 4,700 citizens signed a petition to calling to stop the arrest of Song Kang Ho. This is the result of the trust and authenticity that he has built up over many years.
2) He is a person with a good influence on society. For the last 25 years he has been engaged in peace activities in conflict areas around the world. For ten years he held peace camps for reconciliation with young people from East Timor, Indonesia and many other countries, following the independence of East Timor from Indonesia. With local young adults he ran a peace center for refugees of the conflict between India and Pakistan in Kashmir and removed landmines and rebuilt a girls’ school in Afghanistan. He taught peace to children in an emergency camp for people displaced by the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. He conducted emergency relief in Aceh, Indonesia following the tsunami and 35 years of war for independence, and recently he has worked to help refugees in the Rohingya refugee camps.
3) Moreover, he is the grandfather of two grandchildren. His children followed their father’s example and are working for the public good as a doctor and a nurse. He hopes soon to celebrate his birthday with his grandchildren and family. His grandchildren are looking forward to seeing their grandfather.
For these reasons, we bring to your attention the problem of the detention of Gangjeong peace activist Song Kang Ho, and request that you reconsider whether is is really appropriate to detain him.
The principle of investigation without detention could be considered the result of reflection on the infringement of human rights caused by the custom of detention during trial for the convenience of investigation.
As we write this petition, it is approaching the 72nd anniversary of the “Jeju 4.3” which still doesn’t have a properly decided name. As Jeju remembers the suffering of 4.3 and calls for Jeju to be reborn as an island of peace and human rights, please return to Song Kang Ho, who is dedicated to this very vision of a “Peace Island”, his right to be tried without detention. We request a wise ruling by the court.
The endorsement was joined by 435 international supporters including many well-known activists, artists and scholars. We thank so much to all the international citizens who joined our endorsement. We also remember that there are much more international friends who support our struggle. We so thank them and express our solidarity, also. Please see the related article, here.
2018 International Solidarity Statement against the International Fleet Review in Jeju
No International Fleet Review in Jeju
Let’s make Jeju Island the Island of Peace
Let’s make the Pacific the Sea of Peace
10 October 2018
We, the undersigned organisations and individuals, strongly oppose the International Fleet Review which will be held at Jeju Naval Base in Gangjeong Village from 10 October. This is the biggest event by the Korean navy since Jeju naval base was constructed and around 50 vessels and 20 aircraft from 45 countries will gather in Jeju Naval Base. A marine inspection, an open house event on vessels and in the base, and a military industry exhibition are scheduled.
The international fleet review, gathering warships from around the world, will heighten the military tension in the region and create dark clouds of conflict in the midst of the growing desire to open a new era of peace and coexistence and end the war on the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia.
Jeju Naval Base was constructed on top of state violence against the villagers, lies, and destruction of the natural environment. We all remember the coercive construction process and problems of the Jeju Naval Base. While supporting Jeju islanders’ desire to establish this beautiful island as the Island of Peace, we strongly oppose the International Fleet Review being held in Jeju Island.
Since the establishment of Jeju Naval Base, the militarization of Jeju Island has sped up. Warships from different countries including a U.S. nuclear submarine have already been frequently visiting the Jeju Naval Base. In addition to this, a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier will also join the International Fleet Review. We are concerned that this International Fleet Review will widen the gate of the Jeju Naval Base to the Japanese and the U.S. warships. The U.S. Pacific commander already expressed his wish to station a Zumwalt Stealth Destroyer at the Jeju Naval Base. In addition to building the naval base, the Korean Navy reinforced the marine corps in Jeju and also expressed its plan to use the 2nd airport as its air base which the Government is forcibly working to construct in Seongsan, Jeju Island.
The militarization of Jeju Island will retrogress peace on the Korean Peninsula, and expedite militarization in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. The U.S. changed the Pacific Command into Indo-Pacific Command last May. This clearly shows its will to prioritize military hegemony in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, instead of peaceful cooperation. The U.S. has not been hiding its plan to establish a NATO-like military alliance in the Indo-Pacific region. Many peace organisations are concerned that Jeju Island will become an outpost against China by the U.S. and its military allies.
Under this circumstances, the International Fleet Review will internationally establish the existence and military use of the Jeju Naval Base. This seriously jeopardizes the future vision of Jeju Island as ‘The Island of Peace’ declared by the South Korean government in 2005. It also damages environment of Beom Island which is designated as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The two Koreas declared ‘a new era of peace’ and are walking towards the establishment of a peace system and denuclearization on the Korean peninsula. Korean people’s efforts to move on to peace and coexistence from the hostility of the past should be linked to efforts to make the Pacific peaceful. We support Jeju islanders’ desire to make a “genuine” Island of Peace and oppose the militarization of the Pacific. The International Fleet Review in Jeju Island must be stopped immediately.
No International Fleet Review in Jeju!
Shut down the Jeju Naval Base!
Stop the Militarization of Jeju! Stop the Militarization of the Ocean!
Let’s make Jeju Island the Island of Peace, Let’s make the Pacific the sea of Peace!
Aaron Tovish(Zona Libre), Adilur Rahman Khan(Odhikar), Adrian Partridge (Derby CND), Adrian Perry (Derby Labour Party), Ai Iwakawa , Aiichiroh Sasagawa, Ailsa Johnson, Akifumi Fujita(Peace Studies, TRANSCEND Japan), Aki KANEKO, Akiko Nishijima , Alain Ah Vee(LALIT), Alfred Robert Hogan(Writers Plus Newsroom), Alice Slater(World BEYOND War), Amy Echeverria(Missionary Society of St. Columban), Amy Harlib(Yoga For Peace, Justice, and Harmony With the Planet), Amy Levine, Andree Duguy(Women in Black London), Andrew Graham(Australian Anti-Bases campaign Coalition/Independent Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN)), Angela Burrows(Pax Christi NSW, Independent and Peaceful Australia Network), Angie Kim(The supporting committee for Korean prisoners of conscience), Angie Zelter(Trident Ploughshares, Reforest the Earth, UK), Ann E. Ruthsdottir(Peace Works), Ann Kobayashi(Japanese Against Nuclear UK), Anne Dodd(Abingdon Peace Group), Anne Elvey(Plumwood Mountain: An Australian Journal of Ecopoetry and Ecopoetics), Anne Lanyon(Pax Christi NSW), Anne Lindsay(CND), Anne Macarthur(SCOTTISH CND), Anne Milne(Edinburgh CND), Annette Brownlie(Independent and Peaceful Australia Network), Annette Sheppard(Nil), Antonio Carlos Silva Rosa(TRANSCEND Media Service), Anuradha Chenoy(AEPF), Ara Lee(Puri arts), Ariel Ky(Nada), Asako Kageyama (Morinoeigasha), Asfinawati(Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI)), ASM Badrul Alam (Bangladesh Krishok Federation), Atsushi Fujioka(Ritsumeikan University), Aya Kasai(Miyazaki International College), Barry Huges(CND London), Bedjo Untung(YPKP 65 Indonesian Institute for the Study of 1965/66 Massacre), Benjamin Monnet, Bi-Xiu Lin(Environmental Rights Foundation), Bobby Montemayor(Metro Subic Network), Brenda Paik Sunoo, Brian Noyes Pulling, Brian Quail(Catholic worker), Brian Smiddy(St Mary’s Social Justice Group), Brigidine Sisters Kildara Centre, Bruce Gagnon(Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space), Buddy Bell(Voices for Creative Nonviolence), Camilla Saunders(Knighton Action for Peace and Justice), Candace Fujikane(University of Hawaiʻi English Department), Carol Turner(London Region CND), Carolyn A Hadfield(World Can’t Wait-Hawai`i), Catherine Christie (Local/Global Advocacy Network), Catherine Lutz(Brown University), CedarBough Saeji(University of British Columbia), Charles Ryu(St. Paul’s United Methodist Church), Chieko Hotta(Hiyamikachi), Chikako Kobayashi, Chikashi Furukawa(East Asia Popular History Exchange, Taiwan), Christina Rusnov , Christine A. DeTroy(Greater Brunswick PeaceWorks), Christine Ahn(Women Cross DMZ), Christopher Butler(Shipley CND), Christopher Coppock(Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Citizen of the World), Christopher Gwyntopher(Trident Ploughshares), Cindy Lin(East Asia popular history exchange, Taiwan), Citizens Opposing Active Sonar Threats, Claude Mostowik msc(Pax Christi Australia, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Justice and Peace Centre), Colonel Ann Wright(U.S. Army (Retired) & Veterans for Peace), Come Ledesert(Filmmaker), Corazon Valdez Fabros(International Peace Bureau), Councillor Maya Evans(Voices for Creative Non Violence UK), Cynthia Franklin(University of Hawaii), Daisuke Sato(No Nukes Asia Forum Japan), Daisy(Women’s peace group), Dan Troy(Columbans), Daniell O’Keeffe(Missionary Society of St Columban), Danilo Alejandro(United Peoples