While many people were full of positive expectation for peace in Korea as they witnessed the 3rd inter- Korean Summit meeting in Pyeongyang, North Korea, on Sept. 19th, there was a Korean village that could not join such festivities, feeling betrayed and abandoned.
It was Gangjeong village, the Life and Peace village of less than 2,000 population. A village in the south of Jeju, the World Peace Island, located in the south sea below the Korean peninsula. As the world cheered the removal of mines and armaments at joint security area in the Korean DMZ this October, more than 40 warships including 19 international warships from 13 countries were heading to the Jeju navy base located in the Gangjeong village. One of the warships was the U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. It was radiated during the rescue work on the of Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.
We had the International Fleet Review in Jeju from Oct. 10-14. For us, it was the ‘ceremony to proclaim the Jeju military base.’ In his speech during the pass-in-review, on Oct. 11, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, welcoming all the warships, declared that ‘peace comes through national defense power,’ and the Jeju navy base would be ‘the stronghold for peace’, as if confirming the abusive title of the fleet review: “Jeju Where Peace Starts.”
Meanwhile, Cho Kyung-chul, a former mayor of village sat in front of the Jeju navy base in protest to the enforced fleet review by the Moon government. Policemen tried to remove him and others away from the gate while a female villager, Kim Mi-ryang climbed up to the top of base gate in protest. However, the most infuriating part on the day occurred after the pass-in- review when Moon made a show of apology for the enforcement of the Jeju navy base construction in a new luxurious community building, surrounded by media reporters who, many of them, wrote later as if the issue of Gangjeong was settled by President Moon’s apology to the villagers who were represented by current mayor, and vice-mayor, of the village.
The editorial cartoon of Hankyoreh news, Oct. 12, 2018
The truth is that the very ones such as Kang Dong- kyun, a former mayor, Fr. Mun Jeong-hyeon, and other protestors who have struggled against Jeju navy base project for last 11 years were forcefully stopped by the policemen on the street when they tried to protest to Moon face-to-face. In July, Moon’s Presidential House sent its delegates to the village five times, to persuade the villagers to support the fleet review. It was even suggested President Moon’s apology to Gangjeong would be conditioned on the village supporting fleet review. The villagers were annoyed by such a deceptive proposal. There had already been villagers’ official decision against the fleet review in March. However, the new representatives of current village association are unfortunately compromising to the navy. Many of them were inclined toward economic earnings from the fleet review. Finally, a village meeting was held again on July 29 to revisit the issue of the fleet review. The anti-base villagers’ committee boycotted the vote. By the result of suspicious vote, the village association annnounced its acceptance of fleet review. The Jeju Island [regional] Council whose 43 members had all signed the draft for a petition of opposition to the fleet review but cancelled to submit the petition at its main meeting, after its contact with a delegate from the Presidential House. As former mayor Cho would say, Moon brought the 10 year conflict between con and pro base villagers into a new 100 year conflict.
Anti-base villagers held a emergent press conference after their trial to meet President Moon for protest was blocked by the police. Oct. 11, 2018/ Photo by Hwang Soo-young
The U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan could enter the Jeju navy base only the day after the pass-in-review ceremony. It is told that our small but courageous kayak team splendidly delayed its entry to the base. The Ronald Reagan docked in the cruise terminal located in the west side of Jeju navy base whose other name is the ‘Beautiful Tourism Port for Civilian Military Complex’.
The Gangjeong kayak team ptotest to USS Ronald Reagan during the fleet review. Photo by Kaia Curry.
The Ronald Reagan stayed until Oct. 16th. With its 5,700 crew members and two accompanying U.S. guided missile cruisers’ 600 crew members, the numbers of U.S. soldiers totaled more than 60% of the 10,000 international soldiers who joined the fleet review. On Oct. 15 when there was protest in front of the cruise terminal, a villager was arrested and released the next day.
The lines of tour bus carrying U.S. sailors into the various parts of Jeju Island were endless. People stayed in front of base gate until 1:00 am for protest as those buses returned to gate. They were carried even in police and navy buses. Some sailors were drunk. Whether drunk or not, some of them mocked the protesters, throwing the remarks of sexual harassment, such as ‘I love you.’ Some of them were making gestures of hand kiss. However, the most remarkable word came out from the mouth of a U.S. sailor on the day: “You are the slave.”
