Re-blogged from here: The Irish Catholic, 2013. Irish Missionaries lead Korea military protest(Fwd by John Whipple). Though it does not necessarily reflect Save Jeju Now’s own view, the re-blogged article is helpful to glance on the degree of international solidarity opposing the Jeju naval base project. The role of Catholics worldwide, especially Irish Catholic’s, represented by Fr. Pat Cunningham, is remarkable.
Regarding the number of the Catholics in the village, Paco Booyah, a member of the Village International Team writes: ‘There are several villagers who are Catholics. But not many. Also because of the Catholics’ brave and strong actions, there are several villagers who have considering becoming catholic. There are more protestants than Catholics among the villagers though. And actually a majority of the villagers are Buddhist. Many villagers also believe traditional Jeju shamanism.’
Irish Missionaries lead Korea military protest
Religious are leading efforts to prevent a military base on Jeju island, writes Siobhan Tanner
Religious who gathered for the anniversary Mass on Jeju.
Every day at 11 o’clock outside Gangjeong village on the spectacular coastline of Jeju island, a long line of cement trucks, serving the construction site for a military naval base, grinds to a halt. For the next hour none will enter or leave the compound.
Outside the six-metre high metal fence, their way is blocked by two priests in windblown white vestments. One, on rotation from an island parish – and one, a Jesuit, sent here for this cause – are holding Mass for about 20 protesters.
When the liturgy ends, the group spreads out, holding hands. They sing protest songs before they are drowned out by the sound of starting engines. The hour is up. The trucks, flanked by hundreds of police, army and private security (up to 600-strong, reports one observer) break forcibly and easily through the human chain, arresting some and scattering others.
This is the daily show witnessed by Colomban missionary, Fr Pat Cunningham, who has become increasingly radical since coming to South Korea in 1992.
Deportation
He has been threatened with deportation for protesting a massive military naval base on the pristine Unesco-protected island of Jeju, 50 kilometres south of the Korean peninsula. More than 130,000 police and army personnel have been sent to supress the opposition since 2011. “Surveillance is so huge down there and anyone who criticises the base is ‘red-brushed’ and labelled a North-Korean sympathiser in the mainstream press,” he tells The Irish Catholic from his mission house in Seoul.
Fr Cunningham is one of hundreds of priests and nuns who have placed themselves bodily in front of machines since the protests began in 2007.
Arms race
Donal O’ Keefe, head of the Colombans in Korea says they oppose the base because it is a threat to regional and world peace. “It is fuelling the arms race in Asia where South Korea is being used as a pawn in the Pacific where the USA and China are now confronting each other.”
The base will be a catastrophe for the Gangjeong environment and the livelihoods of the population living there; warship traffic is predicted to drive nine endangered species, including the bottle-nosed dolphin, towards extinction.
Due to be finished by primary contractors Samsung in 2014, the base will be contracted by the US to house 7,000 marines and 20 warships, including aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and destroyers armed with ballistic missiles which will patrol the East China Sea.
Koohan Paik, campaign director of a forum on Globalisation’s Asia-Pacific programme says Jeju is just one island in a growing constellation of geostrategic points that are being militarised as part of President Obama’s ‘Pacific Pivot’, a major initiative announced late in 2011 to counter a rising China. According to separate statements by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, 60% of US military resources are swiftly shifting from Europe and the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific region. (The United States already has 219 bases on foreign soil in the Asia-Pacific; by comparison, China has none.)
And though there are no Catholics among the 1,500 fishermen and farmers of Gangjeong village, the Church in Jeju has been at the forefront of struggle from the start.
Hunger strike
When the governor of Jeju (since ousted) agreed to accept the naval base on the island province in 2007, local priests went on a hunger strike and their bishop, Peter Kang U-il, wrote an open letter to South Korea’s president urging a referendum on the plan.
The Jesuits too waded into the battle early, sending priests from the mainland – four of whom were imprisoned for sentences ranging from one month to three.
Then, two years ago, the Church in Korea made a bold political move when clergy nationwide announced that they would engage in civil disobedience to halt construction of the site. More than 15 dioceses and several religious and justice organisations committed to fighting the naval base. After this, arrests of religious increased exponentially.
At the height of activity early last year – during the blasting and paving of Gureombi Rock, a one-kilometre basalt formation – 20 nuns and a priests, praying for peace outside the gate were arrested, while 13 Catholic priests went on trial for holding a Mass and sit-in protest.
Minor victories
The battle for Jeju has become a litany of minor victories and major defeats. When parliament halted funding for the project, in December of last year, pending an independent review, contractors Samsung continued construction using their own funds.
Law suits filed by villagers against the government have been dismissed by an allegedly hostile judiciary and environmental monitors report that once-pristine water sources have been contaminated while dredging has started to kill the underwater coral.
Meanwhile, the penal crackdown on activists has increased.
Three months ago, Brother Park Do-Hyun and Dr Sang Kang-Ho, members of Save Our Seas, were arrested while monitoring the dredging of the sea-bed which was being done without environmental protection measures.
Both men have passed 100 days in custody, awaiting sentence. Despite, these setbacks, the Catholic-led protests show no signs of diminishing.
At their two-year anniversary Mass in early October, hundreds of religious pledged to continue their non-violent actions in Gangjeong and again called for a stop to the construction.
“In our heart of hearts, maybe we know that we cannot stop it but we continue campaigning to raise awareness, to show the world what is happening,” says Fr Cunningham.
And to this end, the Save Jeju campaign has been successful. Despite a virtual blackout in the Korean and US media, activists have raised the profile of their struggle to the international stage, most recently adding the name Hollywood director Oliver Stone to a growing list of celebrities and famous commentators who have visited Gangjeong.
The Jeju campaign for Peace arrived in Ireland this month for the first time when Mayor Kang of Gangjeong – who himself was imprisoned for three months – spoke at the Frontline Defenders conference in Dublin.
– See more at: http://www.irishcatholic.ie/article/irish-missionaries-lead-korea-military-protest#sthash.Osd7LLh3.dpuf
We so thank for all the international solidarity messages for 2013 Grand March for the Life and Peace of Gangjeong and Gureombi Human Chain. Though late, here are collected international solidarity messages. We especially express our gratitude to the international peace activists who have been unjustly denied entries to Korea for their support for our struggle opposing the building of the Jeju naval base but sent warm and strong messages of support. Some of them such as Nagaya Yukiko collected her friends’ messages as well with Korean translations. We also thank translators, Jo Yak Gol and Park Youn-Ae, Park Jin-Hwan for kindly helping or volunteering translations. We also thank friends such as Amy Woolam Echevera who gathered signs for us from the friends all over the world. And friends in the UK and Australia for having solidarity actions for us. If there are any missed messages here though you have sent us, please let us know (gangjeongintl@gmail.com) . Thank again for all your warm friendship and support.
Kitty Axelson-Berry (USA)
Your sea is our sea, your soil is our soil, your protest is our protest, and may we always remember that and real-ize that. All of my best wishes for a world at peace, with the security that only peace can provide.
In militant unity with the valiant people of Jeju Island, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan ( New Patriotic Alliance ) in the Philippines joins them in their struggle to stop the construction of the US Naval Base in said island, a World Heritage site.
Bayan earnestly wishes for the peace march of July 29 to Aug. 03 and the human chain on August 04 between the east and west side of the naval base construction to be successfully carried out by the people of Jeju Island and the local and international groups.
Bayan condemns the trampling by US imperialism and its puppet, the ROK government of President Park Geun-hye, of the strong desire of the people of Jeju Island for peace not only in their island, but also in the Korean peninsula and Asia.
Stop the Construction of the US Naval Base! Release All Prisoners Opposed to the Construction of the Naval Base! Fight for Peace in the Korean Peninsula and the Asia Region! US Out of Jeju Island, Korea, and the Rest of Asia! Long Live International Solidarity! The People United, Will Never be Defeated!
I am writing to you from the National Green Party’s Annual Gathering here in the US. Last night I showed the film The Ghosts of Jeju to some of the people and they were very moved. I know I speak for the Green Party members that I know all over the US and the Green Party Peace Network that I started with another Green, we are behind your struggle and are so saddened and angered by both what has and is now going on in Jeju. We send our thoughts, prayers, strength and love to you all in your continued struggle and will continue to show and pass on this wonderful film that Regis Trembly did from his visit in Jeju. You are in our hearts and souls. Stay strong and safe. Love, jacqui [Maine].
Hi you all, It’s a long distance, I live in a far away country. Moreover I am no longer able to participate in a walk. But my heart, my spirit is with you. I hope you stlll can hold on against all odds – there’s a chance peace will come – if many of us all over the world keep struggling to obtain it. Peaceful greetings Bernard De Witte, Belgium
We the people gathered in Sydney, Australia for the Hiroshima Day Rally on Aug 4. 2013 condemn the Government of the Republic of Korea for building the Korea-US naval base on Jeju the island of peace. This new base will further threaten the peace of the Northern Pacific area.The construction of the base is an act of environmental and cultural vandalism.We support the struggle of the people of Jeju to protect their island.We stand with you today Aug 4, 2013 as you join hands to encircle the construction site. We wish you every success. Hope all went well! Peace From Sydney Denis Doherty and Radhika Raju
Hello friends of Jeju Island, we are having a march and rally on 4 August 2013 and will be speaking about the issues you ate facing in Jeju Island! in solidarity – The Hiroshima Day Council Sydney.
