1. Mr. Kim Young-Jae, a peace activist was illegally arrested and got the arrest warrant.
Photo by Park Yong-Sung/ Mr. Kim Young-Jae was arrested on April 12, 2013.
On April 12, Mr. Kim Young-Jae, a dedicated Gangjeong peace activist and a member of the SPARK (Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea) was arrested. He was standing in front of a truck around 1 pm in protest to illegal environment-destroying construction (destruction). His arrest marked the 2nd arrest this year, following the April 8 arrest of Mr. Bae Gi-Chul, representative of the Jeju Pan-Island Committee for the Stop of Military Base and for the Realization of Peace Island (Pan-Island committee afterward). Mr. Bae was released next night.
On April 14, the prosecutors filed for an arrest warrant against Mr. Kim Young-Jae and the Jeju court issued it against him around 2 pm. With prof. Yang Yoon-Mowho hits his 74th prison day as of April 14, 2013, Mr. Kim became another current prisoner. The total numbers of imprisonment became 24.
Mr. Park Young-Sung, a fellow activist, has reported on April 12 that the arrest on Mr. Kim Young-Jae was illegal and unreasonable. He reasoned that:
1. Even though Mr. Kim left the site after the police’s 2nd request for leaving, the police obstinately and illegally arrested him
2. Even though another activist with a sign stayed longer than Mr. Kim, sitting on chair in front of the truck, the police arrested only Mr. Kim.
Photo by Park Yong-Sung on April 12/ Mr. Kim Young-Jae holds a sign
It should be mentioned that Mr. Kim Young-Jae has been remarkably dedicated activist responsible for coordinating activists in Gangjeong, as well as being a member of the SPARK that has been targeted by the government for years. He was also one of the five who climbed up to a caisson dock in Hwasoon in protest to naval base construction on the opening day of 2012 WCC (World Conservation Congress) Jeju, Sept. 6, 2012.
Photo source: Fr. Mun Jeong-Hyeon’s tweeter/ Mr. Kim Young-Jae being detained in the Dongbu Police station, Jeju City on April 14.
2. “Where there is oppression, there is uprising!”
Amid the people’ fury for the arrest of Mr. Kim, a big trailer advanced into a gate of the naval base project committee building complex 30 minutes later of his arrest on April 12. The trailer was ignorant and uncouth to load its heavy weight on a small road in front of gate. There were risks that protesting people might be injured or some of them could be arrested, too…
In the afternoon, there were also Pan-Island committee activists who visited Gangjeong for protest after their press conference in the morning, which was on the environmental destruction for the naval base construction (destruction). The police forcefully encircled them with physical force, too. However, as the words that ‘where there is oppression, there is uprising, stated by people during 4·3 uprising are still remembered by many people, more people will rise up against bigger government oppression . The aspiration for peace would be greater.
On April 12, a big trailer advanced into a gate. For more photos, see here.The Pan Island committee’s banner reads, “The Jeju Island government should promptly demand stop on the navy’s illegal construction! Immediately carry out joint investigation on the ecology affect following illegal construction(destruction)!”A Jeju activist stops a truck, April 12, 2013Police forcefully encircling protesting activists on April 12, 2013Photo and caption by Cho Sung-Bong (site) / The sign reads… “Police, there can be no difference between you and [the oppression force during the 4·3! At the time of 4·3, people’s public sentiments exploded! Ignoring the public opinion that cause should be healed, U.S. captain Brown (* Commander of the US military of Jeju then) killed more than 30,000 Island people, led by military and police, saying, “ I am not interested in the cause of the uprising. My mission is to crack down only.”The content is clearly exhibited in the Peace Memorial Hall of the Jeju April 3 Peace Park.
Trucks and police were coming every 30 minutes…
(video by Pang Eun-Mi on April 12)
Photo and caption by Cho Sung-Bong/ “How can you endure this tough world without dance?,” she/he asked. You may dance if you love. For more photos by Cho Sung-Bong, see here.People who can’t leave the gate.. photo by Cho Sung-Bong. For more photos, see here.
1. Villagers vote ‘No’ to the military residence housing project in the village
Photo by Cho Sung-Bong. Villagers vote. For more photos, click, here.