Association of Zambales), Dave Webb(Global Network & CND), David French(Moray Peace Builders), David Hartsough(PEACEWORKERS), David Hoadley(Southampton CND), David Mackenzie(Trident Ploughshares), David Ray(Trident Ploushares), David Vine(American University), Debbie Kim(Gangjeong UK), Diane lunzer(CND), Dud Hendrick(Deer Isle, Maine), Eamon Adams(Missionary Society of St Columban), Earl Arnold(Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea), ECOTERRA Intl., Edward Egan(Pax Christi), Eileen Cook(Edinburgh CND), Elizabeth Knight (TPAG and TP), Elizabeth Rees(World Can’t Wait-Hawai`i), Ella Weng, Ellen E Barfield(Veterans For Peace, War Resisters League), Ellen Smiddy(St Mary’s Social Justice Group), Ellen Teague(Columban Missionaries, Britain), Ema Tagicakibau(Pacific Action Network for Peace and Disarmament (PANPAD), Pacific Foundation for the Advancement of Women (PACFAW)), Eric Herter(Maine Chapter 001, Veterans for Peace), Eun-Jeung Lee(Freie Universitaet Berlin), European Sanctuary of World Peace Prayer Society, Felix Mushobozi(Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission USG, UISG), Ferdinand Liefert(German East Asia Mission), Filo Hirota(Catholic Council for Justice and Peace of Japan), fPcN – friends of Peoples close to Nature, Francis McDonagh (St Mellitus Church), Frank Cordaro(Des Moines Catholic Worker), Fumihide Kanaya, Gail Okuma(Chuo University, Policy Studies Faculty), Gail Whang, Gar Smith(Environmentalists Against War), Gayle Wells, Geoff Holland(World Peace Now ॐ), Geoffrey Shaw, George Katsiaficas (Eros Effect Foundation), Gerry Condon(Veterans For Peace), Gerry Lee(Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns), Gill Boehringer(International Assn. of People’s Lawyers), Gisela Köllner, Greet Vanaerschot(Pax Christi International), Greg Reynolds(Inclusive Catholics Vic Inc.), Gwyn Kirk(Women for Genuine Security), H Mitchell(Bedford CND), Haeng Woo Lee(National Association of Korean-Americans), Hannah Kemp-Welch(CND), Harry Kerr(Pax Christi Australia), Heather Weedon(Franciscan Missionaries of Mary), Helen Marron(Pax Christi), Helen van den Berg(Pax Christi), Helena Paul, Hemantha Withanage(Centre for Environmental Justice), Henri Tiphagne(People’s Watch), Herbert J. Hoffman(VFP, Albuquerque, NM), Hideko Otake, Hiromi Ootsuki (Theater people who chose no war), Hiroshi Inaba(Okinawa Peace Support), Hiroshi Sato, Hiroshi Yamaguchi(group ZAZA in Osaka), Huang Yu Hsiang(University of the Ryukyus), Hugo Wilson, Hui Hwa Nam(Voices), Hye-Jung Park(Philadelphia Committee for Peace and Justice in Asia), Hyejin Yoon(University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Hyeyoung Lee(PCUSA), Ian Gasse(Dumfries TUC), Ian P. Hamilton(Methodist Church in Britain & Ireland), Ichiro Sumida(Henoko Blue), Ikuko Oshiro(Henoko Blue), Iljung Kim(University of British Columbia), Iwakawa(Labornet), Jack Cohen-Joppa(Nuclear Resister), Jacquelyn Wells(Women Cross DMZ), James George Cullen (Columban Fathers), James Trewby(Columbans UK), Jammu Narayana Rao(Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space), Jan Plummer(Trident Ploughshares), Jane Kaisen(Artist), Janet Fenton(Words & Actions Scotland, Scottish CND, Scottish WILPF, ICAN in Scotland), Jason Rawn(National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee), Jay Hauben(Amateur Computerist), Jean Oliver(Trident Ploughshares), Jean Sanborn(Women’s International League for Peace), Jenny Clegg(Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, UK), Jenny Lee(Women Together, Inc.), Jesook Song(University of Toronto), Jess Santiago(Poet), Jill Gough(CND Cymru), Jo Bownas(St Mellitus Church), Jo Fry(Moray Peace Builders), Jo Siedlecka (Independent Catholic News), Joan West(East Lancashire CND), Joanna Nowicki(Moray Peace Builders and World beyond War), Joanne K Hardy(Greater Brunswick PeaceWorks), John B. Din(Columban Missionaries – Philippines), John Feffer(Foreign Policy In Focus), John Jackson(Asia Culture Center), John Lynes(Hastings against war), John Morris(Veterans for Peace), John Pilger(Journalist, writer, documentary filmmaker), John Wells(KPCW), Jos van den Berg(Pax Christi), Joseph Anthony Camilleri(Pax Christi), Joseph Essertier(World BEYOND War), Joseph Gerson(Campaign for Peace Disarmament, Common Security), Joy Enomoto(Womenʻs Voices Women Speak), Jude Genovia (Columban Missionaries), Judith Emerson(Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), Judith Joy(Grassington & District Peace Group), Julia Larden(Hall Green CND), Julianna Bethlen (Women in Black London), Julie Enslow(Peace Action of Wisconsin), Julie Maguire(St Cuthberts Crook Justice & Peace Group), Julie Marlow(Australian Anti-Bases Campaign Coalition), Julie Ward MEP(Labour Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Kagari Ando, Kaia Curry(The Frontiers), Kamal Mitra Chenoy(JNU), Karissa Chua(Center for Peace Education – Miriam College), Kate Holcombe(Trident Ploughshares), Kathryn Edwards(Women in Black, London), Kathy Kelly(Voices for Creative Nonviolence), Katsuko Kai, Katsumi Hamaguchi(Kyoto), Kayoko Teshigawara (Meijigakuin university), Kazuhiro Ohmura(People’s soridarity of Okinawa Korea), Kazuhiro Shibata(NARAYUN-OKINAWA), Kazuyo Kozaki, Keiron Sparrowhawk(Justice and Peace, St Mellitus, UK), Ken Butigan(Pace e Bene), Kenneth Mayers(Veterans For Peace), Kenneth Wardrop(Stirling CND), Kerry Long(University of Hawaii at Manoa), Ketei Matsui(Global Campaign for Peace Education, Japan), Kevin Martin(Peace Action), Kikuko Nakahara, Kil Sang Yoon(Korean American National Coordinating Council, Inc.), Kimiko Matsuda, Kirity Roy (MASUM), Kit Fry(Moray Peace Builders), Kitamura Megumi (Japanese Army Comfort Women Problem Solving Hiroshima Network), Kiwamu Ogawa, Kiyoko Schneiss(Deutsche Ostasienmission), Koohan Paik(International Forum on Globalization), Kozue Akibayashi(Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), Kristin Douglas, Kristina Wolff(Veterans for Peace), Kunio Asato(Henoko Blue), Kyle Kajihiro(Hawaiʻi Peace and Justice), Kyoko Okumoto(Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute), Kyu Hyun Kim(Koreanfilm.org), Laam Hae(York University), Larry Kerschner(VFP Rachel Corrie Chapter 109), Laura Wilder(Pax Christi Dallas), Lenette Toledo(Columban Missionaries), Leonard Eiger(Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action), Lina Koleilat(The Australian National University), Linda Hugl(Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Lindis Percy(Co-Founder of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB)), Lisa Savage(Maine Natural Guard), Liu ChiaSheng(Peace for the Sea), Loreta Castro(Center for Peace Education), Louise Legun(Veterans For Peace), Luis Frailes Álvaro (Grupo de Estudios Literarios y Decoloniales Asia-Pacífico en Madrid), Lynn Jamieson(Scottish branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Maggie Galley(Pax Christi Australia NSW Branch), Maggie Holdsworth(Concerned human), Malcolm Bruce(Edinburgh CND), Manuel Pardo(Frente Antiimperialista Internacionalista), Margaret Tonkin(Pax Christi Victoria. Australia), Margery Toller(Christian CND, Anglican Pacifist Fellowship), Marie Dennis(Pax Christi International), Mark Kaplan(Grey Matter Media), Martha Duenas Baum(Famoksaiyian – Guahan), Martha Hennessy(Catholic Worker), Martin Newell cp(Passionists UK), Mary Beth Sullivan(Global Network), Mary Branson(St Marys Catholic Church), Masae Yuasa(Hiroshima City University), Masakazu Yasui (Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo)), Masako Suzuki(Northern dugong research team), Masako Tanaka(Sophia University), Masato Minamino(Okinawa-Korea People Solidarity), Masato Shinozaki, Mayumi Seita, Merci Angeles(Peace Women Partners), Meri Joyce(Peace Boat), Mesopotamia Ecology Movement, Michael Bloom(Abingdon Peace Group), Michael O’Sullivan(Columbans Ireland), Michael Orgel(Medact Scotland), Mike Hastie(Veterans For Peace), Miliann Kang, Mina Watanabe(Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM)), Minah Seo(Columban Lay Missionary), Minoru Haseagwa(Okinawa Peace Support), Minoru Suda(Article) Messege Project), Mio Kokubun(Okinawa Baptist convention), Mio Nogawa(Alternative People’s Linkage in Asia), Misako Ichimura(Nora), Morag Carmichael(Trident Ploughshares), Mort Stamm, Motoki Tomoyose, Munemitsu Shiota, Munenori Ohwan 大湾 宗則(米軍Xバンドレーダー基地反対京都/近畿連絡会, No Base! 沖縄とつながる京都の会), Nan Kim(Alliance of Scholars Concerned about Korea, Women Cross DMZ), Nancy E. Galland(Natural Resource Defense Council USA), Natasha Mayers(Union of Maine Visual Artists), Nick Molnar(Moray Peace Builders), Nigel Young(Local Peace Group), Noam Chomsky(Linguist/Social Critic), Noboru Takeno, Noriko Kato(Stop!Henoko-umetate-campaign), Noriko Kyogoku(Base stop from bus stop(KANAGAWA)), Noriko Nakamatsu(Henoko Blue), Nuki Ashi, Olga Fedorenko(Seoul National University), Olivia Agate(Trident Ploughshares/CND), Osamu M akishi(Diving Team Rainbow), Pat Cunningham (Columban Justice and Peace), Pat Gaffney(Pax Christi British Section), Pat Sanchez(Greater Manchester CND), Patricia Antonyshyn, Patrick McInerney(Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations), Paul Krumm(Salina Resistance), Paul Schneiss(Deutsche Ostasienmission), Penny Morris(Veterans For Peace, MAINE), Penny Walker(Leicester Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Peter Hughes(Society of St. Columban), Peter Lanyon(Trident Ploughshares, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Peter O’Neill(Columban Mission Centre Peace, Ecology and Justice Office), Peter S. Morgan, Jr.