Kristin Douglas sent us a world peace flag to represent her. The Gangjeong village international team members are holding it during the Life and Peace march on Aug. 3 (Photo by Lee Wooki)
Amy Woolam Echeverria Dear Friends,
My name is Amy Woolam Echeverria and I am a colleague of Columban Fr. Pat Cunningham. For quite some time we have been following the situation in Jeju through Pat’s updates which have informed our advocacy efforts for peace here in the U.S. We hope you receive the attached international letter of solidarity in time for your events on August 4.
Please know of our ongoing concern and work to accompany you in your struggle for peace.
If we can be of support in any way, please let us know.
In peace and solidarity,
Amy Woolam Echeverria
Amy Woolam Echeverria
International Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Coordinator
International Letter of Solidarity to the People of Jeju Island
August 4th, 2013
To The People of Jeju Island,
We, the undersigned faith-based, peace, environmental, and other civil society members and organizations, are concerned for you, our brothers and sisters, as the proposed military base on Jeju Island continues to threaten the lives and environment of your people. We offer solidarity as you fight for the right to protect the village of Gangjeong from expanded militarization. We recognize the fragileness of the Earth, and particularly the unique habitat on Jeju Island. As a United Nations World Heritage Site, Jeju Island is known for its unique marine life and biodiversity. We worry that increased militarization in the region will result in oil and waste contamination to the surrounding waters and land. We know the construction will destroy the coral reef habitat in the area that many species depend on. We will advocate for the protection of this precious ecosystem. We feel pain for your families because we know that the gifts of water, air, and soil that sustain many lives and are critical to Jeju Island culture may be destroyed as a result of the base construction and the military operations that will follow. We extend our hearts for the lives lost in the 1948 massacre on Jeju Island and will not stand to see a military harm its own people a second time. We take to heart the words of Bishop Kang Woo Il of the Jeju Island Diocese, “A military base on this island – with all of the latest weapons collected in one place, including the Aegis and aircraft carriers, creating a great concentration of military power – it simply does not make sense to be on Jeju Island … We also see this as a peace issue for the whole nation, and not even just our country, but also an issue for China, Japan and Korea – countries that have not yet been able to overcome the conflicts between them … We believe that this is not healthy for the peace of Korea, for Northeast Asia, and for the whole world.” The 60th anniversary of the armistice reminds us that we are called as humanity to be peacemakers and protect the way of life and environment of those affected by expanded militarization and long-standing international dispute. We know from past experience that the arrival of military personnel may harm women and the overall public health of those residing in your community. Utilized by South Korean and potentially the United States militaries, this base will pose a threat to the current security of the Gangjeong Village and the entirety of Jeju Island. We stand with you, planting our feet firmly, in hopes of halting the transformation of your beautiful home and environment into an international military target. Please be assured that we will continue standing in solidarity with you in your struggle to maintain your way of life, livelihoods, and fragile island ecosystem in the face of the harmful effects of militarization.
International Letter of Solidarity to the People of Jeju Island
Name/ Organization/ State,Province/Country
-Amy Echeverria Columban missionaries, Maryland. USA -Christine Hong, National Campaign to End the Korean War, CA USA -JT Takagi Third World Newsreel, NY USA _Monica Kim University at Albany, SUNY New York, USA _Dorothy Ogle, National Campaign to End the Korean War, Colorado USA _George Ogle, National Campaign to End the Korean War Colorado USA _Joe Ring CA USA _Koohan Paik International Forum on Globalization California USA _Ramsay Liem Boston College MA USA _Khanh Pham Viet Unity _Daniel Kim New York.United States of America _Haeyoung Kim University of Chicago IL United States _Elaine H. Kim Asian American Studies UC Berkeley California USA _Sarah Park SOOBAK California United States _Sooyoung New York USA _Namhee Lee, ASCK (Alliance of Scholars Concered about Korea), CA USA _Juyeon Rhee, Nodutdol for Korean Community Development New Jersey U.S.A _김수복 6.15 공동선언실천해외위 뉴욕 NJ 미국 _Ki Yom Sun-Yoga New York United States _M.Brinton Lykes Center for Human Rights & Intl Justice, _Boston College MA USA _Catherine M Mooney MA United States _Nan Kim, Alliance of Scholars Concerned about Korea (ASCK) Wisconsin US _Jodi Kim CA USA _Jinsoo An UC Berkeley CA USA _Byung C Kang, All saint Episcopal Church In Great NECK, NY New York USA _Terry K. Park CA USA _Deanna Wolf Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach MD USA _Jennifer Kim Chicago, IL USA _Mike Dodd Columban Fathers NE USA _Gerald Wilmsen Columbans Wisconsin USA _Victoria Compton Office for the Missions, Diocese of Springfield in IL Illinois USA _Will Donahue, Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach IL USA _Maria Torres TX Estados Unidos _Tracy M Oberle, Columban Fathers-Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach MICHIGAN United States _Kristie B Vollentine Pontifical Mission Societies LA USA _Father ‘Rick LaBrecque Catholic Diocese of Charleston South Carolina USA _Alice Sather MN USA _Connor Duffy Pennsylvania United States _Martin Witchger, Washington, D.C. United States _Charles Haddox Texas United States _Kadey Wright Tx United States _John Nuelle, United States Catholic Mission _Association Washington DC USA _Jan Gregorcich School sisters of Notre Dame Wisconsin USA _Rev. Robert E. Mosher Columban Fathers Texas USA _Charles Rue Columban Mission NSW Australia _Ray SCANLON Columbans Victoria Australia _Albert Utzig St. Mary’s Catholic Church California USA _Frank Carroll Columban Fathers MA USA _Brother Jim Moore Conventual Franciscan Friars Maryland USA _Deacon Greg Kovalesky St. Paul Catholic Church Tampa, Florida USA _nelson belizario st simon stock parish _kevin cawley Cawley Family NY United States _Serafina Vuda Columban Fathers California United States _Eli McCarthy Conference of Major Superiors of Men MD USA _Pat Cunningham Columban JPIC Korea Seoul Korea _Elizabeth Nye, Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, Washington, D.C. United States _Teresa Vyhanek Minnesota USA _John Kerr Province of the Immaculate Conception Pennsylvania U.S. _Thomas Kim KPI CA _Mary Ellen Dowling New York USA _thomas glennon Nebraska united states _John Converset JPIC Office, Comboni Missionaries NJ USA _Fr Peter O’Neill Missionary Society of St Columban Hsinchu City Taiwan _Ronald Miranda Illinois USA _Ronald Miranda Illinois USA _youngho jeju korea _Linda Dimmock Alabama USA _Rick V Elefano St. Gerard Family Life Center Philippines _William Schmitt Columban Fathers Nebraska U.S.A. _Provincial Council of the Clerics of St. Viator Illinois United States _Br. Michael Gosch Clerics of St. Viator (Viatorians) IL US _Ann Scholz Maryland USA _Richard Steinhilber Columban Fathers Nebraska USA _Fr. Chuck Lintz Columban Mission Society Rhode Island U.S.A. _Gerry G Lee Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns DC USA _Luke Patterson New York United States _thomas glennon Nebraska usa _Ellen Teague Columban JPIC UK London England _Charles Haddox Texas United States _Katie Michigan United States _William J. Morton, SSC Columban Border Ministries Texas USA _ Sainiana Tamatawale Columban Lay Missionary Suva FIji Islands _Chloe Schwabe, Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach District of Columbia USA –>Click the link for Korean translation and all 5 page letter copies ( Korean translation by Jo Yak Gol)
Josh Fisher(USA)
I lived on Jeju-do for two years and fell in love with the island. To learn that the fight for the sanctity of Jeju-do is still ongoing is distressing. Here in Chicago, I am thousands of miles away from the picket lines I’d rather be standing on. In order to do my part, I’ve decided to rerelease the original performance of Build Your Base. This was performed in the Gangjeong Village Hall on June 26, 2010.
Friends of Gangjeong in the city of Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK)
1. Friends of Gangjeong in the city of Birmingham, United Kingdom are organising a human chain and picnic on Sunday 4 August. Here is the leaflet (to be double sided) we will be giving to the public. (Andrew, UK)
2. To the beautiful people of Gangjeong, your struggle for peace is endlessly inspiring. It’s a joy to see daily photos from the Grand March for Peace. Here in the UK there will be a human chain event for Gangjeong in the city of Birmingham on Sunday 4th. (Andrew, UK)
I write this message of solidarity from Darwin, Australia where local activists are beginning to expand their efforts to protest the US deployment of 2,500 Marines as part of Obama’s “pivot” into the region.
Before I came here I was in the Philippines and visited the former US Navy base at Subic Bay. I learned that about 5 US warships each week are coming back into that port.
My thoughts are with Gangjeong village as you prepare to begin the peace march and human chain. I send you my heartfelt greetings and wish I could be there with you.
Please know that your story of peace, love, and respect for nature is spreading around the world. You are not alone.
Blessing to you all. We join hands with you.
In peace,
Bruce K. Gagnon
Coordinator Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space Brunswick, ME
‘In 2010 i swam around Jeju to raise environmental awareness. Seeing Jeju from the sea makes you realise how much habitat destruction and inappropriate deelopment has already occurred. Sadly, the only clean water i swam through in ALL OF JEJU was at Gangjeong. It breaks my heart to see this development continue. I wish i could be with you all on Jeju to join the walk and hold hands in solidarity and support. Thank you for not giving up.
A solidarity message from Sakota Hidefumi(46) who was denied entry to Korea on Aug 26, 2011, with his 6-year-old son and Yamaguchi Yukiko(56), a AWC organizer in Kansai region. Mr. Sakota Hidefumi is a peace activist and Korean language translator from Japan.