In the villagers’ general meeting that was held from 8 to 10 pm, April 10, the villagers made a decision on the two: 1. To have the Life and Peace Pilgrim throughout the Island during this summer (concrete time and details will be talked later), 2. Not to invite military residential house in the village.
Regarding the 2, the matter of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the invitation of the project was decided by vote. The voting result was 114 people for ‘no,’ 3 people for ‘yes’, 1 abstention, of total 118 seated electorates. The total number of the present people in the meeting was 145. The villagers have already fiercely dissipated the navy’s presentation on the navy’s military housing project within the village three times. Those were May 29, June 15, 2012 and March 26, 2013.
At the time of 3rd presentation when Yoon Seok-Han, navy captain and director of the construction management said that he would drive for another hearing by sending the village an official letter that the villagers claimed that it was not mailed, Kang Dong-Kyun, mayor of the Gangjeong Village Association said that the village would decide the matter on the drive for presentation through the village’s temporal general meeting.”
The Gangjeong Village Association said on April 11, after the vote result: “The vote is based on the village regulation that the numbers of the seated have to be more than two third and the resolution has to be approved by more than half. Therefore the vote this time is effective.” The village also stated that, “The general meeting on the day was a temporal general meeting with the prior process of 7 days’ public notification term, constant announcement broadcasting that encourages villagers’ participation, mailing of the correspondence that explains the agenda content. We declare that it is an official result that represents the villagers’ collective opinions.”
Image source: Jeju Sori, April 11, 2013/ The Village Association’s prior notice on the vote and village map. Among six candidate areas, the navy has decided B area as the final candidate.
The village emphasized that “we strictly warn the navy that there should not be its words and actions that it is to drive for the building of military housing in the Gangjeong village saying that Gangjeong villagers hope installation of it. The navy should be responsible for all the conflicts and social ripples following such.”
Photo by Cho Sung-Bong/ Villagers count ballots.
Regarding the atmosphere of the voting date, dir. Cho Sung-Bong delivers one villager’ remark in the general meeting on April 10: ‘A villager stood up and talk to the others,
“Since the blast of the Gureombi Rock, not to mention dust, mixed muddy water and oil are floating on the underground water. There has been no such things by now. [..]
Even though I have reported it to the Water Resource headquarter, its officer dropping by here, left only words that there is no problem for farming. I appeal you to decide your vote after thoughtful consideration.”
The navy was told that it would build the military residence in the new town of the Seogwipo city if the Gangjeong villagers do not agree on the project. It is questionable what the navy and Island government would make their next decision after the result of the villagers’ vote. It was a general meeting with the atmosphere of heavy silence and tension.’
Photo by Cho Sung-Bong. An Old woman villager in the meeting.Photo by Cho Sung-Bong/ Young activists in the village are watching the villagers’ vote
April 10_ Opening speech by mayor Kang Dong-Kyun (Video by Pang Eun-Mi)
April 10_Villagers vote on the matter of yes or no on the invitation of military residence housing project
(Video by Pang Eun-Mi)
April 10_Villagers count ballots (video by Pang Eun-Mi)
April 10_Mayor Kang reports the result of vote and people cheer (Video by Pang Eun-Mi)
2. On April 10, the Jeju court(Judge: Kim Kyung-Sun) sentenced mayor Kang Dong-Kyun with 300,000 won fines for the charge of installing structure two years ago in the coast of the village where the naval base building is enforced
The judge applied to him with the charge of violation on Public Waters Act(the law on the reclamation and landfill on the public water and its vicinity surface). Mayor Kang was charged that he had installed artificial structure of wooden cross with an artifact of ‘red-feet crab,’ on the coast within the naval base construction area without permission of jurisdiction office in April 2011.
The structure had been set up to protest to the destruction of the habitats of the red feet crabs during the time when opposition struggles were being done centered around the Joongdeok coast (of which most part we call as the Gureombi Rock).
Judge Kim reasoned her court decision saying that she “referred to the fact that the area of wooden cross is narrow and it is not installed any more.” However, mayor Kang expressed his will for appeal saying that, “at the time, the [navy and companies] were destroying rock floor without permission to work on the public water and its vicinity surface. Further the so called witness cannot even say exactly where it was. I am no guilty.” (Source)
3. New chief of the Jeju Prosecutors’ Office
Lee Myung-Jae(53), new chief of the Jeju Prosecutors’ Office who was inaugurated on April 10 expressed his tough position on the opposition struggle against the Jeju naval base project, emphasizing so called ‘law and principal.’ He was born in Choonchungnamdo province and has worked in Choonchun, Incheon, Seoul, Chungjoo. The people have strongly denounced on the abuse of the prosecutors’ power on March 21.