(Veterans For Peace, USA Coast Guard), Peter Vanhoutte, Pierre Rousset(Europe solidaire sans frontières (ESSF)), Prescilla D. Tulipat(UP Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment), Puaʻena N. Ahn, Rachael M Joo(Middlebury College), Rachel Western, Rafendi Djamin(Human Rights Working Group – Indonesia), Ramsay Liem(Boston College), Rebecca Johnson(Women in Black), Rebecca Woodsford(Gareloch Hortis), Regina Hagen(Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space), Reiner Braun(International Peace Bureau), Renate Zauner (Trident Ploughshares), Rie Nakaya(Vancouver Save Article 9), Rikiya Miwa(AWC), Rita Camilleri(Pax Christi Victoria), Robert B. Shetterly(Americans Who tell the Truth), Robert L. Dale(Veterans for Peace), Robert Morris(Veterans For Peace, MAINE), Robin Spencer(Maine Veterans for Peace), Roger Leisner(Radio Free Maine), Rolly Bea, Romi Elnagar(Green Party of the US (unofficial) Issues and Discussion Group), Romina Beitseen(Campaign for International Co-operation and Disarmament (CICD)), Rosalie Tyler Paul (Greater Bunswick Peaceworks), Rose Berger(Sojourners), Rosemary Theobalds(Gareloch Hortis), Rowena leder(Grassington & District Peace Group North Yorkshire England), Ruchama Marton, Russell Wray(Citizens Opposing Active Sonar Threats), Ryoko Okazaki (Ritsumeikan University), S. Unzu Lee(Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea), Saito Takako(Saitma Teachers’ Union), Sarah Lasenby(Oxford Quakers), Sarah Swift(Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign), Sasha Davis(Keene State College), Satoko Oka Norimatsu(Peace Philosophy Centre), Sean Martin(Society of Saint Columban), Seth Martin(The Menders), Seung Hee Jeon(Boston College), Shigeo Kobayashi(Japanese Against Nuclear UK), Shigeru Takagi (NPO Vountary Night School in Matsudo city), Shizuko Nagashima , Sho Nagamine, Shona Mcalpine(Scottish CND), Simone Chun(Women Cross DMZ), Sisto dos Santos(The HAK Association), Soomin Seo(Temple University), Sriprakash Mayasandra(Mennonite Central Committee), Stephen Hull, Stuart Parkinson(Scientists for Global Responsibility), Subodh Raj Pyakurel(INSEC), Sue Park-Hur(Reconciliasian), Sumi Hasegawa(Article 9 Canada), Sumie Mizusawa(Henoko blue), Sungeun Kim(Filmmaker), Susan Bennet(Gareloch Horticulturalists peace action group), Suzanne Ewing(Pax Chrisit USA), Suzanne Hedrick(Global works, Women’s International League for Peace), Suzuyo Takazato(Okinawa Women Act Against Military Violence), Suzy Kim, Swedish Peace Council, Takao Takahara(Peace Depot), Takashi Tanino(Agenda Project), Takehiko Ito(Wako University), Tamayo Yamshiro(Henoko blue), Tarak Kauff(Veterans For Peace), Taworu Yamasaki(Henoko Blue), Terri Kekoolani (Hawaii Peace and Justice), Terry Andrews, Terry Byrne(Pax Christi, Victoria, Australia), Theresa Wolfwood(Centre Foundation Barnard-Boecker), Thomas Harty(Veterans for Peace), Tim Shorrock(The Nation), Timothy Zhu(Democratic Socialists of Honolulu), Tom D’Arcy(D’Arcy), Tom Rainey-Smith, Tomas Remiarz(GreenLand Services), Tomiko Suzuki, Tommy Griffin(Veterans For Peace Chapter 170), Toshio Takahashi 高橋 年男 (沖縄―韓国民衆連帯), Tsuneo Takeuchi , Tyson Smith Berry Jr(4Kids International), Ulla Klötzer(Women Against Nuclear Power – Finland), Universal Peace&Social Development Society , Valerie Flessati(Pax Christi), Vicki Beitseen(CICD), Vincent Moinard, Viv Ring (Derby CND), Vladimir Tikhonov (박노자)(Oslo University), Wamuyu (Pax Christi international), Will Griffin(The Peace Report), William H. Slavick(Pax Christi Maine), Will Yang, World BEYOND War, Wu Ju Mei, Yeonhee Kim (University of Hawai’i Manoa), Yoko(Henoko blue), Yoko Iemoto(Article 9 Canada), Yoshida Ai 吉田藍 , Yoshio Nakamura(AWC-Japan), Yosi (Jo) McIntire(The Friendship Association), Youjeong Oh(The University of Texas at Austin), Youki Kato, Young Sun Han, Yuji Murakami, Yukiko Okamoto(not organisation), Yumiko Makihara, 上間芳子(沖縄平和市民連絡会), 仲村渠 政彦(わが沖縄を考えるひとりの会), 土井陽子, 富樫純子, 小西誠(社会批評社), 山田星河, 廣瀬 康代(あぷら), 清水早子（しみずはやこ）(宮古島ピースアクション実行委員会), 瀧川 順朗(AWC), 陳姿吟 이상 총 435명
Since the navy filed a lawsuit on the rights to indemnity against 116 anti-base individuals and 5 groups including Gangjeong Village Association, some internationals were willing to send protest letters to the South Korean government. Following an April 24 appeal for protest to the South Korean navy lawsuit (See here), many more peace activists in the world have joined them. They thoughtfully sent us their solidarity messages to Gangjeong and/or forwarded us their protest letters to the South Korean government/ embassies. We are updating this site, as well as sharing the original and translated messages with Koreans. Thanks so much to the friends who took their precious time for Gangjeong. We appeal other friends in the world again to please help us by paying attention to the appeal for protest in the site. The name of senders are listed here by alphabet order of family name.
Christine and Gloria Steinem(May 30)/ Alliance of Scholars Concerned about Korea (ASCK) Steering Committee (on April 29)/ Antonio (on April 26)/ Catherine Christie (on April 25)/ Nick Deane (on April 26)/ Ulrich Duchrow (on April 29)/Catherine Fontanazza (on April 26)/ Bruce K. Gagnon (on April 5)/ Boyette Jurceles Jr. (on April 24)/ Natasha Mayers (on April 29)/ Rachael Berman Melville (on April 25)/ MIGRANTE International (on April 26)/ Missionary Society of St. Columban (on April 14)/ Nogawa Mio (on April 9)/ J.Narayana Rao (on April 28)/ Stuart Rees (on April 25)/ Arnie Saiki (on April 29)/ Veterans for Peace (on April 19)/ Russell Wray (on April 26-27)/ Angie Zelter (on April 24)
………………………………………………………………………………
Gloria Steinem and Christine Ahn ( on May 30)
Dear Gangjeong Villagers,
We send our greetings, respect and gratitude for the superhuman courage, peacefulness and tenacity you have shown in opposing the construction of a naval base on your home of Jeju Island.
Like millions of people around the world who fight against ecological damage and global warming, we support you who are on the frontline of resistance on behalf of us in every country who value the unique natural and cultural heritage of Jeju Island. Peace movements around the world join in thanking you for resisting a U.S. and South Korean naval installation that would militarize and endanger the safety and peacefulness of the people JeJu Island and our world.
We write now because we are shocked to learn that, not only have you been forced to endure violence and imprisonment for your actions in the service of peace and environmental justice, but the South Korean Navy is now demanding $2.9 million in damages from 117 Jeju island residents, activists and local citizens for exercising a human right to nonviolent protest and free speech.
This is in direct contradiction to Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression. We urge the South Korean Navy and government to immediately drop demands for this unlawful penalty that would negate an inalienable right to free speech and assembly, and send the anti-democratic message that all who oppose state actions are subject to ruinous fines.
Your actions have inspired all who value democracy, peace, and the environment. Your courage is contagious. We thank you, and we stand with you.
In love and in peace,
Gloria Steinem and Christine Ahn
Alliance of Scholars Concerned about Korea (ASCK) Steering Committee (on April 29)
“We stand wholeheartedly with the residents of Gangjeong Village. Since 2007, the people of Gangjeong have used every democratic measure and every non-violent means of protest in order to oppose the construction of the new naval base there and to challenge the re-militarization of Jeju Island. Gangjeong residents and peace advocates have a right to freedom of expression by protesting the base, which jeopardizes peace in the wider region by rendering Northeast Asia far more vulnerable to the risk of future military conflict.
“We now call upon the ROK Navy to withdraw its unfounded US$2.9-million lawsuit against the residents and peace advocates in Gangjeong Village. There must be an end to the anti-democratic procedural- and human-rights violations that led to the building of the new naval base on Jeju. The wrongful lawsuit against Gangjeong must be dropped immediately.”
Gangjeong Village, the small rural farming-fishing village on Jeju Island which has had a naval base built on its waterfront, destroying the marine environment, destroying the community spirit of the village. They are enduring a lot of stress, and all of a sudden the Navy has decided the village should pay for the days it took over to build the base. A suit has been brought against the village and its members, that mean all municipal assets would be forfeit. What a ridiculous move by the Navy! I ask all to call on the Korean government to withdraw this dangerous and foolish action. My association, IRCA, said I could write in their name to support this rural village of faithful and hardworking people. Below is the letter, challenging the government, I hope, to move on thi [..]
International Rural Churches Association
Voice of the Voiceless
………………………………………………..
April 25, 2016
Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jung Ho Sub
Ministry of National Defense, Minister Han Min Koo cyber@mnd.go.kr
President of Korea, Honorable Park Geun Hye webmaster@president.go.kr
Saenuri Party: Rep. Kim Moo Song
Democratic Party: Rep. Kim Jong In
Peoples Party: Rep. Ahn Cheol Soo
Governor, Jeju Province: Governor Won Hee Ryong jujmaster@jeju.go.kr
Honorable representatives of the Republic of Korea:
This letter is written to vehemently call for the dropping of the Republic of Korea Navy’s action against the Village of Gangjeong, Jeju Island, in its filing of a lawsuit seeking indemnity rights, or compensation for losses incurred during the construction of the Jeju Naval Base, officially opened in Gangjeong Village on Feb. 26, 2016. The Naval lawsuit demands 3 Million USD in its suit – a suit which will mean the destruction of this village, as it will have to liquidate all municipal assets to cover this, as well as the many citizens who will lose their property. This is an incredibly unjust and arrogant legal action.