On the day, we could realize: The fleet review this year which marks the 70th year of April 3rd uprising and massacre is nothing but declaration of U.S. Navy base on Jeju. For near a week, the UNESCO biosphere designated sea was suffering. There was the leaked oil from two international warships. Water was strangely coming out from the USS Ronald Reagan from which a massive numbers of garbage bags were carried out for disposal in Busan.
But above all, the fleet review was for the Moon government and navy to nail the Jeju navy base as the stronghold for the ‘ocean navy,’ which means the navy aims to extend its activity area ‘beyond Korea.’
Children play on the arms displayed inside the Jeju navy base during the fleet review/ Photo by Joyakgol.
Two remarkable bits of news came out during the National Assembly investigation on the government affairs. On Oct. 12, it was known that the navy almost decided to introduce Raytheon’s Standard missile (SM- 3), a key element of missile defense.
The other was navy’s plan to have two operational Commands of which the 2nd Operation Command aims to respond to ‘potential or nonmilitary threat.’ The 2nd Operation Command will be in line with the creation of task fleet Command which ‘would run Aegis-equipped destroyers and submarines.’ Together with aviation Command which will be created also, the task fleet command will compose the 2nd Operation Command. It will be likely that the activities of 2nd Operation Command and introduction of SM-3 would be much related to the Jeju navy base as it homeports the task force and submarine squadrons. It is the homeport of nine South Korean destroyers including three biggest Aegis destroyers in South Korea. And its location is close to China and South China Sea where military tension between U.S. and China is being rapidly escalated.
We became to know later that the reason that China declined to send its warship to the fleet review in Jeju was because one of South Korean destroyers, Munmu, the Great, happened to enter China’s claimed sea territory near the Paracel Islands on Sept. 16, allegedly for the reason of typhoon. The homeport of Munmu, the Great is the Jeju navy base.
On Oct. 26, Jeong Kyeong-doo, Minister of National Defense said that THAAD [ground-based missile defense system] will be officially deployed after the general environmental impact assessment. This brought fury to the people of Soseong-ri, Seongju on the mainland of Korea. They continue to demand the withdrawal of THAAD from their communities. Not only that, the sale of 64 PAC-3 missiles in South Korea has been approved. Cheong Wooksik of the Peace Network notes the U.S. move to integrate THAAD and PAC-3 systems through THAAD radar.
According to Tim Cahill, Lockheed Martin, vice president of air-and-missile defense, such interoperability ‘could open other doors to achieve an even more seamless tiered and layered missile defense capability.’ (Defense News, Oct. 10, 2018) Now with the plan of introduction of SM-3, the U.S.-led multilayer missile defense system in South Korea will be even more extended.
In the ROK-U.S. Security Consultative meeting on Oct. 31, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis ‘reaffirmed the continued U.S. commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK using the full range of military capabilities, including U.S. nuclear, conventional, and missile defense capabilities’ which is denial of NK-U.S. Summit meeting in Singapore, June 12, this year. Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea also notes that the international fleet review in Jeju is a part of U.S. plan to make ROK-U.S. alliance for regional and comprehensive alliance.
In his pass-in review speech on Oct. 11, President Moon mentioned Columbus as a historic example who sailed to far away oceans. The originally planned date for pass-in-review was Oct. 12. Columbus stepped on America lands on Oct. 12, 1492. It is not known well he was the merchant of ‘slaves.’
—Sung-hee Choi lives in the Gangjeong village, Jeju Island, South Korea. She is a coordinator of village international team, as well as a Korean advisory board member for the Global Network. www.savejejunow.org
The Nightmare of a Fleet Review in Jeju/ South Korea to have blue-water navy, imperialist ambitions?/ Resisting Empire in the 21st Century/ Korea and the war in Yemen/ Delivery of Jeju April 3rd Petition to the US embassy/MD system extension in South Korea/ Bijarim Road and the 2nd Jeju airport project/ For more than Recognition of Conscientious Objection/ Soft corals threatened with the plan of new dredging/ Gangjeong Activists receive the “Red Award”/ Exhibitions by Koh Gilchun, Oum Mun-hee and Yang Sang/ The opening of Jeju Dolphins Center/ Trial Updates etc.
20/10/18 – Pax Christi International has signed onto the 2018 International Solidarity Statement against the International Fleet Review in Jeju. The statement follows below. A number of Pax Christi members in the Asia-Pacific region have also signed onto the statement.