Lee Myung-Jae(53), new chief of the Jeju Prosecutor’s Office (source)
Yang Yoon-Mo hit his 68th prison day as of April 8, Monday. On April 10, he would hit his 70th prison day.
On a sunny Monday, the way to the meeting room of the Jeju prison was filled with green trees and magnolia.
Yang Yoon-Mo was still in patient cloth. Though still thin, he looked bright. His hairs were cut in tidy fashion. The international team member could not tell him that there clash began in front of the construction sites from the early morning of the day because she worried about his heath that is still in recovering process.
A tree seen on the way to the meeting room of the Jeju Prison
Instead she delivered him some international solidarity messages sent to him after the end of his 52 days’ fast as of March 24 and asked his reply to the people who sent those.
For all the international solidarity messages mainly sent on March 31, please see the bottom. Here is his reply:
“Thanks to the international team, the news on me has been informed. It is my honor to be one with the peace activists in the world.
I will not do anything more to bother my body. I think it should be my return for the friendship and support of those.
I will do all my efforts to renew my daily change always. It is the will to be along with all the living creatures, not regarding body merely as an individual matter.
I thank all the friends in the world, especially to Bruce Gagnon, who helped me to realize that.”
The below is his reply on the question of his health, such as dyslexia:
‘ I will eat rice gruel by the end of this month so it will be thankful if people could send me enzyme by the end of this month. I need two bottles of enzyme a week.Since my power of concentration has become very weak, I can hardly read letters yet. I am planning to apply for a meeting with psychologist in the prison.
Currently five people including me are in a same sick room. Since the other people in a room prefer to watch the TV, It is hard for me to mentally concentrate. There is no clash with them but I suffer in my head as I try to overcome my inner conflict.
My only way is to hold mass alone at 11 am, same time with Catholic mass that is held in the village and focus on it.It feels like I have given stress to my physical body for last two months’ fast.
Since relaxation is needed to release stress, I am trying not to push compulsion in my body. I have experienced chill three times since the end of my fast because of lowered immunity. I felt my body was shivering like an aspen. Since my body has become very sensitive even to cold wind, I restrain myself even from outdoor exercise (which is allowed for 15 to 20 minutes a day for every prisoner)I make efforts not to make my body to be excessive.”
Yang was happy to hear the news that the 4·3 movie ‘Jiseul,’ has already attracted more than 70,000 audience throughout the nation, which is quite a remarkable record for an independent movie. He has originally dreamed at least 30,000 audience for the movie. He was also glad to hear that the 4·3 –remembering events were very meaningful this year because of the outcomes of two 4·3 movies(Jiseul and Binyom) and a book named, ‘You, Dear Gangjeong.’ Reports on the 4·3 events will come as soon as possible.
……………………………………………….
International Solidarity message to Yang Yoon-Mo and Park Sung-Soo (Dungree)
Here are the International solidarity messages mostly sent and collected on March 31. See the Korean translation, here. The village international team had asked the friends in the world to send the messages to the two people of Yang Yoon-Mo and Mr. Park Sung-Soo (Dungree) before it. Mr. Park Sung-Soo who has refused to pay unjust fines and to be volunteering to be jailed was suddenly released on April 1 as an anonymouse people paid for his fines without his knowledge and will.
Bruce Gagnon, US
Dear Yang Yoon-Mo,
I was happy to learn you ended your courageous hunger strike against the Navy base. It was a good decision to live and fight another day.
Your efforts over the past couple of years have been deeply inside my heart and remain there.
Each day you and others spend in jail is another day I look to do something, anything to help Save Gangjeong village and the nature that surrounds it.
I often watch the video Island of Stone(* movie in 2011, see the below), which always brings tears to my eyes, to hear your profound analysis and sacred love for nature. I send you my best wishes for strong healing and hope your abdominal muscles are now working overtime.
I write to thank you so much for your excellent photos and videos which have helped me from so far away stay close to the resistance against the Navy base.
I was sad to hear of your jail sentence but also felt proud of you for refusing to pay the illegal and immoral fines.