Dear, Gangjeong villagers and peace activists. I support your struggle. And I oppose the construction of the Jeju naval base by Korean government. Your struggle is justice. Samsung’s comstruction and Police crackdown is injustice. I demand immediate release of wrongfully imprisoned people, and Korean government must lift the entry ban on foreign activists.
I am sending my solidarity message to you with Gangjeong struggle in my mind. I am so regretful that I cannot participate in your creative actions due to Korean government’s unjust entry ban. However, I believe that we can do a lot of things to spread Gangjeong voice against Jeju naval base into the world. Let’s continue to fight for our freedom and all people’s liberation from the oppression of military base. Your struggle is our struggle.
Name: Ikeda Takane (AWC-Japan) Denied entry to Korea and sent back to Japan on Jan 26, 2012.
This is Leon from the environmental network Kalikasan PNE in the Philippines. [I was at the] International Conference on US Strategic Pivot to Asia-Pacific Militarism, Intervention and War in Manila last July.
Hope we’re not too late to send you our solidarity statement in time for the human chain. Wishing you a successful action and we’re looking forward to working with you on the bases campaign! Leon Dulce National Campaign Coordinator Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment http://www.kalikasan.orghttp://kathangkatotohanan.wordpress.com ……………………………………………………………….
Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment “The Struggle for the People is the Struggle for the Environment.” National Secretariat Office 26 Matulungin St. Central District, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (02) 924 8756 | kalikasan.pne@gmail.com | www.kalikasan.net
Defend land, culture and the environment from the scourge of US troops and bases!
Statement of Solidarity to the Gureombi Human Chain
by the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment
04 August 2013
We, the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, join in spirit and in solidarity the Gureombi Human Chain organized today by the people of Gangjeong Village in Jeju Province to protest the construction of a United States-Korean naval base on Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lava tube systems and other volcanic island features, majestic waterfalls and mountain streams, lush marine ecosystems, unique culture and historical significance. Beyond this, Jeju is also known as the Island of World Peace, as designated by then President Roh Moo-Hyun in 2006 as an apology for the massacre, rape, torture and other war crimes inflicted upon the people of Jeju during the height of Cold War in the Korean Peninsula. The island’s harrowing experiences were a reminder of the hysteria and paranoia whipped up by the US and its South Korean lackeys before and during the Korean War – memories that are already being relived by the people of Jeju who are being battered and imprisoned by Korean military and police as construction of the base continues at a steady pace. The naval base project is clearly part and parcel of the plans of the US military forces’ pivot away from Iraq and Afghanistan towards Asia, with plans of repositioning 60 percent of all US naval forces to the Asia-Pacific by 2020. After all, It is an ideal deterrent by the US to the growing economic and geopolitical dominance of China, giving US military forces a staging area only 490 kilometers away from Shanghai and 940 kilometers from Beijing. Under the same pretenses of maintaining peace and order in the region, Filipinos have experienced the same military interventionism being displayed by the US in Jeju Island. Last October 2012, a tanker serving under a US Navy service contractor dumped over four million liters of hazardous domestic waste and toxic bilge water in Subic Bay, a former US base but also an important marine ecosystem and tourism area in our country. As if not content with causing damage to just one natural wonder of the world, the US Navy’s minesweeper USS Guardian ran aground PH’s Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, a coral expanse in the very heart of the globally critical and biodiversity-rich Coral Triangle area in the Pacific Ocean, destroying 2,345 square meters of 10 meter-deep coral reefs. The US has, to date, payed no compensation for social and environmental justice in these environmental crimes. We remember the effects of the toxic pollution left by US military forces in the Subic Naval Base and Clark Air Base years after they were discontinued in 1991: More than thousand people have died and many more were affected, mostly women and children, because of illnesses and diseases caused by the US toxic contamination. Today, the US-Aquino regime in the Philippines wants to reopen the Subic Base and providing US troops full access to all port facilities in the Philippines. Likewise, no compensation has been given to the victims and no cleanup and rehabilitation has been conducted to date by the US government. US imperialism and militarism will continue to take no heed of the ‘collateral damages’ it is causing to the environment and the people to achieve economic and territorial dominance in the Asia-Pacific region – and this holds true from the Island of Vieques in Puerto Rico to the Island of Okinawa in Japan and back to our own shores. The US Pivot to the Asia-Pacific only promises more. We say: no more! We look forward to working with the Gangjeong Village campaign, together with the global anti-imperialist movement in building a bigger and more sustainable people’s solidarity in defending land, culture and the environment from the scourge of US troops and bases. Let the conclusion of the 2013 Gangjeong Grand March for Life and Peace be the spark of a qualitative leap in the heightening of people’s struggles against US Imperialism, in all fronts and across all borders! Resist the growing ecological threats presented by US military forces in our lands and seas! US bases, troops and military exercises, out of the Asia-Pacific now! The people united will never be defeated! Long live international solidarity! (Source) –> Click the link for Korean translation (Korean translation by Park Youn-Ae)
Tarak Kauff (USA)
Tark Kauff was forcefully and violently denied entry along with Eliot Adams and Mike Hastie on March 14, 2012. For more info on it, click here. Despite such ordeal, here is his warm message.
Solidarity for the Gangjeong Peach March from Veterans for Peace. Many of us here in the states have been incredibly inspired and moved by the intensity, courage and long unceasing commitment of your struggle to resist U.S. and South Korean militarism at the expense of your island and people. You set an example of sacrifice for many of us. I was turned away from Jeju Island once, if I can I will try again as soon as possible. I want to learn from you all and stand in real solidarity with you all. I feel like you are family that I need to see. All power to you in the struggle. In the meantime I am sending a t-shirt and a hat and maybe something else if I can get it together.
Peace, justice and love,
Tarak
Tarak Kauff
Board of Directors
Veterans For Peace
“Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
The Korea Policy Institute sends our deepest gratitude for your incredibly courageous and persistent efforts to resist the further militarization of your village and Jeju Island. For years now, across the pacific ocean, we have been watching and learning about your struggle. Whether on Facebook or hearing directly from Gangjeong villagers such as Jeong Young-hee or Mayor Kang Dong-kyun, or traveling ourselves to Gangjeong, we have been moved and encouraged by what you have created and continue to build in your resistance.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement. We know that an unended Korean War due to the absence of a permanent peace treaty is what justifies the further militarization of the Korean peninsula, and as a consequence Jeju Island. Your struggle to halt this militarization, to protect your 400-year old village, Gureombi, and the natural beauty which makes Jeju Island paradise island, is truly valiant.
We are inspired by your unwillingness to accept injustice, despite the daily brutal violence you endure, including imprisonment and heavy fines. Your fearlessness in the face of all of this is a true testament to the selfless human spirit that is willing to sacrifice for justice, to protect the environment, and preserve the precious resources we have today for future generations.
Please know we are with you and will continue to write and spread the word about your struggle. You are not alone. We are with you every step of the way.
I feel honored to have come to know you, peace activists of Gangjeong, because you have shown me so much–about the hope and dream for a peaceful world and about your unwavering courage and passion to keep working to make it happen. You are the ones whose words of peace have wings to fly all over the world! Your struggle is our struggle. We must stop the insanity of war! Keep Jeju the Island of Peace!
Greetings to you brave people in your struggle to save Gangjeong. Thank you for your courage and tireless efforts to protect the environment and your traditions. You are an inspiration to the whole world.
You have inspired me to devote much of my life to making banners here in Maine for groups fighting for peace and justice, the environment, and other causes I want to support,
I would return to struggle with you, but know that I would not be allowed into your country again.
I am attaching some images that I made that you might like to use.
Last summer, I visited Gureombi rock right after a typhoon hit. So I couldn’t see the real, exquisite Gureombi that other people told me about. But, Gangjeong villagers explained to me how peaceful the rock was before the construction, how fun it was for kids to play at, and how rich and fertile the sea was. Fishing was so easy… Let’s take back the peaceful days. For that, I am sending my solidarity heart from Japan. I will be with you. Location: Kyoto, Japan Name: Minami Mamoru
Nagaya Yukiko and other AWC Japan activists including those who were denied entry
Nagaya Yukiko (Yamaguchi Yukiko) from the Japan AWC was unlawfully denied entry to Korea on Aug 26, 2011 along with Sakota Hidefumi and Sakota’s son. They were translators and were stuck and illegally held at the airport for 3 days and deported back to Japan on Aug 28. They tried to use their rights to file a formal objection, but the Korean Immigration told lies, saying there is no such a process in Korea. You can read the full report of the case in here. Afterwards, Nagaya Yukiko started protest in front of the Korean embassy in Osaka and other places on every Wednesday. She has strongly protested Korean government’s unlawful denial of her entry and Jeju naval base construction. We thank Nagaya Yukiko for her continuous efforts to put solidarity messages together and translate them into Korean language.