We, the undersigned organisations and individuals, strongly oppose the International Fleet Review which will be held at Jeju Naval Base in Gangjeong Village from 10 October. This is the biggest event by the Korean navy since Jeju naval base was constructed and around 50 vessels and 20 aircraft from 45 countries will gather in Jeju Naval Base. A marine inspection, an open house event on vessels and in the base, and a military industry exhibition are scheduled.
The international fleet review, gathering warships from around the world, will heighten the military tension in the region and create dark clouds of conflict in the midst of the growing desire to open a new era of peace and coexistence and end the war on the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia.
Jeju Naval Base was constructed on top of state violence against the villagers, lies, and destruction of the natural environment. We all remember the coercive construction process and problems of the Jeju Naval Base. While supporting Jeju islanders’ desire to establish this beautiful island as the Island of Peace, we strongly oppose the International Fleet Review being held in Jeju Island.
Since the establishment of Jeju Naval Base, the militarization of Jeju Island has sped up. Warships from different countries including a U.S. nuclear submarine have already been frequently visiting the Jeju Naval Base. In addition to this, a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier will also join the International Fleet Review. We are concerned that this International Fleet Review will widen the gate of the Jeju Naval Base to the Japanese and the U.S. warships. The U.S. Pacific commander already expressed his wish to station a Zumwalt Stealth Destroyer at the Jeju Naval Base. In addition to building the naval base, the Korean Navy reinforced the marine corps in Jeju and also expressed its plan to use the 2nd airport as its air base which the Government is forcibly working to construct in Seongsan, Jeju Island.
The militarization of Jeju Island will retrogress peace on the Korean Peninsula, and expedite militarization in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. The U.S. changed the Pacific Command into Indo-Pacific Command last May. This clearly shows its will to prioritize military hegemony in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, instead of peaceful cooperation. The U.S. has not been hiding its plan to establish a NATO-like military alliance in the Indo-Pacific region. Many peace organisations are concerned that Jeju Island will become an outpost against China by the U.S. and its military allies.
Under this circumstances, the International Fleet Review will internationally establish the existence and military use of the Jeju Naval Base. This seriously jeopardizes the future vision of Jeju Island as ‘The Island of Peace’ declared by the South Korean government in 2005. It also damages environment of Beom Island which is designated as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The two Koreas declared ‘a new era of peace’ and are walking towards the establishment of a peace system and denuclearization on the Korean peninsula. Korean people’s efforts to move on to peace and coexistence from the hostility of the past should be linked to efforts to make the Pacific peaceful. We support Jeju islanders’ desire to make a “genuine” Island of Peace and oppose the militarization of the Pacific. The International Fleet Review in Jeju Island must be stopped immediately.
No International Fleet Review in Jeju!
Shut down the Jeju Naval Base!
Stop the Militarization of Jeju! Stop the Militarization of the Ocean!
Let’s make Jeju Island the Island of Peace, Let’s make the Pacific the sea of Peace!
The endorsement was joined by 435 international supporters including many well-known activists, artists and scholars. We thank so much to all the international citizens who joined our endorsement. We also remember that there are much more international friends who support our struggle. We so thank them and express our solidarity, also. Please see the related article, here.
2018 International Solidarity Statement against the International Fleet Review in Jeju
No International Fleet Review in Jeju
Let’s make Jeju Island the Island of Peace
Let’s make the Pacific the Sea of Peace
10 October 2018
We, the undersigned organisations and individuals, strongly oppose the International Fleet Review which will be held at Jeju Naval Base in Gangjeong Village from 10 October. This is the biggest event by the Korean navy since Jeju naval base was constructed and around 50 vessels and 20 aircraft from 45 countries will gather in Jeju Naval Base. A marine inspection, an open house event on vessels and in the base, and a military industry exhibition are scheduled.
The international fleet review, gathering warships from around the world, will heighten the military tension in the region and create dark clouds of conflict in the midst of the growing desire to open a new era of peace and coexistence and end the war on the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia.
Jeju Naval Base was constructed on top of state violence against the villagers, lies, and destruction of the natural environment. We all remember the coercive construction process and problems of the Jeju Naval Base. While supporting Jeju islanders’ desire to establish this beautiful island as the Island of Peace, we strongly oppose the International Fleet Review being held in Jeju Island.