I humbly point out that there were a number time when concerns were raised about this particular construction, not just from the Gangjeong villagers and other related groups. A number of times the Governor of Jeju of the time, Hon. Woo Keum-Min, issued suspension orders stopping construction for hearings on issues like environmental assessment and because the company had neglected to install, or had installed, faulty silt protectors that failed to protect the marine environment. And then there was Dec. 30, 2011, when the National Assembly, in its end of the year deliberations, cut 96% of the 2012 budget for the Naval Base construction. That was amazing, and many people thought the plans would be significantly changed at the time, one editorial suggesting perhaps the construction area would become a coast guard facility. As well a typhoon that struck the area early in the construction period which caused damage to the caissons being installed, necessitating that the job be done again.
I write on behalf of the International Rural Church Association which is concerned about this rural farming-fishing community in Korea that is struggling to survive in the face of great changes. Often rural communities bear the brunt of development of industrial-military or resource extraction facilities. IRCA stands on behalf of sustainable rural communities throughout the world, and in this regard, we strongly urge the government of Korea to reject this action of the Navy and its lawsuit against Gangjeong village.
Yours respectfully,
(Rev.) Catherine Christie,
Past chairperson, International Rural Churches Association
Seoul, ROK
Dear friends,
thank you for your amazing persistance in the struggle. As I am travelling in Brasil and not at home in Germany I can only send a very short message of solidarity to you. In October/November 2013 I took part in a solidarity mission of “Peace for Life” in resistance against the military base on Jeju Island. So I know the brutal oppression of the people in Gangjeong.
I wish you full success in your struggle against the lawsuit .
In solidarity
Ulrich Duchrow
Professor at Heidelberg University and Moderator of Kairos Europa
To: South Korean President Park Geun-Hye and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
Dear President Park:
We have learned that your government, the South Korean Navy and Samsung Construction division are currently demanding damages from local groups and residents on Jeju Island for the alleged costs incurred due to the residents’ opposition to the Navy base construction: US $2.9 million. Your government has listed the Gangjeong village association, five groups and 117 residents and activists as the defendants.
The insistence that the construction delay was caused by residents is groundless. There are multiple complex reasons for the delay in the construction schedule.The principal reasons include disputes and controversy over the legality of the work, suspension orders issued over illegal construction work, losses and damage to structures caused by the natural environment, the strong wind and waves of Gangjeong’s coastline, Typhoon Bolaven, Typhoon Neoguri, etc. It is sophistry and exaggeration to claim that the residents blocking construction vehicles from entering and leaving the base for only a few minutes at a time caused the delay.
The responsibility lies solely with the state for threatening citizens’ right to a peaceful existence and causing their pain by enforcing this wrongful government policy. There is no one else as responsible for this as the government. The state rather than the residents bears the responsibility. Without mentioning a word about their own responsibility, it is the height of irresponsibility for the state to shift the blame for the delays in the construction onto individual citizens. The state that should be protecting the basic rights of its citizens is instead declaring war against them.
The biggest crime of all is that the ROK government and the Navy rejected the will of the Gangjeong villagers and have destroyed a 500-year old community. In addition the environmental ‘special preservation area’ is being destroyed as well – violating your own government’s environmental protection designation.
Our international membership stands with Gangjeong villagers and we demand that these outrageous and illegal charges be immediately dropped.
Dear President Park and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon :
Please drop the charges against the villagers of Gangjeong, Jeju Island, Korea.
The South Korean government, Navy and Samsung are demanding damages from these villagers for the alleged costs incurred due to their opposition to the Navy base construction. The Gangjeong village association, five groups and [116] residents and activists have been charged with paying $2.9 million (US dollars). The world has witnessed the brave non-violent resistance of the villagers to the destruction of their community and to the environmental ‘special preservation area’. The State (and typhoons) bear the responsibility for construction delays for rejecting the will of the Gangjeong villagers.
I’ve just emailed the letter to President Park via the US and UK embassies and posted via Facebook links to your recent post. I wanted to send along an image of a painting that I created in 2009 (part of a solo show I had at the Jeju Hallasumokwan). I believe this image has been used previously in your campaign as I sent it in previously (although years ago). It is based on a photograph I took at Gangeong Villiage in 2009. I took the shot through the foreground of an artpiece that was installed on the coast. A beautiful metal piece.
I hope it is still there? Do you know it? I wonder if you know the name of the artist who created this piece. I would love to credit them if I use the image in the future.
I lived on Jeju for a year in 2009 and felt deeply the concerns the residents of Gangeong and Jeju regarding the Naval Base construction. I have stayed connected through your newsletter and facebook posts. I always feel I wish I could be in Jeju now to help support this cause. I hope the small actions I have taken and hope to continue taking in the future will help Jeju reclaim it’s waters, it’s Gangeong Village, and it’s reputation of Peace Island. There is so much injustice in this world, so much war, destruction, and power struggle. Jeju is an amazing, inspiring place – they are proud of being ‘Peace Island’ and want to keep it that way. So do I!
Thank you for keeping those who can’t be present in Jeju up to date with what is happening and continuing to spread the word and get the international community behind the cause.
Migrante International, a global alliance of Filipino overseas organization, salutes the people of your village for its courage and staunch defense of your village and your rights.
We stand with you in solidarity against the militaristic machinations of the US government.
It is a travesty for any country based on the principles of democracy to sue citizens for engaging in their right to peaceful protest.
This lawsuit lacks courage and wisdom. Demanding damages from the people of Gangjeong Village reveals the pettiness of a supposed “advanced economy.” The fact that Samsung—the sixth largest corporation in the world whose revenue was (US) $305 billion in 2014—would seek damages from groups that only sought to protect their community; and that as President you would undermine the will of this community, only shows the world that your vision of Korea cares more about global corporate governance than people.
I love Korea and am honored to have stood beside Gangjeong Village protesters when I visited Jeju. As much as I lament the loss of Gureombi Rock and the destruction and insecurity that you have brought to the community, I equally object to your anti-democratic values.
Arnie Saiki
Coordinator
Moana Nui Action Alliance
Los Angeles, CA, USA
“Letter from Veterans For Peace (based on and adapted from Bruce Gagnon’s original letter) hard copies are being sent to the SK Pres. and all consulates in the US and the Embassy. “
Like so many others, I am appalled by the news of the lawsuit that you are all facing now. I am appalled, but not surprised, because the ROK government and Navy, and the Samsung Corporation have already made it very, very clear how little they care for democracy, human rights, and the right of humans and non-humans to a healthy, living environment. Still, this latest assault upon you good people leaves me feeling very sad, …and angry!
I am so glad to have had a chance to spend some time (not enough!) with you in Gangjeong this past December as part of the Veterans For Peace delegation. It was an honor to be there with you. I miss you all and though I am not there with you now physically, I am there in my heart and in solidarity. I wish you all good energy to keep up the fight for what is good and beautiful …
Peace and Best Wishes,
Russell
Russell Wray
Citizens Opposing Active Sonar Threats
Hancock, Maine, United States
“Below is a copy of a letter that I sent to the ROK embassy in D.C. I also sent the same letter, but addressed to the Boston consulate. Also emailed both the embassy and Boston consulate . Have telephoned as well, many times….nobody will speak with me about it, no one will call me back.Very frustrating….”
……………………………..
April 26, 2016
The Honorable Ahn Ho-Young
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
2320 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Re: Fining those who oppose the naval base at Gangjeong Village
Dear Honorable Ambassador,
I am writing to you today on behalf of Citizens Opposing Active Sonar Threats (COAST) regarding the US $2.9 million fine being leveled at Gangjeong Village residents, activists, and organizations by the government of the Republic of Korea, its Navy, and Samsung. We believe this fine to be a gross injustice; one which is being directed at people who have already had to face the great injustice of having the Navy base in Gangjeong Village forced upon them against their will, resulting in the destruction of their village, their way of life, and their once-beautiful environment.
The people who opposed the construction of this base had, and continue to have, every right to do so, given the very plain fact that the South Korean Navy used deception and bribery in an attempt to make it appear as if the village supported the base construction. But we know that this “village approval”, with only 87 of Gangjeong’s 2,000 villagers present, was a total sham, with most of the villagers not even having heard of this meeting until after it took place.
Following that, the village held a referendum on the matter, with 94% of the eligible voters voting against the base. Clearly, the people of Gangjeong did not want or approve of the base! Their opposition to the base was, and still is, entirely justified.
Furthermore, it is clear that their were numerous factors involved in construction delays other than protests. These other factors account for a far greater portion of the delays than do the protests. Some of these other factors include the Navy’s very bad decision to cite the base at Gangjeong, given its susceptibility to extreme wind and waves.There were the typhoons Bolaven and Neoguri, and their resulting damage to the construction, as well as suspension orders that were made due to the illegality of the construction.
To place the blame for construction delays solely on the people and organizations opposing the base is beyond unreasonable.
Regarding the base at Gangjeong Village, the government of the Republic of Korea and its Navy have trashed the democratic process and inflicted great injustice, pain, and destruction upon its own people and environment. When the people of the world hear the real story of this, they will know that the notion that South Korea is a democracy that is committed to human and environmental rights is simply false on each count.
COAST strongly urges the South Korean government to drop the charges and fines against these people and organizations immediately, and to begin the conversion of the base from militaristic to peaceful, life-promoting purposes. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Russell Wray
President
Citizens Opposing Active Sonar Threats (COAST)
Hancock, ME, USA
……………………………………………………………………..
And a same email to the South Korean Consulate in Boston , with Bruce K. Gagnon’s April 9 letter being forwarded , too.