I am sending my solidarity message to all the comrades who walked around the Jeju island and arrived Gangjeong village. I cannot forget the grand nature where river and sea meets in Gangjeong that I saw two years ago. I heard that Gureombi is a warm rock. I also cannot forget the scene where children played games, becamed tired and fell asleep on the rock while grown-ups were holding protest gathering. I want to send my utmost respect and solidarity heart to Gangjeong villagers and peace activists who have repetedly been arrested and imprisoned for such a long time to defend their life ground, Gureombi rock and the sea. Korean government is opressing and destroying because it is afraid. So that’s why we have to strengthen and broaden our solidarity in spite of any interference. And with the power of solidarity, we will kick out US military bases from Asia and put an end to the Korean-US-Japan military ruling system! Location: Kyoto, Japan Name: Nagaya Yukiko (Yamaguchi Yukiko) (denied entry on Aug 26, 2011)
しかし、韓国政府は、こんな小さな存在の―日本人の親子を入国を拒否しました。カンジョンの海軍基地に反対しているからという理由で。カンジョンを訪れて半年後、再び大好きな韓国を訪れた私たち親子を、強制送還しました。こんな不条理な仕打をしてまで作る海軍基地はどんな만들어지는 해군기지가 어떤 역할을 하는 건지 주민 분들이 잘 알고 고발하는 것을 두려워하는 겁니다. 저희는 두려운 게 하나도 없으니까 이렇게 바다 건너 연대하고 있습니다未来に必要だというのでしょう。まったく必要ありません。
I visited the naval base construction site with my daughter in summer two years ago. I felt empowered just standing on it. I witnessed with my eyes the greatness of Gureombi rock and the sea that give us rich products, raise diverse life. I realized that building a war base that gives no good for human race, on such an abundant sea, was an absolutely absurd thing. (we don’t need war base in anywhere else, for sure) I came back to Japan before I delievered my solidarity heart and encouragement to the villagers who have vowed to recover the Gureombi rkac and the sea, while putting their life in line. As a Japanese, I felt powerless because I couldn’t do much when the Gangjeong people were fighting everyday. However, I decided to help as much I as could, so after I came back to Japan, I told the stories of Gangjeong village to my friends. To my surprise, Korean government did not allow this tiny little mother and daughter to its country. Just because we oppose the Gangjeong naval base project. We wanted to visit again Korea that we liked after 6 months we visited Gangjeong village. But it deported us. Do we actually need a naval base being constructed in this unjust ways for our future? No, absolutelu not. In my deportation, I learned how important existence each and every one of us is. Each person can raise voice and become a link that connects the strong stryggle chain. I want to send our hearts to the human’s wall that will defend Gureombi rock and the sea. Let’s keep up the struggle until we win. Location: Nothern Kyushu, Japan Name: Nakamura Sukae (denied entry on Mar 27, 2012)
I want to share my solidarity heart with human’s wall around Gureombi. Even though military base builders and law enforcers keep us from entering your country, how can they stop our solidarity with Jeju people, Korean people? We will always be together with you in the struggle. Let’s build Asia free from military threat so that women and children can live safe! Organization: AWC-Japan Name: Ouchi Teruo (denied entry on Jun 29, 2012)
I want peace with people in Asia together in solidarity, not divided. I want to express my solidarity to human’s wall around Gureombi rock. Location: Ehime Prefecture, Japan Name: Tamura Megumi
To visit Gangjeong is to know and to love Gangjeong and her people. With each passing day, more people around the world stand in solidarity with you. Your spirit and energy is infectious in spite of seemingly insurmountable odds. Your struggle is our struggle as we rise up against the crimes against humanity and the natural world! War, capitalism, militarism, and imperialism must be replaced with peace and justice for all.
TomiyamaMasahiro and Okinawan peace activists(Okinawa)
Tomiyama Masahiro is the co-chairman of Okinawan-Korean People’s Solidarity against US military base. He was denied entry to Korea twice, Apr 6 of 2012 and Sep 5 of 2012, a day before the World Conservation Congress opening ceremony. Several other Japanese peace activists such as Yagi Ryuji and Okinawan musician such as Wumisedo Yutaka were repeatedly not allowed to enter Korea, two times respectively. We also thank Park Jin-hwan for translating the messages into Korean.
Solidarity Message to 2013 Gangjeong Grand Peace March
Okinawan-Korean People’s Solidarity against US military base (full name) Okinawan-Korean People’s Solidarity (in short) Co-chairman : Tomiyama Masahiro
Dear comrades who gather in Gangjeong village to stop the construction of Jeju naval base. I send this solodarity message from Okinawa. In Okinawa, on Sep 10 last year, about 100,000 people attended the Okinawa general demonstration and began a pan-Okinawan action to fight for shutdown of the world’s most dangerous Futenma US base, to stop the Henoko new base construction and to withdraw the deployment of the flawed Osprey aircraft. As the whole Japanese society is leaning toward right-wing, an Okinawan progressive candidate won the Jul 21 Upper House election as Itokaz was elected as a member of Parliament by beating a conservative candidate. However, the far right-wing Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party won a huge nationwide victory in the election. And the government is getting ready to deploy 12 more Osprey aircraft that have caused continuous problems, such as crashing to land and killing people. The new administration is pushing pressure on Okinawa governor to get a permission to reclaim the Henoko sea area to build the military base on it. The construction of an Osprey takeoff and landing base in Takae is resumed and going on despite people’s protest. Abe administration ignores the will of people and makes Okinawa succumb to the central government. It incites nationalistic sentiment among general public by bringing territorial disputes, aiming to change the Constitution for the worse with a clear purpose to establish full-scale military forces. We must stop this Abe’s dangerous and violent moves. Beyond the border, all people in Asia and across the world, let’s come together with peaceful hands. Let’s bring our hearts together across the barrier. Let’s accomplish the big success of Gangjeong Grand March and human’s wall across the fences of Gureombi.
I wish I could be there with all the brave people of Gangjeong and their Korean and international supporters. Your important struggle against the destruction of the environment and the increased militarization of East Asia is a model for people worldwide who are trying to build a more peaceful and just world. Thank you for all you are doing! In solidarity and hoping to return to Gangjeong soon, David David Vine Assistant Professor Department of Anthropology American University Washington, DC USA
I trust your 2013 Ganjeong Grand March for Life and Peace has started off great. Here is my solidarity message to the marchers and the people of Jeju Island. May the Ocean praise you for taking the peaceful paths to protect your islandMay the Ocean provide you with wisdom and plentyMay the Ocean calm the troubled worldMay the Ocean protect you and help you prevailMay the Ocean connect Jeju and Okinawa forever in solidarity Hideki Yoshikawa Citizens’ Network for Biodiversity in Okinawa Save the Dugong Campaign Center
Dear Gangjeong people, This is Emily. I send my congratulations and my big hugs to you for your success on the Peace March and Human Chain. While you were in the march, I am also attending a oceanic peace forum to talk about Jeju base and working for the inter-island solidarity for just peace for our region. The awesome grand march photos were shown in my presentation as well. Peace is the way without boundary, so I believe we are walking together. You are not alone. This is a big solidarity from Taiwan. A solidarity t-shirt will arrive in Gangjeong soon. Good Job!
At the end of 2013Gangjeong Grand March for Life and Peace (July 29 to Aug. 4), there is a huge and memorable human chain event for two hours in Gangeong village from noon to 2 pm on Aug. 4!
The human chain is a succession of people’s daily human chain in front of the Jeju naval base construction(destruction) gate after daily Catholic mass and Gangjeong dance in protest to stop the Jeju naval base construction.
Two more prisoners of Dr. Song Kang-Ho and Br. Park Do-Hyun! All four prisoners including Yang Yoon-Mo(the court added him fines of 2 million KRW on June 25, which means he would spend 39 days more of prison labor. Because of that, he would be released in May, 2014, not April, 2014) and Kim Young-Jae (the court dismissed people’s appeal for bailing on him on July 8) ! The daily struggle to stop the Jeju naval base project is being continued in Gangjeong.
Peace-loving internationals, even though you may not be able to physically join, please join our human chain in spirit! HOW?
_ You may hurry to mail us some souvenir such as your t-shirts or whatever that can represent you with your name/ messages put on those. We will put those in our human chain. Please see the photos and videos below. OR
_You may send us solidarity messages(up to 100 words)/ photos/ videos no later than July 20. Please see last year’s here.
_Contact: gangjeongintl@gmail.com
We especially encourageall the peace-loving internationals who have been forcefully deportedby ROK government orbeing threatened to be deportedto join us! (To see the status of deported internationals, see here)
All the names will be put at the ending credit of Director Cho Sung-Bong’s documentary, “Gureombi Wind blows.” Dir. Cho plans to take air shot of huge human chain event on the day.
Noon on Aug. 4, 2013
Jeju naval base main construction gate -naval base project committee building complex gate-Peace Center at the Sageori( four way intersection)-Gangjeong port
People in happy faces are to go ALL to Gangjeong to Join the HUMAN CHAIN to HUG GUREOMBI ROCK!
(translation of poster)
Photo fwd by Choi Hye-Young. people’s daily human chain in front of the Jeju naval base construction(destruction) gate. Let’s see all in Gangjeong on Aug. 4. All of you can join us in spirit!Photo by Kim Dong-Won/ Gangjeong is endangered. A peace keeper hung a photo of a villager in his childhood. We dream every life visible and invisible to join our grand human chain event on Aug. 4! For more photos, see here.Photo by Kim Dong-Won/ Every t-shirt or whatever souvenirs you mail to us can represent you. The t shirt is owned by a peace keeper who struggles daily. In that way, we want to represent all the prisoners, deported internationals whom we want to be together in our huge human chain event. For more photos, see here.
People’s promotion video: Please join our human chain to stop the Jeju naval base project on Aug. 4!
Update: Mr. Lee Jong-Hwa was released from the court after 55 days in jail as of June 21. The court sentence on him at 10:30 am was 6 months imprisonment but two year’s probation.
Photo by Park Young-In, fwd by Lim Wang-Sung and Abigail Yu on June 21, 2013
………………………………………………………………
Magaret Sekaggya, UN Special rapporteur on the situation on Human Rights visited Gangjeong on June 4, 2013. In the press conference on June 7, she mentioned in relation to Gangjeong that the residents’ opinions have been ignored and their greatest complaint is on the absence of consultation by the government with them; that it was turned out that the ROK state power abuses its power through the use of violence and over-excessive arrest, accusation (especially with the charge of ‘obstruction of business’), detention, imprisonment and charge of fines/ damage compensation; that the people’s basic right in rally and protest is limited and expression of freedom is oppressed; and that unjust process of deportation against international activists have been done. Her official report on the situation of human rights including those of Gangjeong is to be reported next March.