Since the establishment of Jeju Naval Base, the militarization of Jeju Island has sped up. Warships from different countries including a U.S. nuclear submarine have already been frequently visiting the Jeju Naval Base. In addition to this, a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier will also join the International Fleet Review. We are concerned that this International Fleet Review will widen the gate of the Jeju Naval Base to the Japanese and the U.S. warships. The U.S. Pacific commander already expressed his wish to station a Zumwalt Stealth Destroyer at the Jeju Naval Base. In addition to building the naval base, the Korean Navy reinforced the marine corps in Jeju and also expressed its plan to use the 2nd airport as its air base which the Government is forcibly working to construct in Seongsan, Jeju Island.
The militarization of Jeju Island will retrogress peace on the Korean Peninsula, and expedite militarization in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. The U.S. changed the Pacific Command into Indo-Pacific Command last May. This clearly shows its will to prioritize military hegemony in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, instead of peaceful cooperation. The U.S. has not been hiding its plan to establish a NATO-like military alliance in the Indo-Pacific region. Many peace organisations are concerned that Jeju Island will become an outpost against China by the U.S. and its military allies.
Under this circumstances, the International Fleet Review will internationally establish the existence and military use of the Jeju Naval Base. This seriously jeopardizes the future vision of Jeju Island as ‘The Island of Peace’ declared by the South Korean government in 2005. It also damages environment of Beom Island which is designated as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The two Koreas declared ‘a new era of peace’ and are walking towards the establishment of a peace system and denuclearization on the Korean peninsula. Korean people’s efforts to move on to peace and coexistence from the hostility of the past should be linked to efforts to make the Pacific peaceful. We support Jeju islanders’ desire to make a “genuine” Island of Peace and oppose the militarization of the Pacific. The International Fleet Review in Jeju Island must be stopped immediately.
No International Fleet Review in Jeju!
Shut down the Jeju Naval Base!
Stop the Militarization of Jeju! Stop the Militarization of the Ocean!
Let’s make Jeju Island the Island of Peace, Let’s make the Pacific the sea of Peace!
Aaron Tovish(Zona Libre), Adilur Rahman Khan(Odhikar), Adrian Partridge (Derby CND), Adrian Perry (Derby Labour Party), Ai Iwakawa , Aiichiroh Sasagawa, Ailsa Johnson, Akifumi Fujita(Peace Studies, TRANSCEND Japan), Aki KANEKO, Akiko Nishijima , Alain Ah Vee(LALIT), Alfred Robert Hogan(Writers Plus Newsroom), Alice Slater(World BEYOND War), Amy Echeverria(Missionary Society of St. Columban), Amy Harlib(Yoga For Peace, Justice, and Harmony With the Planet), Amy Levine, Andree Duguy(Women in Black London), Andrew Graham(Australian Anti-Bases campaign Coalition/Independent Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN)), Angela Burrows(Pax Christi NSW, Independent and Peaceful Australia Network), Angie Kim(The supporting committee for Korean prisoners of conscience), Angie Zelter(Trident Ploughshares, Reforest the Earth, UK), Ann E. Ruthsdottir(Peace Works), Ann Kobayashi(Japanese Against Nuclear UK), Anne Dodd(Abingdon Peace Group), Anne Elvey(Plumwood Mountain: An Australian Journal of Ecopoetry and Ecopoetics), Anne Lanyon(Pax Christi NSW), Anne Lindsay(CND), Anne Macarthur(SCOTTISH CND), Anne Milne(Edinburgh CND), Annette Brownlie(Independent and Peaceful Australia Network), Annette Sheppard(Nil), Antonio Carlos Silva Rosa(TRANSCEND Media Service), Anuradha Chenoy(AEPF), Ara Lee(Puri arts), Ariel Ky(Nada), Asako Kageyama (Morinoeigasha), Asfinawati(Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI)), ASM Badrul Alam (Bangladesh Krishok Federation), Atsushi Fujioka(Ritsumeikan University), Aya Kasai(Miyazaki International College), Barry Huges(CND London), Bedjo Untung(YPKP 65 Indonesian Institute for