Please know that your good efforts for real peace and justice are deeply appreciated by many of us. I send you my best wishes and look forward to your visual art works very soon.
In peace,
Bruce K. Gagnon
Coordinator
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
I am so sorry to learn of your imprisonment for taking a stand in protection of Jeju Island. Your efforts to stop the advance of US military occupation is inspirational. I pray for your release.
Agneta Norberg, Swedish Peace Council
I am so sorry to learn of your imprisonment for taking a stand in protection of Jeju Island. Your efforts to stop the advance of US military occupation is inspirational.
I pray for your release. We in Swedish Peace Council,Sweden, want to express our SOLIDARITY and support for Yang Yoon-Mo and Park Sung-Soo in their just and fair struggle against the US marine base in Gangjeong village.
We also want to express our disgust against the jailing of these two honest persons! We condemn SAMSUNGS COOPERATION IN US WARPREPARATIONS in SouthKorea.
We say: Stay firm! We are with you in our thoughts!
Agneta Norberg, Swedish Peace Council
Carole from Luxemburg
Dear Yang Yoon-Mo and Park Sung-Soo,
From far away Luxemburg I am following your plight, courage and fight against injustices!
I have great respect for what you do! With more people with your courage this would be a better and juster world!
I can not do much here in Luxemburg to help, but talk about the fight in Gangjeong to everyone I meet.
Update: The arrested was released in the night of April 9. See the below.
Photo sent by Fr. Kolbe Jung on April 9, 2013 Above: company workers blocking the main gate from people Bottom: Fr. Mun Jeong-Hyeon, mayor Kang Dong-Kyun and people blocking the trucks. For more photos, see here.Photo by Yange Gone on on April 8/ People blocking construction trucks.
Gangjeong has been in emergency from the early morning of April 8.
While company workers block the gates, police are intentionally silent on it. People are desperately keeping the gate. Company workers’ violence to people is very high possibilities. One young man was hit in eye glass and needed medical investigation in face on April 8. One person was arrested on the same day.
It was from the early morning of April 8, Monday, that such change in situation happened in front of the naval base construction sites in the village. During the conflicts between the people and construction company workers, Mr. Bae Gi-Chul, co-representative of the Jeju Pan Island Committee for the Stop of Military Base and for the Realization of Peace Island was arrested while he was sitting in front of a truck. He was the first arrested this year. (See the video underneath. Update: He was released in the night of April 9)
Village siren rang on April 9 following April 8.
The JejuPan Island Committee for the Stop of Military Base and for the Realization of Peace Island stated in April 9. See the Original Korean statement, here:
‘The navy has enforced construction in violation of the project approval conditions, such as dumping sands and stones on the sea even before the silt-protectors that have been damaged by strong rain and wind last weekend are restored. Further, large amount of earth and sands have been leaked into the sea due to the rainy weather last weekend, resulting in mud water, while the people’s criticism on the navy’s illegal construction has been bigger.
Moreover, the Jeju Island government, confirming the fact on the damage of the silt-protectors, has noticed the navy to pose maritime construction until the completion of repair on them. Despite that, the navy, enforcing construction(destruction), is oppressing the villagers and activists protesting to it, rather with mobilization of company thugs. And the police are abusing their state power, demanding people of ‘unconditional scattering,’ with neither understanding nor judgement on the people’s reason of protest.’
‘It appeared that the sea area of the Beomseom (Tiger Island) designated as the government natural memorial is largely being threatened as big amount of mud water was leaked from the Jeju naval base construction site into the sea, for the strong rain and wind last weekend.
The Jeju branch of the Korean Federation for Environment Movement stated on April 8, confirming the fact that the damage of mud water reached even to the sea areas of the Beomseom and Seogun Island where soft corals inhibit in group. It would affect their ecology environment not a little. [..]
The organization stated that “Even though there was weather cast days before, the navy has had no prevention measures on it. [..]’
Photo by KFEM/ Headline Jeju, April 8, 2013: Sea water became muddy after the bad weather last weekend. Before and after.Photo by KFEM/ Headline Jeju, April 8, 2013: Further, the broken silt protectors damaged even in their canvases function nothing, not to mention the sea water that has become muddy.Photo by Park Inchun (Metboori Park)Photo by Park InchunCome only Human beings.. photo by Park Inchun
Mr. Bae Gi-Chul, just before the arrest on April 8. The 100 peace bow music had been being played. The police threatening him to arrest under the charge of obstruction of business, finally arrest him. video by Kim Bok-Chul.