I am very distressed to hear that you are being targetted by the Government, Military and Corporations, for your lawful, peaceful, humanitarian resistance to war and destruction. Your protests are part of a world-wide movement for peace, real security and global citizenship. The navy’s lawsuit that so wrongfully tries to stop your resistance shows just how successful you have been and is part of their long history of denying civil rights and trying to destroy your struggle and resistance. Please know that you have friends all over the world that stand with you and care about you. I do hope that you can keep up the strength to go on resisting.
We are in a time of global stress when the forces of peace and justice are facing the forces of militarisation and corporate greed. It is a time of deep conflict and change and we all need to keep strong and hopeful and not lose heart.
I love and respect all your hard work for peace and think of you as colleagues and friends connected together in our joint struggles for a better world. As we, here in the UK, continue our struggle to resist the replacement of the UK’s nuclear weapons with our own civil resistance, we will remember and honour your struggle and do what we can to let people know about the outrageous US$2.9 million lawsuit currently threatening the village.
Love, peace and strength, Angie Zelter.
Angie Zelter, is the founder of Trident Ploughshares (Right Livelihood Award Laureate), Faslane 365, International Women’s Peace Service-Palestine and various other organisations. She is author of ‘Trident on Trial – the case for peoples’ disarmament’, ‘Faslane 365 – a year of anti-nuclear blockades’, ‘World in Chains’. She is active in organising civil resistance against nuclear weapons and the arms trade to uphold international law.
If you have casually walked around the Seogwipo city lately, you would have mostly likely seen the new flyers about the opening of a new night club called the “Aircraft Carrier.” And how could you not? It’s literally taped in the walls of every corner around the neighborhood. Like a parasite, it invades homes, restaurants, and clothing stores with its bright, oversized letters screaming about cheap ladies that you can get for “50% off.” Every time I see it, I feel like an organism has infiltrated deep inside me as well, sickening me at the moral core. If you see the advertisement, I feel like you would feel the same way.
The association of cheap ladies and the background photo of an aircraft carrier personally triggers the image of prostitution sites right in front of docked navy ships that will plague the Gangjeong Village. Angie Zelter argued that naval bases brings these types of changes. But to have a clear, physical manifestation of it in a tacky advertisement poster drags the mind from the rhetorical to the real – the visceral. And it feels truly nauseating deep-down.
But in a interesting way, the way these third-rate posters are attached everywhere around the area is symbolic and symptomatic of naval bases themselves. Naval bases spread, they swallow everything in their sight, and poison the area with their pathogens in a way that devastates communities internally. Because these effects are real, naval bases are always under negative public scrutiny. Self-conscious, they respond by constantly mailing flyers airbrushed with photos of smiling families followed by a frail logic to somehow justify their existence as moral and just institutions. These flyers (which have surfaced recently as well) share little difference with the advertisement photo above. Both rely on gimmicky methods and feel invasive in the same way.
Collection of links: messages with Korean translations (see here)
As in 2012, 2013, many international peace activist friends have thankfully sent us solidarity messages. (click for 2012 messages and 2013 messages) The below is the collection of each message. The Columban JPIC has been willing to initiate a petition for solidarity with Gangjeong (click here). Bruce Gagnon, coordinator of the Global Network against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space (space4peace.org) and Angie Zelter (tridentploughshares.org), 2012 Nobel Peace Award nominee, have sent us video messages and they were screened in our Aug. 2 cultural event, the end of our march program. Some early messages were put in our march literature that was distributed to the march participants today. Some messages were put in excerpts in our July-August newsletter (click here, page 5) and will be put in our Peace Center to remind people here of your friendship and solidarity.
Thanks so much Eun-young Lydia Park to translate many messages. Thanks so much, all the international friends who sent us messages, again.
Angie Zelter(UK) and Bruce Gagnon (US)
Sherrin (Australia)
Keep fighting the good fight. Though i can’t march by your side my thoughts and prayers are with you every step. Much love Sherrin
Bayan (New Patriotic Alliance – Philippines) and Ban the Bases (Philippines)
Dear Friends in GangjeongWarm greetings from Bayan ( New Patriotic Alliance – Philippines) and Ban the Bases!Attached are photos of our solidarity action for the Gangjeon 2014 March for Peace and Life.We carried paper placards that made the following calls:Save Jeju Island! Ban the [ROK]US Naval Base Now!Resist US Militarism and War!Ban the US Bases Now!Stop [ROK]US Naval Base in Jeju!We wish success to the Gangjeon March for Peace and Life on July 29 – August 02.Long Live International Solidarity!Yours Sincerely,Rita Baua, International Solidarity OfficerBoyette Jurcales, Coordinator, Ban the Bases
–> See the Korean translation and more images, here.
HOBAK & friends/diasporic Koreans in the Bay area (United States)
stay strong, gangjeong! we stand in solidarity with you, and others around the world struggling for self-determination! 투쟁! sending love, hobak & friends/diasporic koreans in the bay area
We, the KEEP-ROK 2014 delegation, stand in solidarity with the people of Gangjeong in the struggle for peace and justice. 해군기지결사반대! 생명평화강정마을! As Koreans in diaspora living in the US, we absolutely object and denounce the naval base construction, the extreme militarization of the Asia Pacific, and the immense violence perpetrated by US imperialism. Your strength and fierce resistance is deeply inspiring, and our spirits are with you on the Peace March! Love & Solidarity, KEEP-ROK 2014.
–> See the Korean translation and more images, here.
Jack and Felice Cohen-Joppa (The Nuclear Resister, United States )
To our friends who so steadfastly oppose the construction of a naval base on the Island of Peace: With every step of your peace walk, our thoughts are with you. Every day when you sit in the road at the entrance gate, our thoughts are with you. During each act of conscience and resistance, many of us – near and far – stand in solidarity with you. Every day we remember and are thankful for the activists who are in a prison cell. Your persistence and faithfulness is an inspiration to so many around the world. Our struggle for a peaceful and disarmed world is one struggle! Jack and Felice Cohen-Joppa, The Nuclear Resister, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
Dear friends,i am traveling… [..]Today sleeping all day.Bu never forget Gangjeong.Wherever I go I talk about Gangjeong. My experience of Gangjeong. And your experience as I know.And the Gangjeong peoples life and hopes and decidedness and courage…Peace does not come by itself, we have to fight for it (fight and peace?!).So please send me pictures and stories from the march. I will put those on our Homepage.[..]Peace be with you,PaulPaul Schneiss, Heideberg, Germany
My dear villagers Greetings from Washington, D.C. Where I am just leaving a historic march and rally at the White House on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the Korean War armistice. Hundreds of Koreans from the us and South Korea along with their American allies marched to urge president Obama to end the Korean War and to sign a peace treaty. At the rally in front of the White House I challenged Obama’s notion that the Korean War was a victory. How are 10 million families separated victory? How is the militarization of korea a victory? How is the repression of democracy on both sides of the Dmz a victory? There were over 50 youth there and I told them seeing their faces gave me great hope, that we need them to carry the torch for peace so that like me who learned from my elders they can help educate my two year old jeju whom I named after the fierce resistance against the naval base. From Washington, D.C. To honolulu hawaii coast to coast across the United States the people are moved and inspired by your courage and belief in a different future, a peaceful future that isn’t militarized. Thank you for risking your whole lives for peace. May justice rain down on you soon. With love Christine Ahn, Executive Director of the Korea Policy Institute, co-founder of the National Campaign to End the Korean War
There are so many heroes in Gangjeong, that it is difficult to count them all. By “hero,” I mean a person with great courage and strength who makes unlimited sacrifices for the good of all humanity. One such hero is Father Mun Kyu-hyun. During last year’s march, he was asked by the film director Oliver Stone why he crossed the DMZ to North Korea, even though he knew that it would result in long-term imprisonment. Father Mun grinned bashfully and tilted his head. Then he explained, “That is the road to peace.”
The Grand March for Peace and Life is another road to peace. Every summer, people come from all over Korea and even the world, to join the Jeju Islanders in this weeklong march. The parade of yellow-shirted men and women, boys and girls, never fails to inspire all onlookers. They are inspired because they are seeing something rare in our world — a vision of real democracy. Korea is so lucky to have Jeju Island, and all the brave, strong, beautiful heroes who will never stop fighting to save her. Thank you, Gangjeong, for inspiring me, too. Koohan Paik, Hawai’i
Seeing the current insanity towards ordinary people in Gaza and Uklaine, struggles in Gnagjeong remind us of the conscience and the sensibility of human beings. As we citizens here are powerless, Japan is being arbitrarily and fundamentally changed, from defensive to offensive. One predictable consequence to that might emerge on the Korean Peninsula. The tragic horrible history must not be repeated. In our hearts, we would walk for peace and young lives. We would stand by those courageous local citizens in Gangjeong.
I wish I could join the Walk, but it might be too hot for me.
In the near future I would like to visit Gangjeong again.
We, me and my friends in Osaka, always remember you and
think of you.
Your work for peace encourages us to keep fighting against
militarism in Japan.
Only peace can make the world peaceful, not weapons.
Thank you for all the work you, Gangjeong people, do for peace.
Best wishes,
Kiyoko Matsuno, Japan
–> See the Korean translation and more images, here.
Lindis Percy ( UK)
MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY TO THE GRAND MARCH FOR LIFE AND PEACE 2014
Sent by Lindis Percy – Coordinator on behalf of the CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES (CAAB) www.caab.org.uk also on Facebook and Twitter
We send you greetings, solidarity and love as you march for life and peace. We will be with you in spirit – every step of the way!
We are so inspired and impressed by your persistence and resistance – peaceful and steadfast. You shine a light in a very dark and troubled world. Along the way many people will have had their minds and hearts opened by you as to what the US military are doing on the beautiful island of Jeju.
Your flag flies at the Tuesday weekly demonstration when we gather at the American base – NSA/NRO Menwith Hill. PEACE friends.
With much love
Lindis
–> See the Korean translation and more images, here.
‘Your flag is with us every Tuesday pm opposite the main entrance to NSA/NRO Menwith Hill – crucially connected to the US Missile Defense System.’