Will her points be reflected in the coming days in the fields including court where currently three conscientious prisoners from Gangjeong are among many of the charged for struggle?
Here are summaries on the latest trials on the three. All are currently held in the Jeju Prison. Each of them hit 141 days, 71 days, 55 days, respectively as of June 21, 2013: Mr. Yang Yoon-Mo ( Prisoner No. 301), Mr. Kim Young-Jae (No. 435) and Mr. Lee Jong-Hwa (No. 125)
1. Yang Yoon-Mo’s trial on June 5
Trial on Yang Yoon-Mo was held in the Jeju court around 10:30 am on June 5, the next day of her visit.
It is a different one from the trial that he was directly arrested from the appeal court on Feb. 1, this year. The prosecutor has accused him under the charges that he damaged the gate of the project committee building complex on Sept. 14, made injury on Aug. 15, and made obstruction of business by joint power on Aug. 12, 17 and Oct. 15, last year.
Upon those charges, lawyer Kang Gi-Tak said that it is not by joint power; it is not damage but scratch therefore the demanded repair fee of 800,000 KRW (about $ 800 USD) is unreasonably huge; Yang has never used slanders and grabbed by the throat of personnel. He has neither put injury; It can never be an obstruction of business since it is a self-defense in protest to interruption on Catholic mass, further there was no entry/exit of construction vehicles; there was no direct blow on the victim; it is a self-defense on illegal and unjust naval base construction (destruction). He also expressed disagreement on many accusation items. He also said he could not acknowledge the record by the CCTV since it is in violation of the law on the protection of personal information (He said the CCTV-recorded proof materials submitted by the accusers are illegally collected.) In the next trial at 2 pm, July 17, there will be examination on witness and submission on proof document etc.
2. Kim Young-Jae’s trial on June 10: The matter of the CCTV
There was a trial on Mr. Kim Young-Jae (Jeju Prison, No. 435) who hit his 60th imprisonment day on June 10. The trial is on the cases of climbing a Samsung C & T-built caisson dock in Hwasoon port in protest of naval base building on Sept. 6, 2012, the opening day of 2012 WCC Jeju, and of obstruction business that he was charged in more than 16 cases. In the seat of the accused, Fr. Kim Sung-Hwan who was one of five along with Mr. Kim Young-Jae on Sept. 6, 2012, joined Kim Young-Jae. Another person, Mr. Lee Young was not present for personal reason.
The other two, Rev. Jeong Yeon-Gil and Mr. Park Suk-Jin have had separate trials as they were both imprisoned on the day. Both were released after 98 days last year. Mr. Park Suk-Jin was imprisoned again on May 15 for the charge of violation on bail condition but was released by court decision on May 30. He got three year’s probation.
Considered of the schedule that all three can join, the next trial is 2 pm, Thursday, July 25. On the day, Mr. Kim Young-Jae would hit 105th day in prison unless he is not released on bail.
The points mentioned by a lawyer in relation to the charge on ‘obstruction of business’ were similar to the cases of Yang Yoon-Mo. Lawyer Kang Gi-Tak who is also a lawyer to Yang pointed out that:
There could be a damage for an accused as the accusation document does not mention on specific sites and concrete charges on each individual despite the fact that the Sept. 6, 2012 incident was a joint protest by five.
In relation to other cases charged of obstruction of business, it cannot be called as obstruction of business. Even though it is conceded to the danger and/or influence applicable to the obstruction of business, it was the influence to the 3rd party therefore not direct act to the sufferers ( * truck drivers)
The remarkable point in the trial on the day was the lawyer Kim In-Sook’s investigation on the CCTVs (closed-circuit televisions) and the testimonies by the personnel from Daelim and Samsung regarding the process of recording and collecting photo and video material. (For the issue of the CCTV in Gangjeong, please see the bottom)
Photo by Koh Gilchun on May 15, 2013 (source)/ A CCTV on the gate of the naval base project building complex
There were three witness-two from Daelim and one from Samsung). All of those are the subjects who accused Mr. Kim Young-Jae and probably others, too, for the charge of obstruction of business. Mr. Choi from Daelim has been in charge of interior jobs of the company since Feb., 2010. Mr. Lee is a managing director of construction since June, 2011 and Mr. Park is a director of quality control in the Samsung C & T since Feb., 2011.
The lawyer Kim In-Sook’ investigation to each was focused on the CCTV. While she is informed that there are about 10 CCTVs in the project building complex and parts of those were installed by Samsung and Daelim, she asked them:
_Who MANAGE(s) the CCTV? From when to when? By the word, ‘management,’ she said that it meant everything including recording, zoom manipulation, safekeeping, submission of CCTV-recorded materials to police & prosecutor etc.
_ What is the purpose of the CCTV?
_What is the reason of submitting copies not the original materials? How can you prove that those copies are same with the originals? (She mentioned that there has never been raised an issue of original or copy before)
_How is the process of submitting materials to police and prosecutors?
It was clear to many people that the accusers/ witness were avoiding specific mentions in their testimonies/ replies to her.
But some of their answers were that:
_They do not know well about the matter of installation on the CCTVs.
_It is a security company called “Geoam,” that is in charge of management and has workered in Gangjeong for about two years (* An activist later told us that it has been about a year that the company Geoam worked in Gangjoeng) The Geoam manipulates zoom.
_The purpose of CCTV is to leave the evidence of damages INDOOR from outside
_The original is saved in the machine. They or their junior worker (in that case they confirm the final) or Geoam they ask to find CCTV materials on the specific accused on the specific dates; and they copy the found or received materials in the CD or USB driver themselves. One of them says it is same with the original since he does not know editing technology. Mr. Park from Samsung said that he himself has taken lots of records with camcorder/cameras and original records are kept safe.
Given the testimonies and article in the bottom, it would be interesting to watch the next trial and court’s final decision someday in the future.
Otherwise, Mr. Kim Young-Jae volunteered a remark at the end of the trial. He said to the judge:
“Please know that it is an only protest way for the peace keepers to sit in as a barricade themselves in front of the construction main gate. Since most construction vehicles are used for illegal construction(destruction), my act is a self-defense to protest to such illegal activities. That should be pointed out are: undemocratic behavior, unjust cancellation on absolute preservation area and injustice of environmental destruction.”
Letter from Kim Young-Jae on June 11, 2013 (source)
3. Trial on Lee Jong-Hwa on June 11
On June 11, there was a trial on Mr. Lee Jong-Hwa who hit 45th day in the Jeju prison (No. 125) on the day. He has another trial pending in the higher court.
The prosecutor demanded a sentence of 1 year imprisonment. The court decision will be at 10 am, Friday.
Mr. Lee Jong-Hwa said on June 5, the next day of the visit by the UN Human Rights rapporteur that he had considered fast upon her visit but gave up considering the heath of Yang Yoon-Mo who is recovering from 52 days’ fast that he ended on March 23.
Otheriwse, on June 5, a woman who had been arrested in Seoul on May 31 and then taken to Jeju Prison on June 1 was released from the court on June 5. She is told not to have responded to police call for her protest during the blast of Gureombi Rock last year. She got sentence of 2.5 million KRW fines. She did not want to disclose her name.
Mr. Lee Jong-Hwa (Jeju Prison, No. 125) expressed thanks to the friends who have sent support letters to him in prison. He hits 51th day in prison as of June 17, 2013. (source)
The below is a summary on the trial of Mr. Lee Jong-Hwa on June 5
Judge:
The accused entered into the Jeju for farming in 2011. He is a writer and his activities are nothing to do with the Jeonjoo branch of the Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea. The accused stated that he would act as possible as through legal procedures in relation to the opposition activities against the naval base project.
Lawyer Heo:
The accused was indicted for the charge that he has not responded several times to the police call. But it was because he was in other trial when he could not be present to the police call on April 26, 2013. The reason that he worked in the oil station was because of his plan to live in Jeju. Even though the prosecutor says that he committed obstruction of business by power, what he did was merely to take 100 bows in front of the construction main gates. Further it was merely 3 to 30 minutes that he was sitting there. In other words, the time of obstruction of business was short with small damage.
Statement by Lee Jong-Hwa (This is the summary. You can find his full statement on the day here. You can also see his writing to prepare for trial, here):
‘During the imprisonment, I thought there needed a re-examination on the justice matter on government policy, thinking of the damage that the villagers have suffered from.
I was in charge to educate youth prisoner under trials. They are the ones who became to commit crimes as their parents are irregular or laid-off workers. I feel pain that our children is utilized as the tools by the divided situation of Korea. If we use such lots of resource and money for human beings’ co-prosperity and peace co-existence, that our Constitution states, the children in the juvenile reformatory would get the jobs and painful things would be reduced.
As Gorbachov has visited, Jeju is an Island of Peace to be demilitarized. I came to Jeju for farming but now I do my best for peaceful Gangjeong. I think this place should be a site for communication and I hope prosecutors consider it together. Our anguish together here in this court would be the basis for belief and hope.
Whatever court decision comes to me, I will not give up to express my righteous faith, which is legal right given to me, and to realize human being’s co-existence and peace and “Hongikingan (* meaning ‘benefit all human beings’), the ideology on which our country founded.