the Study of 1965/66 Massacre), Benjamin Monnet, Bi-Xiu Lin(Environmental Rights Foundation), Bobby Montemayor(Metro Subic Network), Brenda Paik Sunoo, Brian Noyes Pulling, Brian Quail(Catholic worker), Brian Smiddy(St Mary’s Social Justice Group), Brigidine Sisters Kildara Centre, Bruce Gagnon(Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space), Buddy Bell(Voices for Creative Nonviolence), Camilla Saunders(Knighton Action for Peace and Justice), Candace Fujikane(University of Hawaiʻi English Department), Carol Turner(London Region CND), Carolyn A Hadfield(World Can’t Wait-Hawai`i), Catherine Christie (Local/Global Advocacy Network), Catherine Lutz(Brown University), CedarBough Saeji(University of British Columbia), Charles Ryu(St. Paul’s United Methodist Church), Chieko Hotta(Hiyamikachi), Chikako Kobayashi, Chikashi Furukawa(East Asia Popular History Exchange, Taiwan), Christina Rusnov , Christine A. DeTroy(Greater Brunswick PeaceWorks), Christine Ahn(Women Cross DMZ), Christopher Butler(Shipley CND), Christopher Coppock(Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Citizen of the World), Christopher Gwyntopher(Trident Ploughshares), Cindy Lin(East Asia popular history exchange, Taiwan), Citizens Opposing Active Sonar Threats, Claude Mostowik msc(Pax Christi Australia, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Justice and Peace Centre), Colonel Ann Wright(U.S. Army (Retired) & Veterans for Peace), Come Ledesert(Filmmaker), Corazon Valdez Fabros(International Peace Bureau), Councillor Maya Evans(Voices for Creative Non Violence UK), Cynthia Franklin(University of Hawaii), Daisuke Sato(No Nukes Asia Forum Japan), Daisy(Women’s peace group), Dan Troy(Columbans), Daniell O’Keeffe(Missionary Society of St Columban), Danilo Alejandro(United Peoples Association of Zambales), Dave Webb(Global Network & CND), David French(Moray Peace Builders), David Hartsough(PEACEWORKERS), David Hoadley(Southampton CND), David Mackenzie(Trident Ploughshares), David Ray(Trident Ploushares), David Vine(American University), Debbie Kim(Gangjeong UK), Diane lunzer(CND), Dud Hendrick(Deer Isle, Maine), Eamon Adams(Missionary Society of St Columban), Earl Arnold(Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea), ECOTERRA Intl., Edward Egan(Pax Christi), Eileen Cook(Edinburgh CND), Elizabeth Knight (TPAG and TP), Elizabeth Rees(World Can’t Wait-Hawai`i), Ella Weng, Ellen E Barfield(Veterans For Peace, War Resisters League), Ellen Smiddy(St Mary’s Social Justice Group), Ellen Teague(Columban Missionaries, Britain), Ema Tagicakibau(Pacific Action Network for Peace and Disarmament (PANPAD), Pacific Foundation for the Advancement of Women (PACFAW)), Eric Herter(Maine Chapter 001, Veterans for Peace), Eun-Jeung Lee(Freie Universitaet Berlin), European Sanctuary of World Peace Prayer Society, Felix Mushobozi(Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission USG, UISG), Ferdinand Liefert(German East Asia Mission), Filo Hirota(Catholic Council for Justice and Peace of Japan), fPcN – friends of Peoples close to Nature, Francis McDonagh (St Mellitus Church), Frank Cordaro(Des Moines Catholic Worker), Fumihide Kanaya, Gail Okuma(Chuo University, Policy Studies Faculty), Gail Whang, Gar Smith(Environmentalists Against War), Gayle Wells, Geoff Holland(World Peace Now ॐ), Geoffrey Shaw, George Katsiaficas (Eros Effect Foundation), Gerry Condon(Veterans For Peace), Gerry Lee(Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns), Gill Boehringer(International Assn. of People’s Lawyers), Gisela Köllner, Greet Vanaerschot(Pax Christi International), Greg Reynolds(Inclusive Catholics Vic Inc.), Gwyn Kirk(Women for Genuine Security), H Mitchell(Bedford CND), Haeng Woo Lee(National Association of Korean-Americans), Hannah Kemp-Welch(CND), Harry Kerr(Pax Christi Australia), Heather Weedon(Franciscan Missionaries of Mary), Helen Marron(Pax Christi), Helen van den Berg(Pax Christi), Helena Paul, Hemantha Withanage(Centre for Environmental Justice), Henri Tiphagne(People’s Watch), Herbert J. Hoffman(VFP, Albuquerque, NM), Hideko Otake, Hiromi Ootsuki (Theater people who chose no war), Hiroshi Inaba(Okinawa Peace Support), Hiroshi Sato, Hiroshi