‘We have been at the gates of NSA/NRO Menwith Hill every Tuesday pm (except 4!) for 14 years. The number of people who come varies very much. This night there were just 3 of us….but we were there! It is very hard in the UK to get more. We are concerned with the presence of the US Visiting Forces and their Agencies here and world wide. That is why we are in solidarity with you in your struggle.’
Kelly, Kathy (United States)
Dear Friends,
From here in Kabul, we’re grateful to catch courage from you. Wars and threats of increasing violence afflict Afghanistan, and so we are all the more grateful for your insistence that we can nonviolently resist the war makers. Thank you for your vibrant, creative and tenacious witness. Your commitment to peaceful seas inspires us here in landlocked Afghanistan as we share in your dreams and your efforts to be guided by your visions of a better world.
Sincerely,
Kathy Kelly
co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence
–> See the Korean translation and more images, here.
Hakim with the Afghan Peace Volunteers (Afghanistan)
“No Naval Base!”
Your yellow banner of protest adorns the wall of our library in the Borderfree Community Centre of Non-violence in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The Afghan Peace Volunteers seek to emulate your beautiful community’s resilience in resisting the global military industrial complex.
With you, we wish to sing against the militarization of Mother Nature and our common spaces, and dance with you for a world without war.
When you walk, know that you’re strengthening us across all borders.
Thanks for showing us that even if we were the defenseless underwater soft coral not seen by the world, we can remain soft, we can insist on being colorful, and we can link hands to enrich a part of the vast, untamable sea.
–> See the Korean translation and more images, here.
Australian Anti-Bases Campaign Coalition Pax Christi Australia, and MSC Justice & Peace Centre (Australian Province)
To all those taking part in the 2014 Gangjeong Grand March for Life and Peace, we send a message of solidarity and hope.
Unable to be with you in body, we stand with you in heart and mind, and thank you for the opportunity to do so.
We condemn the cultural and environmental damage that Gangjeong is suffering at the hands of the ROK and US navies, and the injustices being imposed on its people, especially activists.
Your bravery, creativity and determination not to be silenced are sources for strength and inspiration for peace activists throughout the world.
We share your goal of preserving Jeju’s status as the world’s Island of Peace.
We share your goal of bringing to an end the construction of the naval base within you precious waters.
We share your dream of a region whose constituent nations pursue peace together through disarmament, mutual respect, cooperation and dedication to non-violence and justice.
We share your passion for peace.
AUSTRALIAN ANTI-BASES CAMPAIGN COALITION
PAX CHRISTI AUSTRALIA (Fr. Claude Mostowik)
MISSIONARIES of the SACRED HEART JUSTICE & PEACE CENTRE (AUSTRALIAN PROVINCE)
Gangjeong villagers and internationalists: your eight years of struggle and sacrifice against the interests of the South Korean and U.S. military/industrial complex are an inspiration to peace and earth-loving people everywhere.Your unbreakable will and spirit, not Korea’s corporate prestige, technological achievements or K-Pop, are the nation’s true gifts to the world.
In solidarity for people’s justice on the Island of Peace,
Kyle Kajihiro, Hawaiʻi Peace and Justice and the DMZ-Hawaiʻi / Aloha ʻĀina network
Aloha dear friends in Jeju!
From Hawaiʻi Peace and Justice and the DMZ-Hawaiʻi / Aloha ʻĀina network, warm greetings and solidarity!
Congratulations on the commencement of your 2014 Grand March for Life and Peace! Thank you for your tireless efforts. As you begin your march, the U.S. military and the militaries of twenty-two other countries continue their RIMPAC military exercises in our islands, an example of the unbearable costs and consequences of endless war.
Do not believe the lie that mili-tourism has been good for Hawaiʻi. While some people reap the benefits of the military-industrial complex, most local residents and the environment pay a very high price: environmental destruction, displacement from the land, rising costs of living, sexual violence, and accidents. You walk for all the people of the world who dream and struggle for peace and justice. Peace for Jeju! Peace for the world!
Columbans and friends in Chile support the campaign against the building of the naval base in Gangjeong,Jeju! They are in solidarity with you this week as you walk for the life and peace of the beautiful island of Jeju! This is the message I was asked to convey to you below! The link below to the protest letter handed in at the Embassy in Santiago is in Spanish!‘This morning, a group of representatives of the columban family in Chile (Lay missionaries, co-workers, friends ofSaint Columban and Columban Youth) presented a letter in solidarity with the people of Jeju Island to the embassy of Korea asking the government to stop the construction of the naval base in Jeju, all this in the context of the celebration of“2014 Gangjeong Grand March for Life and Peace”you can see the report in Our website, here.or in our facebook, here. Cesar Correa Valenzuela Justice Peace & Integrity Of Creation Co-ordinator Society of St. Columban. ChileFamilia columbana entrega carta a embajada de Corea por situacion en la isla de Jeju.#columbanosPuedes revisar la carta en
–> See the Korean translation and more images, here.
Yuichi Kamoshita(Japan) : An impression on joining march after it
Since I started to think about a Peace in my life, Korea, China, and Taiwan as well as Asian counties
where were invaded by Japanese imperial army and corporations are often in my mind. As our grand
or great-grand parents helped to invade these countries. I always have some pain in my deep heart.
The millions people of Korea lost their lives and livelihood.
Also, millions of Chinese, Germany, Russian, Japanese and more countries.
There are no borders that all civilians are victims and people still suffer from that war.
We still have difficult relationships between countries.
And this issue is always played on the political games which disturb a mutual understanding between
civilians.
In order to avoid this brain washing, we civilians need to avoid the mass-medias who are sponsored by the government and big corporations or powers.
The importance of international solidarity in grass roots level is now getting higher.
Communicating and sharing the experiences by visiting each other would be a very helpful to lift up
our awareness of understanding other life styles which a fact of all societies are depend on the natural environment and human culture from ancestors.
I joined the Grand March 2014 in Jeju. I had mainly 3 reasons to walk this island.
1, Of course, to express against naval base,but also offering a prayer for the victims of 4·3 and victims of Japanese colonization.
2, to feel Jeju, to understand the way of life. the great nature gives a life to the people of this island.
3, to meet and communicate with people of Korea and international friends.
And as I understood that this is a most front line of the peace action.
By visiting Gangjeong village and joining the movement, I was inspired by the leadership of religious
people, and a presence of international team. also a lot of young people take a part of this movement
which I couldn’t see in Okinawa’s movement.
It is my hope that more religious people stand up and dedicate their lives to the peace and social
activities.
Now Okinawa’s struggle is facing a turning point. a construction of expounding the Camp Schwab at
Henoko now started. at the same time Takae (Yanbaru forest)
Jungle warfare training center(U.S marine corp.) has been expounding the helipads by cutting down the forest life.
I consider that people of Okinawa need more international solidarity now.
Humbly,I ask people of Korea to come to stay in Okinawa for support and encourage the movement.
I also would start working for inter-island solidarity.
Emily, the Deported Gangjeong Peace Activist, has just visited Timor-Leste to share (1) the Gangjeong’s struggling stories and through this sharing, she also talked about (2) the ideal of Inter-island Solidarity for Just Peace.
This video, Gangjeong in 2012, is translated into Tetun, the most popular language in Timor-Leste, and was used in the sharing in Timor-Leste.
Inter-Island Solidarity for Just Peace from Timor-Leste
From this visiting she also learned that the American navy has tried to take the Atauro Island of Timor-Leste to be its naval base, but so far, not yet succeeded to persuade the government of Timor-Leste. This is an alarm for the newly-independent country Timor-Leste in this trend of islands’ militarization.
Emily met the Human Right Group, Group of Women Peace and Leadership, and the university students and graduate students in the University of Timor Lorosae. These Timorese friends were really amazed by the ongoing struggle of Gangjeong and be more aware about the issue of the militarization in lots of islands.
The following is Emily’s speech especially on inter-island solidarity for just peace in Timor.
——————————————–
Dear friends of Timor,
I am Emily Wang, a peace worker from Taiwan but I have ever worked in Timor island, Jeju island and Taiwan island. Today I am especially happy to be in Timor-Leste again as Timor is where I started to dream to be a peace maker.
Among the places where I have ever stayed and worked for quite a while, there’s one obvious common element. Is there anyone noticing about it?
Yes, Jeju, Taiwan, Timor all of them are island! But today, I will more focus on the island in North East Asia, including Taiwan, my hometown, and Jeju where I’ve lived for almost 2 years, and Okinawa. Even though I haven’t got chance to visit Okinawa for deeper understanding, many Okinawa people have visited Gangjeong and shared their stories. These three islands are geographically close to each other, and thus when we review the island history by viewing the interaction or relation between these islands and other big powers, you may also get some clue about the reason why I and my co-workers are working to contribute for inter-island solidarity for just peace, and then hopefully, from my sharing, there will be some seeds to grow in the future among us.
Not until my life journey was trapped in Gangjeong, I have been forced to realize and learn lots of hidden stories in the history I used to learn. You know what I am so much surprised that I’ve never realized about Taiwan and Korea’s connected past and present, and I can say most people in Taiwan or Korea haven’t got chance to realize it. Actually, we don’t learn the Korea and Japan’s history in our compulsory school education. Only if the Korea or Japan appeared in the history of China, then the book may have some space for that incident. The history student learned in school in ROC (Taiwan), ROK, and Japan are written on the unnaturally isolated basis of state. Which means we are forced to view our history on the isolated basis of state, and unconsciously, we are divided unnecessarily. The stories which I should have noticed are stolen by an invisible hand.
For I started to realize that, I was motivated to study about the missing history from a missing angle, and I will bring you to a quick history journey in our region through the angle of Island.
For the presentation in Timor, I made the form to compare the history of islands. Thanks for you guys! Because the desire to share our history with you gives me a chance to learn again my history and I just realized a lot of parts of histories before I came to Timor!