The Judge said, The accused has no other crime record except for light fine sentences and no other past record in relation to violation in rally or protest. The court decision will be at 10 am, June 21, Friday.
At the end of trials on both days of June 10 and 11, people held one man protest in front of court for one hour respectively.
At the end of trials on both days of June 10 and 11, 2013, people held one man protest in front of court for one hour respectively. The signs read 1. ‘UN Special rapporteur on Human Rights points out excessive use of state power and unjust arrest and imprisonment (in Korean) and ‘ UN Human Rights Rapporteur demands End to Unjust Deportation of internationals!’
Reference: The Matter of the CCTV
The Newscham, Jan. 30, 2013 reports regarding 24 hour CCTV for monitoring and control of people, installed in the whole Gangjeong village. The below is an excerpted translation of the article.
[..] When it was disclosed on Sept. 13, 2012 that the police installed camera and notebook computer, for recording the area of the main gate of the naval base project committee building complex, it brought a huge shock.
In the areas of the Jeju naval base project committee building complex main gate, construction site main gate, and the fence to the Gangjeong port, CCTVs are installed and operated for 24 hours. The CCTV-recorded stuffs are used as evidence to accuse villagers and activists under the charge of obstruction of business. The Daelim and Samsung C & T accuse villagers with the evidence of CCTV stuffs. However, the CCTVs are being illegally operated and infringe villagers’ privacy.
In the direction board of the CCTV installed in the main gate of the project committee building complex, it reads “it is recording main facilities of INNER site for the facility safety and crime prevention for 24 hours.” However, different from the direction board, the CCTVs are recording toward OUTSIDE not the INNER field main facilities. Not only that. It is manipulated in recording and monitoring by option such as by zooming or continuous focusing on one-man protest. It is in violation on the items of prohibitions on discretionary manipulation and filming others than those for purpose, stipulated in the law on the protection of personal information.
The subjects of installation, operation, and monitoring are not clear, either. On Oct. 9, last year, Lee Sang-Kyu, National Assembly man, disclosed the fact that a security service company employed by the Samsung C & T was cancelled of permisiion on Dec. 22, 2011, for its connection to violence; but it resumed operation gettimg the permission on security business again merely changing its company name to Reall S & G; and then was cancelled of permission again. However, in the CCTV direction board in front of main gate of the naval base project building complex, representative of Reall S & G whose license was cancelled is still marked as the subject responsible for management
Then, which subject(s) is continuously monitoring for 24 hours the screens of the CCTVs that record the main gate of the project building complex, entry-exit door of construction (destruction) gate, vicinity of the fence to the Gangjeong port. Paik Shin-Ok, a lawyer, has stated that there has been a testimony [in the court] that the navy and Samsung C & T workers are monitoring those in real time. If the subject of installation and operation is not the navy but the navy is monitoring those in real time, it is clearly a crime act since it is violation of prohibition on provision to the 3rd party, stipulated in the law on the protection on personal information.
1. Maintenance of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve despite massacre of nature?/ People’s letter to the UNESCO
Despite great mass killing of UNESCO sea creatures in the Gangjeong Sea, Jeju, it isreported that the UNESCO International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere program (MAB) adopted the report by the Jeju Island government in its evaluation on May 28, 2013. The evaluation is held every 10 year. The Jeju Island became to continue to hold the title of the UNESCO triple-crowned: The Biosphere Reserve, World Natural Heritage and Geology Park. Please see the very related and important post regarding the matter of the UNESCO renewal , here.
The Jeju Island was designated as the Biosphere Reserve in Dec. 2012. The total designation area is 30.94㎢, which is about 45% of the whole area of the Jeju Island, It includes the Halla National Park, Youngcheon (Young Stream), Hyodoncheon (Hyodon Stream), Moonseom (Moon Island), Beomseom (Beom/ Tiger Island), Seopseom (Seop Island) that were designated as the CORE Biosphere Reserves in 2012. (See the same article of the Jeju Internet News linked above)
The status of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Jeju Island. The scarlet areas and spots indicate the core zones of the Biosphere Reserve: Mt. Halla, Beom, Moon and Seop Islands. The blue areas are buffer zones while the pale blue areas are transition areas. (source: Jeju Internet News, May 29, 2013)
The National Network of Korean Civil Society for Opposing to the Naval Base in Jeju Island has sent a letter to the UNESCO MAB secretariat as of May 29, to request the UNESCO ‘objective reviews on the Jeju Biosphere Reserve,’ concerning about the ‘destruction and pollution of the Jeju Biosphere Reserve in relation to the Jeju Naval Base construction.’ Please see the letter in English in thesite (Please scroll down mouse until you see the English part).
In its letter, it first raised on the matter of ‘inconsistent maps of the Biosphere Reserve Buffer Zone’ around the core Biosphere Reserve of the Beom Island (Tiger Island):
‘Inconsistent maps of the Biosphere Reserve buffer zone brings confusions and raises doubts on the Government’s performance on monitoring the management and preservation of the entire Jeju Biosphere Reserve.” (See the letter for details)
It also made clear that the ‘sea route of the Jeju Naval Base would cut through the buffer zone’: ‘In the last World Conservation Congress held in September 2012, the Government insisted that the Jeju Naval Base construction does not violate the Biosphere Reserve. However, in any of above mentioned three maps, the sea route of the Jeju Naval Base would cut through the buffer zone, which would bring negative impacts on the Biosphere Reserve. The Government did not mention about these concerns in its Periodic Report submitted in September 2012.’
Despite the letter, according to the the Jeju Island government who stated on May 29 , “the UNESCO MAB-ICC made an overall evaluation that ‘the Jeju Island is faithfully carrying out the Biosphere Reserve network rules and regulations,’ according to its advisory committee evaluation result. The MAB-ICC adopted the periodic reviews from the six regions of Canada, Germany, India, Paraguai, Mexico, and Jeju Island, among 55 regions, without special demand items. It adopted periodic reviews from the other regions with recommendation and demand items.” the same article reads. (See the article)
According to the article, ‘the Jeju Island government delivered that it included the physical character of the Island’s Biosphere Reserve; types of creatures’ habitats; activities within the Biosphere Reserve; activities on study, monitoring; education & training and public relation; management, policy, budget on its biosphere reserve.’ It also added that it ‘introduced Gotjawal, Oreums, inner land wetlands, and soft coral habitats as the habitats of special concern, while introducing stone culture and sea-diving women’ lives as its traditional culture.’
Did they ever report on the current on-going destruction and killing of UNESCO Gangjeong Sea by the naval base construction(destruction)? Probably NONE but with lots of cheats ! The UNESCO is dammed to be cheated by the Jeju Island and ROK governments. You may see the ROK government document to the MAB-ICC, here, which conceals many serious matters of ROK government’s environmental destruction in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, especially in the Jeju.
2. People file for a lawsuit against the navy and Samsung
On May 31, the ROK Day of Sea, some groups such as the Office of Jang Hana, National Assembly woman, Hot Pink Dolphins, and the Gangjeong Village Association filed for a lawsuit accusing the ROK navy, Samsung and Daelim, especially in relation to the navy and companies’ massacre of sea creatures with their thoughtless dismantling works of damaged 6 caissons, which started on May 5, this year, the Children Day in Korea. (See the accusation document in Korean, here).
The groups along with the members of the Seoul and Gyunggi branches of ‘Gangjeong Friends’ also had a press conference in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on the same day.
Jang Hana, National Assembly woman talking and holding accusation document against the navy and corporations such as Samsung C & T, during the press conference on May 31. People wore the hand-made hats of endangered species in Gangjeong by the naval base construction(destruction)
Jo Yak Gol, member of Hot Pink Dolphins and a peace keeper of Gangjeong speaks during the conference on May 31. (Source/ Original Source: Voice of People, May 31, 2013)
According to Jang Hana, National Assembly woman: “The navy’s behavior of contaminating the sea ecology system in the Gangjeong Sea, by its dismantling process of damaged caissons underwater, bringing the very poisonous cement powders and concrete lumps in the sea is in violation of item 2 of article 22 of the maritime environment management.
The item 2 of the article 22 of the maritime environment management defines that “nobody should leak contaminating material that occurs in the maritime space such as maritime facility, beach resort, and mouth zone.” The punishment for the violation of it is up to two years’ imprisonment or up to 20 million won fine.
The people also reminded that when the World Conservation Congress was held in Jeju, 2012, there was a controversy of environmental destruction on the damaged caissons by typhoons. At the time, Captain Yoon Seok-Hwan stated in the press conference, that the navy plans to “float damaged caissons and then dismantle and dispose those ON THE LAND or dispose those in the ways not badly affecting environment. We will NEVER use the way such as underwater blast.” (See a Korean article, here) .
Go Gwon-Il, Village chairman of the Stop the Naval Base Project speaks during the press conference on May 31. The banner reads, ‘Immediately stop the Jeju naval base construction (destruction) that destroys maritime ecology system. ‘(Source/ Original source: Newsis, May 31, 2013)
However, that promise has never been kept. The navy is openly dismantling those caissons ON THE SEA, carelessly blowing out poisonous cement powders and lumps into the sea. Its disastrous result could be seen on the SOS teams’ May 15 video. “Even though the navy and Samsung say that they would dredge the cement on the sea bottom, there is really no way to dredge all the chopped-up parts of cement because those powders are spreading far into the sea by the strong currents of the Gangjeong Sea. It is already illegal to throw down concrete cement, poisonous waste, into the sea.” (from people’s accusation document)
3. Three recent important videos on the navy’s destruction of Gangjeong sea
(1) The navy and companies’ illegal dismantling of damaged caissons on the sea
It is a vivid scene of navy’s illegal dismantling of damaged caissons on the sea, which started on May 5. (Video by Moetppuri Park, edit by Ryu Dong-Kyun)
Seven caissons were destroyed by the typhoons such as Bolaven on Aug. 29, 2012. The whole production costs of those caissons are 35 billion won. The ROK Ministry of Construction and Traffic has concluded in 1998 that the caisson construction method is impossible in the southern part of Jeju, after the result of a year’s investigation. It is because of severe typhoons and currents to the total destruction of harbors in the Seogwipo area, the southern part of Jeju. (See the recent Korean article, here). Especially, the Gangjeong village is of a protruded out geography in its coast. The villagers have warned the navy numerous times that the village geography itself is impossible for any huge harbor, not to mention naval base. Despite that, the navy has enforced the construction (destruction). It is only forthe profits of big corporations such as Samsung.