Don’t cry.. video by Kim Bok Chul on April 8.
Company worker (security) violence to people during the catholic mass from 11 am to 12:20 pm. Video by Kim Bok-Chul on April 8
People in front of 25 ton dump truck on April 9. Some people praying in front of it. Video by Kim Bok-Chul
Fr. Mun’s teared rosary prayer in front of cement mixer truck on April 9 (Video by Pang Eun-Mi)
‘Take care, friends – thinking of you all… Your courage and persistence in the face of violence, in the struggle for peace, is an inspiration that echoes around the world. Last night Jack and I went to see Arlo Guthrie in concert – celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of his late father Woody Guthrie. He invited us to sing the last song with him, loud enough so that it would reach people around the world engaged in struggle.
My Peace
Words by Woody Guthrie,
Music by Arlo Guthrie
My peace, my peace is all I’ve got that I can give to you
My peace is all I ever had that’s all I ever knew
I give my peace to green and black and red and white and blue
My peace my peace is all I’ve got that I can give to you
My peace, my peace is all I’ve got and all I’ve ever known
My peace is worth a thousand times more than anything I own
I pass my peace around and about ‘cross hands of every hue;
I guess my peace is justa ‘bout all I’ve got to give to you’
Remembering the sufferings of April 3rd massacre. . .These are scenes from a performance held just before Easter on Mar. 29 at Jeju April 3 Peace Park. Members of the Catholic Youth Pastoral Committee enacted the Stations of the Cross, followed by Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. The site commemorates the victims of the Apr. 3 Jeju massacre, which started in 1948. . . . Bishop Peter Kang U-il and many Catholics of Jeju island attended this performance on Good Friday during the Passion week (Post by Regina Pyon)
Scenes from a performance held just before Easter on Mar. 29 at Jeju April 3 Peace Park. Members of the Catholic Youth Pastoral Committee enacted the Stations of the Cross, followed by Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. The site commemorates the victims of the Apr. 3 Jeju massacre, which started in 1948. (by Cho Yeon-hyun, religion correspondent)
The below is a translation of the Korean statement on April 1. See here.
To see the programs of events during the remembering period of the Jeju 4.3 uprising, see here.
Campaign image made by 3 organizations upon the 65th anniversary of 4.3. The signs read: ‘Flower for peace instead gun and sword, now…’ ‘Succession of the Jeju 4.3 uprising spirit! Revocation of the Jeju naval base project!’ and ‘Yes, ‘True Peace.’ Now!’
People’s joint statement on April 1
For the succession of the Jeju 4.3 uprising spirit:
“We will build a peace barricade in the Gangjeong village.”
The coming April 3rd is a day when the painful memory of the Jeju is revived.
First of all, we express our hearts to cherish the memory of numerous lives that have fallen down without names in Jeju 65 years ago.
The Jeju 4·3 is a history of uprising against wrong power.
Now the history of 4·3 should be transformed into a new history for human rights and peace.
However, upon the 65th anniversary of 4·3, it is questionable whether true peace is sprouting in the Korean society. The recent political situation surrounding the Korean peninsula has not been transformed into the era of Peace. The situation is running up into confrontation phase for the word of ‘war’ as to being spoken in everybody’s lips.
Gangjeong is already 4▪3.
By wrong state power, even basic democracy has been violated. .
Under the pretense of so called ‘national security,’ numerous peace has been broken and beaten.
As if it is not enough that more than 600 Gangjeong villagers and peace activists are dealt as if they are ‘criminals,’ [the state power] is barring people’s just struggle with ‘bombs of fines.”
True peace should be blossomed by peaceful methods.
To save peace with guns and swords is ultimately to destroy peace.
We resolutely oppose that [the state power] builds a military stronghold not the peace stronghold zone and that [the Jeju] become a powder magazine of the northeast Asia.
We urge to Park Geun-Hye government.
We strongly oppose the solo play and self-righteousness of the Park Geun-Hye government who only repeats its position that it would complete the Jeju naval base in a suitable time while it lays aside its tasks on the settlements on conflicts.