Taiwan
Jeju
Okinawa
Timor
In the past, independent island with diverse indigenous people’s tribal culture. Some Han people immigrate to Taiwan.Colonization by Dutch, Spain, and then Chinese regime with lots of Han people’s immigration to Taiwan.
In the past, independent island regime until 12, 13 century, swallowed up by mainland.In the long time ago: battle ground of big countries (China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia…)
In the past, independent island regime. Tributary state to China. In 1609 Satsuma from Japan invaded Okinawa, then Okinawa deftly served both China and Japan.Diverse culture: local culture plus big influence from China and also Japan.
16th century, Portuguese came17th century, Dutch came. West Timor and other island colonized by Dutch between 17th-19th were known as the Dutch East Indies.
Japan imperialism’s colonization(1895-1945)
Japan imperialism’s colonization(1910-1945 ):
Japan imperialism’s colonization(1879-)
Japan imperialism’s colonization (1942-1945)
During war time: Kominka movement(Assimilation policy and a campaign to totally transform the Taiwanese, Okinawa people and Korean into loyal subjects of the Japanese Emperor between 1937 and 1945.)
Island colonies to be militarized, to be exploited for the war preparation and to be used as bases and then victimized
Towards the end of World War II, Taiwan as the colony of Japan became the target of Allied, for example, Taipei Air Raid. The number of deaths totaled more than 3,000, Tens of thousands of people were displaced or became homeless, and many buildings were destroyed either by the attacks or by the fire caused by the attacks. After the conclusion of World War II, because of its pro-American political stance, the government of Republic of Chinatoned down the attack and excluded it from the media and history textbooks.
Towards the end of World War II, the Japanese heavily fortified the island, deployed 70,000 soldiers, and forced the islanders to construct coastal defenses in anticipation of a U.S. invasion.
Towards the end of World War II, the Japanese fortified Okinawa in hopes of thwarting the Allied advance on mainland Japan. U.S. forces, prior to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, saw Okinawa as an ideal location from which to launch potential ground and air attacks against Japan.Okinawa experienced the only ground battle in Japan during World War II. Lots of Okinawa people died and dislocated, lot land…
The end of World War Two:- The end of Japanese colonization- Expectation to build up a new society but…
The end of World War Two:- The end of Japanese colonization in both Korea peninsula and Jeju.- Expectation to build up a new society but…
The end of World War Two:- expectation to build up a new society but…
The end of World War Two:- 1945, Portuguese Timor
– Civil War in China- KMT’s exploitation was like a second colonizer. – In 1947, 228 Massacre – 1948 KMT government launched martial law, Pro-US military dictatorship was establishe– 1949 KMT lost civil war and retreated to Taiwan._ 1950 Korea War broke out, and US Seventh Fleet was send to Taiwan Strait
– Soviet Union and US occupation of north and south Korea – North Korea government firstly built in 1945 but US dislike it. In 1948, with U.S. and U.N. support, South Korea held elections that established a separate Pro-US government in the south, thus solidifying Korea’s division. – In 1948, 43 Massacre
– Occupation by US military- Under the impact of Cold War, the budget for US base construction in Okinawa was passed.- The United States would administer Okinawa but its inhabitants would retain Japanese to svoid criticism of colonization which is good for Japan and US
Okinawa is excluded from the Peace constitution. The history in Okinawa after world war two is very different from the history in other region of Japan
– The Okinawa people started movement to be returned back to Japan
– ?
– Cold War
– Since middle of 1950’, all the military bases in Taiwan provided for US military to use, especially during Vietnam War (1965-1971), around 20,000 US soldiers stationed in Taiwan.- Since 1967, Taiwan was designated as a holiday place for US Army.- White Terror- Economic growth because of War
– Because of Cold War, lots of US army and base in Korea.- Korean army also sends to Vietnam war…- White Terror- Economic growth because of War
– Important US base during Cold War- 1972 US relinquish Okinawa to Japan but the base remains. It shows Okinawa’s victimized role in the US-Japan Security Relationship. Okinawa people realized returning back to Japan is not the point, but military base is the point to fight.- Impoverished by US military administration and started “Base economy” which means islanders relied on the base to survive as the original way of living was destroyed.
– In 1974, after the fall of Portuguese fascist regime, independence was encouraged by the new democratic Portuguese government.- legalise political parties in preparation for elections to a Constituent Assembly in 1976.- Fretilin was criticised by many in Australia and Indonesia as being Marxist. The United States had also expressed concerns over Portuguese Timor- 1975 Indonesia Invasion
China Growth or China Threat / How to face China and how to face each other in our region where the decolonization process was intervened through violence? By holding US’s military hand, we don’t need to face each other!
– 1971, ROC(Taiwan) was kicked out from UN- 1979, US Taiwan Relation Act (US continue to sell weapon to Taiwan and promise Taiwan that in Emergency situation to secure Taiwan)- Taiwan is in a weird situation… (for example: buy the weapons from US and support the US’s war even contributed to the killing in East Timor…)- China and US both cannot tolerate Taiwan to be militarily used by each other,
– US base in Korea’s function is not only for North Korea but largely for China.- Relocation of the base in Korea for the strategy flexibility (eg. Pyeongtaek base)- Jeju Naval Base
– US base in Okinawa’s function also for China
President Obama: Asia Pivot (Rebalance the US focus to the Asia pacific area)- Islands in Asia Pacific area will be more highly militarized- Missile Defense System – an important part of America’s first strike strategy. It serves as a shield for US to prevent the retaliatory action if the first strike were launched.- Who are the targets?# Russia owns the richest natural gas provision and a large portion of the petroleum# America is getting difficult to compete with China economically. How to control China’s economic engine? China imports over 60%’s petroleum through the shipping.- Korea, Taiwan, Japan are all part of the MD system, and the MD system’s Aegis Warship will be stationed in Australia, Japan, Guam, South Korea. Jeju island will be the naval base with Aegis Warship.
– How about Timor-Leste?- Are you safe?- Atauro’s future?
Before the world war two, many of the people in East Asia had been experiencing a common struggle against the imperialism. But after world war two, the common struggling against imperialism was split into two under the cold war. During the World War Two, Islands like Taiwan, Okinawa, and Jeju were unwillingly militarized as the colonies of Japan, but these victimized islands were attacked by America military, the Allied, for attacking the mainland of Japan.
After the World War Two, no time and no need to face peace and justice issue in our region as all of us have to face the cold war together with the US. During the cold war, dividing and dominance in our region was the strategy of US. North East Asia was divided into two sides, and to foster the side of the US partners in our region during Cold War, the Pro-US governments were demanded by the US. That’s why the US installed a new Pro-US government in South Korea and contributed to the division of Korea. And also for US’s interest, the partner countries of US had better to be stabilized to be the US side. Thus, the Pro-US government must have the ability to eliminate the different voices, so the US backed up the Pro-US government’s bloody dictatorship by supporting lots of weapons and military, and money!
Under that background, Pro-US military government in Taiwan and South Korea both suppressed the decolonization effort with the excuse of anti-communist, and the people in Taiwan and Korea both experienced the massacre, 228 massacre and 43 massacre in Taiwan and Jeju, which was both stigmatized as communist rebellion but long time later after both Korea and Taiwan ended the White Terror Era and went on democratization process, both truth of 228 and 43 incident were disclosed more and more.
For the effective social control, in South Korea, the US military and Korea dictatorship even worked together with the Korean vested interests who had served for Japanese colonizer to exploit the other poor Korean. So after world war two, these people back to their power again but this time, worked with US and Pro-US dictatorship to continue the strict social control for the reason of anti-communist.
In China, the KMT government lost the civil war in mainland China and retreated to Taiwan, Taiwan Strait between China and Taiwan become the Cold War dividing Line. One thing to notice is that the whole Taiwan island before the world war two was the colony of Japan, and after the war, Taiwan people experienced a very short cerebration and expectation of emancipation, and then got very much disappointed by KMT government as the Taiwan people were just again became the second citizen of government from mainland and the “self-governance movement” which has started since the Japanese colonization time got suppressed again by the KMT dictatorship government.
(One thing to notice is Korea and Jeju were all fell into the Japan’s colony together but Taiwan alone were given to Japan by Ching dynasty in 1895 after a lost of war between China and Japan, therefore during the World War two while China fought hardly against the Japan’s invading, Taiwan people were Japan’s colony second citizen, and Taiwan island was a land to be exploited for Japan’s imperialism war against China and other countries.)
At the moment when Taiwan’s people who settled down in Taiwan before the 1945 haven’t adapted themselves as “Chinese” yet, and then the Pro-US KMT dictatorship government made them feel they are not equal with “mainland Chinese” but second citizen again as “Taiwan Chinese”, and make Taiwan people thought that Japan and China are actually the same as colonizer. Some even hate KMT more.
There’s one more thing to notice here, when I mention “Taiwan people”, it means diverse group of people who live in Taiwan and other small island governed by Taiwan’s government now.
And the KMT’s lost of Civil War and retreating to Taiwan along with lots of immigration from mainland, due to the bad governance of KMT, these new immigrant people after World War Two had long been called as outsiders (people from other province, people who are not from Taiwan province), a discriminating calling mainly resulting from the dissatisfaction of decolonization and emancipation process. Except for the above-mentioned Han people, there’re indigenous people, the most discriminated group, became under the KMT’s governance. The indigenous people are not Japanese, not Chinese, so even in the emotional feeling, to be “returned” back to Chinese government is not a “returning” but simply just a new colonization by a dictatorship KMT government, for them, a worse colonizer than Japan.
In Japan, under the US military power, a pro-US and anti-communist government was built up too. Japan became US’s partner in cold war system, and it froze the Japan’s society to face the decolonization historical issues as an imperial colonizer and an invader in our region. This gave the militarism in Japan a big chance to be revitalized even after the disastrous war experience.