(2) The UNESCO Gangjeong Sea being killed by the naval base construction (destruction)
(Video by Save Our Sea team on May 15, 2013)
‘While heavy metal-poisonous materials such as leaking earth and sands, concrete lumps and cement powders are injected into the sea as they are by the illegal naval base construction(destruction), the silt protectors never properly work because of unreliable installation and restoration of their damaged status… The Gangjeong Sea where the endangered species such as the Indo-Pacific bottle nose dolphins, red-feet crabs, soft corals have been playing is being killed. There hardly is no trace of living creatures in the bottom of the sea. Only sediment materials can be touched. The damage on the fisheries by the illegal naval base construction (destruction) is extended into Beophwan and Wolpyong, nearby Gangjeong’ (SOS. Source)
You may painfully compare the above video with the below which was taken in 2009, before the destruction of sea by the naval base construction.
(3) Illegal quarrying, transportation, and reclamation of sand and stones.
(Video by Kim Bok-Chul, edit and arrangement by Dungree(Park Sung-Soo)
The Jeju naval base project is already infamously illegal in the sense of dual MOU, violation of EIA, violation of law on the cultural treasure, layout flaw, manipulated fake simulation. It was disclosed by a construction worker last October that the Samsung C & T is building unreliable caissons, using the reinforce rods under-standard, which results in easy destruction of caissons by typhoons.
Not only that. The video discloses the illegal quarrying, transportation and land-filling of sand-stones by the companies.
On Jan. 31, this year, a peace activist, Mr. Kim Bok-Chul traced a truck from the Hwasoon port and Gangjeong and found that the stone-quarrying site located in the Mooreung-ri, Daejung-eup, Seogwipo City is illegal. Given the record, it can be estimated that tens of thousands of illegal sands and stones have been transported for 40 days around Jan. 31. Those illegal stones would never properly work in the basic construction of the base.
It has been also known that there are about nine transportation companies of which trucks commonly violate legal speed, freight amount, central line and traffic signs.
Putting sands and stones in the sea is also done in violation of the EIA. The silt-protectors have never properly functioned but rather contributed to the destruction of environment.
The navy and company should stop destruction of nature with illegal methods which are only for reduction of construction costs. The sea is of the soft coral habitats, which are ROK natural memorial NO. 442, as well as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
While the Seogwipo Coast Guard is investigating on the illegality of sand and stones, the Seogwipo City and Seogwipo Police should also thorough examine the illegality of construction (destruction) rather than oppressing protesting people in violation of their human rights.
Photo by Save Jeju Now/ Paco Booyah after the court hearing on May 9, 2013
There was an original court judgement on Paco Booyah, an international peace worker staying in Gangjeong on Feb. 8, 2013. See here. He was the 1st international to stand in the court in person, in relation to the naval base project issue. On Feb. 8, the judge, Kim Kyung-Sun made a decision of ‘postponement of sentence’ on 700,000 won fine, saying he has ‘no criminal record in the past, his act happened during the NGO activities, and the damage of the victims (company) is little as the whole duration of his sitting time [in front of gate] was short (* which was 8 min. during a daily Catholic mass). Even though the judge Kim said he was guilty, she did not accept the prosecutor’s demand of 6 months prison sentence against him on Dec. 21, 2012 when the only hearing of original court trial on him was held.
However, the prosecutor has appealed to court against the original court decision. On May 9, there was a hearing of it in the Jeju local court, which is the first as well as the last hearing of the appeal court. It started around noon and lasted for about 30 minutes.
The prosecutor talked on the reason of his appeal against Booyah saying that: 1. The accused does not acknowledge and does not show any of his repentance, 2. There is the possibility of his committing second offense. 3. [Compared to sentence on Koreans in the same charge of obstruction of business] the original court sentence on him is too weak.
In repute of it, Paco Booyah’s lawer, Paik, argued on harsh and unjust Immigration Control Act, especially in relation to No. 3, saying that she cannot agree with the prosecutor’s definition of weighing of an offence against him. The summary of her repute is that:
The policy of ROK Immigration Office on foreigners is too harsh. She has heard from an Immigration officer that a foreigner with 100,000 won fine sentence could be forcefully deported by option. Further, it is heard that there is even an internal regulation of the Immigration Office that it would forcefully deport a foreigner only if one gets fine sentence. According to the Immigration Control Act, one cannot make re-entry at least for five years if one gets injunction. One cannot ignore possibility that one cannot make re-entry again, for a long time, in fact. In relation to naval base project, about 21 internationals- some of whom have never visited Gangjeong-have been denied entries(* Wang Yu-Hsuan is the latest victim of it). Once deported, the victims have to endure suffering from the matter of separated family, in case. One should not argue on balance with the cases of Koreans.
The lawyer Paik also said that Paco Booyah has been recently carrying out international NGO peace activities by focusing on recording photos. He might suffer from the possibility that he cannot re-enter Korea once deported though he has his family members in Korea.
As Paco Booyah has stated in his statement as the accused, he has not done anything that the police and prosecutors would pick him up, following police call four times and prosecutor’s indictment against him. Even though the current Immigration Control Act is unjust and vicious, he has no intention to make disadvantageous of his life as he has family members in Korea and as the act is currently working. In other words, there is little possibility of his second ‘offence’ that the prosecutor ‘asserts.’ Further it was only 8 min on July 23, 2012 that he made so called ‘sit-in’ that the prosecutors talk. Moreover, it was during the daily Catholic mass and he was sitting there because of hot weather while taking photo record.
The people who watched trial today could not but be shocked that the prosecutor raises his reason of appeal from the baseless inference that Paco Booyah has the possibility of so called ‘second offence’ and that he shows ‘no repentance,’ which is without proof. We should watch whether the ROK prosecutor authority loyal to the government and Samsung would oppress another innocent international peace worker or not. We should also watch whether the ROK judge make a just decision. We should join together to protect their safety.
The court decision on Paco Booyah will be at 2 pm on May 30.
Photo by Save Jeju Now (Source)/ Father Woo holds an Eucharist on May 3. For all 30 photos, see the source.
“Policemen, if you move this altar, 1 billion Catholic followers all over the world will watch over you.” The young Father Woo from Jeju finished ALL the orders of the Catholic mass despite the repeated remarks by Koo Seul-Hwan, security director of the Seogwipo Police Station, who was embarrassed but continued to threaten him that it is an obstruction of business.
It was for the first time that an altar was set up in front of the main naval base construction(destruction) gate since the navy forcefully set up fence on the way to the Gureombi Rock on Sept. 2, 2011.
Kim Mi-Lyang, a woman villager, held up a sign that reads, “Return back the Gureombi Rock to Kim Mi-Lyang, daughter of Gangjeong!” After the mass, we could observe an elderly follower teared and hugged Fr. Mun Jeong-Hyeon. There were lots of woman followers. It was really moving that they danced the Gangjoeng addictive dance together with the peacekeepers in Gangjeong.
Please see the video made by the Peace Nomad and Fr. Mun Jeong-Hyeon’s writing on the meaning of mass in front of gate, here. See also Organizing Notes, here.
Photo by Save Jeju Now/ Catholics dancing after the mass together with the peacekeepers in Gangjeong on May 3
It was April 8 that the construction company thugs blocked the gates then on April 25, Kang Un-Sik, a new chief of the Seogwipo Police Station, fostered threatening mood with his military boots and mobilization of 800 policemen who occupied the two gates. A police unit were searching village to arrest people.
It has become already four prisoners this year, including Yang Yoon-Mo, Park Sung-Soo (released on April 1), Kim Young-Jae, and Lee Jong-Hwa. The people’s press conferences led by the Jeju Pan-Island Committee for the Stop of Military Base and for the Realization of Peace Island on April 10 and National Network of Korean Civil Society for Opposing to the Naval Base in Jeju Island on May 2, were oppressed respectively.
Photo by Park Young-In on May 2 (Source) / People’s legal press conference to denounce government’s abuse of state power in front of gate at 1 pm was even interrupted by the police. For more on the day’s photos by Park Young-In and Kang Eun-Joo, see the source.
The press conference on May 2 was to demand the stop of illegal construction (destruction) and to criticize the government’s recent abuse of state power- indiscriminate arrest, imprisonment, and deportation of people. In Korea, press conference can be legally held without report. However, the police removed people twice to allow the construction trucks to pass by, despite people’s demand for time and protest to it.
The National Assembly has passed about 200.9 billion won budget for the 2013 Jeju naval base project on Dec. 31, 2012. Why does the government enforce illegal destruction that is already tremendous violation of EIA and human rights? Is it because of Samsung that gets 108.3 billion won for caisson production & stationing and basic formation of breakwater in the 1st work area of the project? See here.