What is needed in Jeju is ‘the peace as it is now,’ not ‘the 2nd Hawai’i’ that the government of Park Geun-Hye promotes.
Please stop the naval base construction in Gangjeong if you think of true peace.
You should stop the wrong naval base construction if you concern about residents’ conflicts and are to truly settle conflicts.
We urge to the Island governor, Woo Keun-Min.
You, Woo Keun-Min Island governor has said that you would wipe off the Gangjeong villagers’ tears upon your being elected as an Island governor. .
.
However, Woo Keun-Min Island governor could not stop the Gangjeong villagers’ tears by now.
Not to mention siding with the Gangjeong villagers, he became to side with various illegality, shortcut method, and law-evasiveness that have occurred during the Jeju naval base construction. He should be clearly aware that he is making the villagers bleed with bloody tears.
Woo Keun-Min, the Island governor, should actively step for the stop of the Jeju naval base construction if he properly thinks of the future of the Jeju, now.
We appeal to the citizens.
The struggle against the naval base in Gangjeong is not finished yet. The cry for peace will not stop.
The Jeju naval base construction is not the end and it is merely a start of the militarization of the Jeju Island that would be extended into air force base and supply bases.
We will start the practical camapign for peace to revive the Jeju as the Island of Peace and herb of Peace, not as the Island for the cold war, confrontation, and war-preparation.
The Gangjeong villagers, civic society groups, and peace and human rights activists will resist and take solidarity to stop the Jeju naval base construction.
We will also gather our power and wisdom with the Gangjeong villagers and Jeju Island people so that the Gangjeong village can be transformed into the village of Life and Peace not into the powder magazine that threatens the Peace of the northeast Asia.
The various social fields will make effort for the Gangjeong village to be the stronghold of the peace movement by building barricade of peace in the Gangjeong village
As it is the cry of the not-succumbing history 65 years, we will make solidarity to the end.
Please be with us.
April 1, 2013
Gangjeong Village Association
Jeju pan-Island Committee for the Stop of Military Base and for the Realization of Peace Island
The National Network of Korean Civil Society for Opposing to the Naval Base in Jeju Island
Dreaming of Peace Ecological Park. . .Plum tree planting ceremony being held on March 30 at Maehyang-Ri, Hwasong, Gyonggi province, formal US Air force bombing range. . . Residents have stacked the shells of the bombs in front of the residents’ committee office that were collected in the sea and the residential area. . .Hwasong city decided to create eco peace park in this tragic land and planted about 5,000 plum trees wishing the village be filled with the scent of plum tree as the name of the village Maehyang means. . . It is located in the western coast of Korean peninsula, about one and half hours ride south from Seoul. . ..Residents have suffered extremely from numerous damages more than 54 years from Maehang-ri US bombing and shooting range(Kooni Range) until it was closed in 2005. . .Little media coverage. . .However, in 2000 and 2001, there was a nationwide protest to shut down this range . .This photo titled ‘This Moment’ is special edition of full page photo of Hangyoreh newspaper this morning on April 1.
“On March 28, 2013, Olive Stone sat for an interview with me at the American University in Washington, D.C. Paul Michaud and Lucas Stewart filmed it and did an great job.”
short clip from the upcoming documentary about Jeju by Regis Trembley
Breaking Update on April 2: Mr. Park Sung-Soo (Dungree) was suddenly released as of April 1.He had strongly refused that people pay fine for him. But without his opinions consulted in advance, some anonymous person(s) paid his fines of 1,400,000 won on behalf of him on April 1 and he was released on the day. It was informed later that the unknown person(s) did it, reading media, from the kind heart to help him. Mr. Park Sung-Soo expressed both of his sorriness and thanks to the person(s). Mr. Park Sung-Soo left for the main land and would stay there for a while as his family member is sick.
Thanks so much to the friends who have sent solidarity messages for him. We would send all your solidarity messages sent to him by now through email to him. From now on, please send support letters only to Yang Yoon-Mo who hits his 62nd prison day as of April 2, 2013.
You may use internet letter(See the bottom of the link) to send letters to them. But if you concern that your letters would not arrive fast (Mr. Park Sung-Soo will be released around April 21) or are uncomfortable for your personnel information to be exposed to the ROK government, you may send your letters through email to the gangjeongintl@gmail.com.