Okinawa, an originally independent kingdom having a diverse exchanging relationship with both China and Japan, became the imperial Japan’s territory in 19 century. And during the World War Two, due to Okinawa’s geo-graphical importance, Japan highly militarized Okinawa island, but still US military succeeded to take over Okinawa to make it an important jumping step to attack the mainland Japan. Thus, Okinawa being victimized by the powerful countries and experienced a bloody ground battle by US and Japan. After World War two, for its importance and convenience of military, Okinawa was continued to be occupied and directly governed by the US military but remained as Japanese citizen, a deal between US and Japan for their state interest. Okinawa, the only place experiencing the ground battle in world war two in Japan, again was sacrificing for the mainland Japan who enjoyed a peace constitution after world war two. During the US military governance period, Okinawa people never stopped struggling against the US military and US base, and thus the movement to return Okinawa back to Japan began in this background. Finally, Okinawa was “returned” back to Japan’s governance in 1972, but the US base remained, which made the movement to “return Okinawa to Japan” an ironical movement.
US intervention frustrated the decolonization process in our region, makes our common struggling history against imperialism to be forgotten, and also make our region still one of the most highly militarized regions in this world and unfortunately, I have to say our region is still invisibly governed or colonized by the US and imperialism but not so many people realized that.
After the introduction of the historical background, I would like to ask you to think of the history background I just shared, and put one more geographic factor- island-into your mind.
As islands, when we face the same big stream of the world, the same stream gives us, the islanders, and the mainlanders some different impact and experiences.
In the history, Taiwan, Jeju and Okinawa all had its own unique and independent culture. Even though the islands have certain degree of the cultural consistence extended from the Mainland, or Big Island due to the exchange and immigration, the unique island culture and geographic condition makes the islands the region distinct from the land but the difference was not often recognized or respect by the government from the mainland or super powers.
In many cases, for the mainland or the big island, the islanders are forced to sacrifice, to be abandoned or be treated differently as second citizen. In the past, each isolated islands faced this common fate but struggled individually and lonely with limited support from outside. In our region, all of us experienced the westerners’ imperialism and many of us experienced the westernized Japanese imperialism. However, as the islands, we usually faced double discrimination and were triple victimized by both the colonizer and from our culturally related mainland.
Actually for myself, to be an islander, to be given a chance to stay around the island, and to be a peace worker, I think the so-called isolation of island is not “isolation”, but the selfish imperialism state has given us the real feeling of isolation. In the past, the ocean embraces us but not isolated us. However the countries, the borders, the capitals, the imperialism isolated not only the islanders but also the mainlanders as we are all isolated from a possible way of peace.
Today, the growing tension surrounding lots of small islands related to the exploitation of natural resources in the sea brought the islands again to become a battle fields for the human’s greed. The government talked about “national security” but the militarization had brought the islanders a very in secure environment in the history. To talk about security in the way of militarization, the island will always be a jumping step of one super power to attack the mainland or another super power. The peace will never come through this way because the imperialism super power’s core value is not peace but national interest, and in fact, the vested interests’ interest. Peace obtained through force and violent means is not sustainable and in time will be forced to surrender to a larger force or power. The just peace can only be sustained through peaceful means and through our strong solidarity with each other. This kind of peace is the only way for the small islanders to survive and to preserve our island instead of relying on the militarized means which impoverished lots of islands already in the world.
Comparing to big mainland or big island, we are small islanders, very small, and very divided right now, so I strongly suggest that inside our own island, we should motivate people to foresee their possible future to be militarized or to be threaten by militarized states, by realizing this possibility, and by feeling the suffering of others, we should motivate people to demilitarized their island in advance and to make an international solidarity with other islands who are struggling to walk in front to be a Peace Island.
When I was in Gangjeong village, I met an international peace activist whose name is Angie Zelter. She came to Gangjeong shortly but did her best to support the Gangjeong peace movement. She joined to the SOS team’s action to go inside the seashore rock of Naval base, called Gureombi, and in front of lots of people and lots of police, she cut the barbed wire which prevent people from entering into the base. Finally, and not surprisingly, she was deported from Korea. There’re many internationals who got deported from Korea including me. But why do I especially mention Angie Zelter in this speech? Anyone knows the answer?
She has been contributed for lots of non-violent direct peace action and among them, there’s one peace action closely related to Timor Island. In 1996 she was part of a group that disarmed a BAE Hawk Jet, ZH955, causing £1.5million damage and preventing it from being exported to Indonesia where it would have been used to attack East Timor. I am really thankful for these inspiring people’s effort to make someone’s struggling in somewhere not alone. It inspires me.
I think as an island peace activist, when we struggle against the militarization which happened in our island, what we are doing is actually earn a chance to let the world peace begin from us. However, to be a more responsible island peace worker to realize the real world peace, we have no choice but contribute our best to the inter-island solidarity for just peace as we should not let any other island which has no tradition of fighting against militarism to receive the military base after our success. No matter the military base or other unjust thing which the mainland wants to dump to the islands should not just move from one island to another weaker island. If so, then, we cannot call it’s a victory of peace because our struggling is not NIMBY! Our struggling is for Just Peace. Not in my backyard and also not in your backyard because we are brothers and sisters!
Through encountering Gangjeong and experiencing deportation by the Korea government, the invisible imperialism and state violence appeared vividly in front of my life. When I faced Entry Denial in the incheon international airport in Korea, I remembered the immigration officer said to me: “Don’t blame us, if it’s Taiwan, the government will do just exactly the same thing to someone like you. Your government is the same.” Exactly, I agree with that immigration officer, so now the story should not just be about Gangjeong or Korea.
Not only Jeju island, but all the islands should not be victimized as part of the military chain to contain the big land, but the island can be an inspiration for the big land or big island of possible progress on world peace when we don’t leave each other alone on the way of peace. I believe People’s friendships are the most important and reliable basis of sustainable peace not a military base. So again, I am so happy to come back Timor, an island like a friend for me, to share my experiences. Since the Timor also face the danger to be militarized and to be semi-colonized again by the militarism after the hard struggle for independence, I hope my speech will help us to walk the way of Peace altogether. Thank you so much for listening my sharing.
Speech in the Peace Study class with Graduate Students in University of Timor Lorosae
Sharing of Gangjeong struggle with the group of Women Peace and Leadership
Margaret Sekaggya, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Introduces herself to Gangjeong residents.
On June 4, 2013 Margaret Sekaggya, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, visited Gangjeong to meet with villagers and activists and see the situation. The visit came as part of a two week visit to South Korea, visiting Korea’s unfortunately numerous sites of struggle for human rights and justice, such as Milyang and Gangjeong.
In the afternoon, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. a meeting was held in the village ceremonial hall with the villagers and activists to hear of their struggle. Sekaggya said that she will take her findings from her visit to Korea and would compile a report to be released in March of 2014. At that time the report will be released to the Human Rights Council in Geneva as well as to the Korean government and publicly.
Upon her arrival many reporters and broadcast news personnel were waiting but following a brief introduction were made to leave and the doors were shut, so that the villagers could speak in private without press intimidation.
Village Anti-Base Committee Chairman, Goh Gwon-Il, begins the proceedings.
The proceedings were emceed by Village Anti-Base Committee Chairman, Goh Gwon-Il who began giving a detailed overview of the history and facts of Gangjeong and the base project until now, such as the first fake vote and the second real vote where 94 percent of the 725 villagers in attendance voted against the base.
Descriptions of military, construction, and police harassment of villagers and activists followed. A video from 2011 of naval soldiers harassing and fighting with villagers was shown. Then a video of the 4-on-1 water assault on and beating of Dr. Song Kang-Ho by Coast Guard SSU Special Unite Divers in 2011. Next a video was shown of Villagers and activists attempted to climb a barge to talk to the workers and navy, and being beaten and pushed from the boat by workers and the navy.
Next videos were shown of the recent crackdown on the sit-in tents near the gate, including the near hanging on Mayor Kang by careless police and public workers, as well as the police pushing Villager Mi-Lyang off a 6 meter high ledge. Then Mi-Lyang, who is still in the hospital for recovery, came to give her testimony of the situation. It was clearly very difficult for her to speak of the recent traumatic event.
Villager Kim Mi-Lyang tells about her traumatic fall at the ends of the police.
Then, Catholic Fr. Kim Sung-Hwan came to speak about and show videos of the oppression on the Catholics, including the near death of Father Mun in April of 2012 as well as the pushing over of Father Mun during communion destroying the sacraments, general police oppression and disruption of the daily catholic mass, including the outrageous use of pepper spray on those attending the mass.
Next, tangerine farmer and chairwoman of the Village Women’s Committee to Stop the Base, Jeong Young-Hee, came to talk about and show pictures and videos of further struggles and injuries from police violence as well as base construction pollution damage to crops. After that, Activist Bok-Hee came and talked about oppression on activists including the police and security thug violence at the construction gates, displaying the many injuries. She also emphasized the double standard, that when there are many cameras or visitors, the police are very gentle and polite but when no one is looking they are violent and rude. Next, Activist Youn-Ae came and gave a personal testimony about her life as an anti-base activist and oppression she has faced in Gangjeong.
Tangerine farmer and chairwoman of the Village Women’s Committee to Stop the Base, Jeong Young-Hee addresses the panel.
Finally, Activist Sung-Hee came and talked about oppression on internationals, emphasizing detail the stories of Benjamin Monnet and Angie Zelter who were targeted and forcefully deported. She also talked about the recent re-entry denial of long-term Taiwanese Gangjeong resident, Emily Wang, as well as the more than 20 other entry denials and deportations related the anti-base struggle.
After the nearly two hours of detailed explanation by Gangjeong villagers and activists there was a general question and answer time. The UN visitors thanked the people for their testimonies and information and asked what kind of things they would like to see in the report, such as concrete statements or actions or resolutions. Although there wasn’t much time to comment 5 people responded with suggestions.
Finally, Margaret Sekaggya thanked everyone again and apologized for the short time. She also said she felt very well received and also thanked the organizers for organizing everything so well. In the end, she wished the people the best in their continued struggle. Then she went out for a short tour of the village before departure.