The police interrupt people’s press conference to denounce the abuse of state power ( Video by Go Gwon-Il on May 2)
The peacekeepers who have kept the gates day and nights have been at the risk of worsening health, arrest and imprisonment. Wang Yu-Hsuan who has acted in Gangjeong for a long time has become the 21st victim of ROK government’s entry denial, in relation to naval base issue.
Mass that has been daily continued got oppression, as well as life and peace 100 bows. Even though the article 20 of the South Korea Constitution protects the freedom of religion.
However, the exemplar struggle by the Catholic Fathers, Brothers, Sisters and followers in Gangjeong is raising a new beacon of hope in the struggle against the Jeju naval base construction(destruction).
The Fathers’ struggle risks their own dignity as human beings and priests.
Photo by Pang Eun Mi on April 30/ Catholic Fathers are encircled during the mass in front of naval base construction gate to stop construction (destruction) trucks. For more photos, see here.Photo by Pang Eun-Mi on April 30/ Catholic Fathers are encircled when they take a mass in front of naval base construction gate to stop construction (destruction) trucks. (Source)Photo by Leejesu on April 29/ Catholic Fathers block destruction trucks
Heart-breaking struggle by Catholic Fathers and Jeju Island people continues while hymns are sung (Video by Pang Eun-Mi on May 2 : Source)
However, isn’t it amazing to imagine all the Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters, in Korea appear in front of the gate to express opposition against the Jeju naval base and will for the true Peace Island?
Such possibility has been shown when lots of Fathers and Sisters from the Jeju stood in front of destruction area and danced together. On the day, you could say The Holy Spirit has arrived in the village.
Photo by Leejesu on April 29 (Source)/Fathers and sisters stand together in front of destruction gates to hold a holy mass.
Dancing Fathers and Sisters (Video by Leejesu on April 29)
Update on May 4: Is it because of Fathers’ strong protests including the setting of altar on May 3? On Saturday, May 4, trucks did not pass by the main gate during the 11 am mass. It could be for a short time. But Fathers’ struggle is very appreciated. Here are some photos of Fathers, Brothers, Sisters and Catholic followers who pray and meditate during the mass. The big brother, Samsung is looking over the field in the form of a big monitor. The police with ‘red hats,’ with the background of fence where people left resistance slogans are decorations of the world where people’s aspiration for peace and democracy is urgent. For more photos, see here. The 1st photo is by Pang Eun-Mi. The others are by Save Jeju Now.
Photo by Save Jeju Now (source)/ Trucks do not pass by the main gate during the morning mass on May 4.
1.Island government attributes the cause of failure in invitation of the UN CBD COP to people’s WCC protest
Image by Jeju Sori, May 2, 2013/ Kim Sun-Woo, vice-governor of Environment and Economy, Jeju Island.
Some representing Jeju internet media criticize the Jeju Island government to point out the protesters opposing the Jeju naval base project as the cause of its failure to invite the UN CBD COP 12 (UN Convention on Biological Diversity, 12th Conference of the Parties). For reference, the COP 11 was held in Hyderabad, India, from 8 to 19 October 2012.
It was April 30 that the ROK Ministry of Environment decided the venue of the UNCBD COP12 in Pyeongchang, Gangwon province.
The Jeju media reports on May 2 that Kim Sun-Woo, Vice-governor of Environment and Economy, talked about the things during the review process on the location of COP 12 in the meeting with the news reporters accredited to the Island government on the day.
Vice-governor Kim introduced an episode saying that, “one of the judges raised an issue on a performance that the opposing groups against the Jeju naval base project carried out during the WCC. It was the most embarrassing inquiry to answer during the examination process.”
He was pointing out the performance in which each activist did not move lying inside the venue of the Convention Center where the WCC was held [from Sept. 6 to 15].
However, the Jeju Sori criticized his remarks:
‘His is in fact merely an excuse. The Island governnment started its activities on the invitation of COP 12 this year. It has been less than 4 months.
Not only its start was very late but it has not gathered Island people’s collective opinions on it. The Jeju Island government has also confessed that “we could not afford it because of the WCC.”
The remarks by the Vice Governor Kim means he was unreasonably venting his wrath to the Gangjeong villagers who are suffering from the naval base project for seven years.’
Media Jeju also wrote that it feels the shady Jeju Island government shameful to attribute its failure on the invitation of the COP 12 to the protesters.
Photo by Jeong Dauri (source)/ An international protester against the Jeju naval base project holds a doll of Indo-Pacific bottle nose dolphin that remain only 100 in Jeju and throughout Korea, in front of the WCC venue, during the 2012 WCC Jeju. For more photos, see the source.
2. Otherwise, the Jeju Island government is driving for the project for the Jeju World Leaders’ Conservation Forum, as a following measure for the Jeju declaration adopted in the 2012 WCC Jeju. The Jeju Island is to poster the forum as the Korean version Davos forum.”
The Jeju-based Halla Ilbo has reported on Jan. 30, 2013, that consultation between the Ministry of Environment and Jeju island government started on the discussion of participation size, program, agenda, budget size, organizing, establishment of foundation, methods of fundraising. Their aim is to hold its 1st forum in April, 2013.
Its strategy is to jointly sponsor the forum by the IUCN, Ministry of Environment, and Jeju island government and presents a new model for an environment meeting that presents a new vision by the discussion by ‘the highest-ranking leaders in the environment field.’
It is ironic and hypocritical that the Jeju Island government who joins the destruction with the naval base project in the Gangjeong village promotes the Jeju as a world environment herb that is centered on the big oligarchies such as Samsung, the main construction company of the Jeju naval base project.
3. The Island government’s such shameful remarks and moves are in line with the government propaganda to attribute to the opponents against the base project as the ‘pro-North Korea left wing.’
It was on March 18, 2013, that a Korean media, Hankyoreh disclosedthat Won Se-Hoon, chief of the ROK National Intelligence Service interfered in the Pre-Presidential election by ‘ordering his employees to interfere directly in national politics.’ The results were employee’s black comments in on-line sites to defame the opponents against the Jeju naval base project. The article reads:
‘Several similarities were detected between Won’s messages and messages posted by Kim on the site Today’s Humor. Her messages also contained criticisms of opponents to the building of a naval base on Jeju Island, praise for former President Lee Myung-bak’s overseas tours, and characterizations of opposition politicians as “pro-North Korea.” The similarities support claims that she acted according to the NIS chief’s orders.’
Some groups including the Office of Jang Hana (National Assembly woman, Democratic United Party), Democratic Lawyers’ Association and People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) have filed for lawsuits on Won Sei-Hoon for the charge of defamation on March 21.
The inter-connections among the Jeju Island government, navy, police, and National Intelligence Service is nothing new. The 812th program of the ‘PD Note,’ a documentary titled, “Why is the Gangjeong Village, Jeju, So Angry?” broadcast on May 5, 2009 has already disclosed on the secret meeting by those institutes, which shows the Jeju Island government, NIS, navy, and police’s intentional and systematic strategy of division and oppression of the village community for the enforcement of naval base construction. See here.
For the Korean leaders, criticism on Won Sei-Hoon’s policies in relation to the WCC and protesters can be seen here, in detail.
Photo by Cho Sung-Bong (Source)/ Villagers and activists opposing the naval base project on the final day of 2012 WCC Jeju, Sept. 15, 2013. Many NGO people from the world who joined the event have expressed strong support to the struggle. For more photos, see the 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.
The Posco Consortium became additional main navy-contracted companies along with the Samsung C& T that is in charge of the 1st work area that includes the west breakwater (420 m), South breakwater(1,076 m), and accessory facilities and the Daelim Industry consortium that is in charge of mooring dock(2,235 m), east breakwater(953 m), land area formation (478,500 ㎡) and accessory facilities.
The business size is 300.7 billion won for the Samsung C & T and 202, 2 billion won for Daelim Industry.
Photo taken on April 18, 2011/ The companies that join Samsung C & T in the 1st work area are: Daewoo Construction, Deokyoung General Construction, and Maritime General Construction The companies that join the Daelim Industry in the 2nd work area are: Hyundae Construction, Gyeryong Construction Industry, Daeyoung Construction, Samhwan Corporation, and Beomyoung Inc.
The POSCO construction consortium includes the Jeju-based Deokyoung general construction Inc. that has received orders of three constructions related to the Jeju naval base one after another.
The construction is to build the office and residential buildings inside the Jeju naval base project area.
It is known that the POSCO Consortium had a fierce competition with the Daelim Industry Consortium and win over it on Dec. 4, 2012. You can see some disgusting so called eco-friendly map pictures of landscape architectures designed by the Jteng Co that joins the POSCO here
Regarding Deokyoung General Construction, it is known that it received the order for the 1st work area of the harbor and bay construction in the Jeju naval base project area(outer area construction)-which is about 310 billion won size- in 2009, joining the Samsung C & T Consortium with 5 % share.
It also received an order on naval base related construction one after another by receiving order on the construction on the 2nd work area of the land facility of the Jeju naval base, which is about 82 billion won size, by joining the Hyundae Construction Consortium, with 10% share, last September.
Photo and caption by Inchun Mpark on March 19, 2013/ ‘A villager, riding an auto bicycle, comes to the naval base project building complex every morning and appeals to the people inside the complex to please show his land inside the project area. But he is turned away every time.’
The last tomb inside the project area was moved out.
In the dawn of March 19, the last tomb of a villager’s ancestor was moved to the outside the naval base project area. While many villagers’ ancestors’ tombs have been moved, the villager, Mr. Lee, has been the one who has persisted to keep it in its original place. It is told that there was a traditional ceremony when the tomb was moved this dawn.