The Village International team will collect and deliver your email letters to them with the information of your name (or nick name), state, country (no specific address needed).
Thanks.
Free all the political prisoners!
Stop the oppression of tremendous fines!
Stop the construction!
People holding signs in front of the naval base project building complex as of March 28, 2013.‘Today is Yang Yoon-Mo’s 7th day prison struggle to revoke the Jeju naval base project. His 4th time imprisonment and 5[7]th day in jail,’ ‘Your wage is the price of our fines, tears and lives,’ ‘The naval base in Gangjeong is the US sub-contract base_No War!,’ ‘Dungree hits 4th day in prison struggle laboring instead paying 1,500,000 KRW fines.’ Signs in front of the Jeju naval base project committee building as of March 28, 2013.‘The coast village people who have made living by fishing and tangerine farming appeal to you with tear that they don’t want to lose the village, that you should not kill all of those warm things. We cannot but ask what is such high horse ‘security’ that destroys a peaceful village community, that kills a sea where endangered species breath, and that is gotten by breaking the beautiful Gureombi Rock that human being cannot even dream only with their hand skills. _Yang Yoon-Mo’
Succession of the spirit of the Jeju 4•3 uprising! ‘Workers’ Peace Cultural festival,’ March 30, 2013.
It has been more than a decade that the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions visited the Island for the remembrance of 4•3 every year. It was this year, too. And it has been years that the organization visited the Gangjeong village to express their support and solidarity to the people there in opposition to the Jeju naval base construction. The workers are aware that Gangjeong is the very site of the 2nd 4•3.
The KCTU states in its press release. You can see its longer Korean script, here:
‘The Jeju 4.3 uprising is the Jeju Island people’s resistance and uprising that occurred by the starting point of police firing incident on March 1, 1947 under the division and U.S. Army Military Government ruling after the liberation of Korea. Since the armed group of the Jeju branch of the Workers Party of South Korea rose up on April 3rd, 1948, numerous people were sacrificed in the Jeju Island during the process of armed conflicts between the armed group and subjugation army and of the latter’s subjugation process, until the restriction areas in the Halla Mt. were totally opened on Sept. 21, 1954.
This year when the Cease Fire Agreement of the cold war and confrontation system hits 60th anniversary, and today when war crisis is higher than ever in the Korean peninsula, along with the above, we are to gather the workers’ resolution to succeed the spirit of the Jeju 4•3 people’s uprising and to realize complete peace and homeland unification.
No war! Starting from the Jeju Island, we are to fully fill 2013 with the outcry of the workers in every place of nation from the Halla Mt. to Baekdu Mt, based on our powerful will and resolution for peace and unification.’
Stop the oppression on the unions!
Abolish the structured lay-off on the irregular workers!
Total revocation of the Jeju naval base project!
Image source: Sisa Jeju, March 31/ In his solidarity speech, Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun stated that even though 65 years have passed since the occurrence of the Jeju 4•3, state violence is continuing and the Jeju naval base project, so called a national security policy, is being enforced without people’s support.
The program was:
Succeession of the spirit of the Jeju 4•3 uprising! Peace Pilgrim
_ Date/ time: 10:30 am to 6 pm, March 30, Sat., 2013
_Venue: Jeju areas (Pilgrim on the remains of the Jeju 4•3 uprising)
Succession of the spirit of the Jeju 4•3 uprising! Workers’ Peace Cultural festival
_ Date/ time: 8 pm to 9 pm, March 30, Sat., 2013
_Venue: Entrance of the Gangjeong Village (Village scoccer field)
Succession of the spirit of the Jeju 4•3 uprising! Nationwide Workers’ rally
_Date/ time: At 2pm, March 31, Sun
_Venue: In front of the Jeju City Hall (march to Gwandeokjeong)
Workers’ Peace Cultural festival in the Gangjeong village(made by Peace Nomad)
The event was composed of people’s speeches, songs, and dances. One of the songs in the video is titled
“A Sleepless Island in the South,” (lyric and composition by Ahn Chi-Hwan), which is the song on the tragedy of 4•3
The people in Gangjeong raised some struggle funds by selling books to the workers. The book, titled, “Peace blossoming in Tears,” published last year, is on the 17 villagers’ life stories written by 17 writers. It is a great book that helps people understand the life and struggle of the villagers.