Yamaguchi(group ZAZA in Osaka), Huang Yu Hsiang(University of the Ryukyus), Hugo Wilson, Hui Hwa Nam(Voices), Hye-Jung Park(Philadelphia Committee for Peace and Justice in Asia), Hyejin Yoon(University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Hyeyoung Lee(PCUSA), Ian Gasse(Dumfries TUC), Ian P. Hamilton(Methodist Church in Britain & Ireland), Ichiro Sumida(Henoko Blue), Ikuko Oshiro(Henoko Blue), Iljung Kim(University of British Columbia), Iwakawa(Labornet), Jack Cohen-Joppa(Nuclear Resister), Jacquelyn Wells(Women Cross DMZ), James George Cullen (Columban Fathers), James Trewby(Columbans UK), Jammu Narayana Rao(Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space), Jan Plummer(Trident Ploughshares), Jane Kaisen(Artist), Janet Fenton(Words & Actions Scotland, Scottish CND, Scottish WILPF, ICAN in Scotland), Jason Rawn(National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee), Jay Hauben(Amateur Computerist), Jean Oliver(Trident Ploughshares), Jean Sanborn(Women’s International League for Peace), Jenny Clegg(Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, UK), Jenny Lee(Women Together, Inc.), Jesook Song(University of Toronto), Jess Santiago(Poet), Jill Gough(CND Cymru), Jo Bownas(St Mellitus Church), Jo Fry(Moray Peace Builders), Jo Siedlecka (Independent Catholic News), Joan West(East Lancashire CND), Joanna Nowicki(Moray Peace Builders and World beyond War), Joanne K Hardy(Greater Brunswick PeaceWorks), John B. Din(Columban Missionaries – Philippines), John Feffer(Foreign Policy In Focus), John Jackson(Asia Culture Center), John Lynes(Hastings against war), John Morris(Veterans for Peace), John Pilger(Journalist, writer, documentary filmmaker), John Wells(KPCW), Jos van den Berg(Pax Christi), Joseph Anthony Camilleri(Pax Christi), Joseph Essertier(World BEYOND War), Joseph Gerson(Campaign for Peace Disarmament, Common Security), Joy Enomoto(Womenʻs Voices Women Speak), Jude Genovia (Columban Missionaries), Judith Emerson(Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), Judith Joy(Grassington & District Peace Group), Julia Larden(Hall Green CND), Julianna Bethlen (Women in Black London), Julie Enslow(Peace Action of Wisconsin), Julie Maguire(St Cuthberts Crook Justice & Peace Group), Julie Marlow(Australian Anti-Bases Campaign Coalition), Julie Ward MEP(Labour Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Kagari Ando, Kaia Curry(The Frontiers), Kamal Mitra Chenoy(JNU), Karissa Chua(Center for Peace Education – Miriam College), Kate Holcombe(Trident Ploughshares), Kathryn Edwards(Women in Black, London), Kathy Kelly(Voices for Creative Nonviolence), Katsuko Kai, Katsumi Hamaguchi(Kyoto), Kayoko Teshigawara (Meijigakuin university), Kazuhiro Ohmura(People’s soridarity of Okinawa Korea), Kazuhiro Shibata(NARAYUN-OKINAWA), Kazuyo Kozaki, Keiron Sparrowhawk(Justice and Peace, St Mellitus, UK), Ken Butigan(Pace e Bene), Kenneth Mayers(Veterans For Peace), Kenneth Wardrop(Stirling CND), Kerry Long(University of Hawaii at Manoa), Ketei Matsui(Global Campaign for Peace Education, Japan), Kevin Martin(Peace Action), Kikuko Nakahara, Kil Sang Yoon(Korean American National Coordinating Council, Inc.), Kimiko Matsuda, Kirity Roy (MASUM), Kit Fry(Moray Peace Builders), Kitamura Megumi (Japanese Army Comfort Women Problem Solving Hiroshima Network), Kiwamu Ogawa, Kiyoko Schneiss(Deutsche Ostasienmission), Koohan Paik(International Forum on Globalization), Kozue Akibayashi(Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom), Kristin Douglas, Kristina Wolff(Veterans for Peace), Kunio Asato(Henoko Blue), Kyle Kajihiro(Hawaiʻi Peace and Justice), Kyoko Okumoto(Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute), Kyu Hyun Kim(Koreanfilm.org), Laam Hae(York University), Larry Kerschner(VFP Rachel Corrie Chapter 109), Laura Wilder(Pax Christi Dallas), Lenette Toledo(Columban Missionaries), Leonard Eiger(Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action), Lina Koleilat(The Australian National University), Linda Hugl(Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Lindis Percy(Co-Founder of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB)), Lisa Savage(Maine Natural Guard), Liu ChiaSheng(Peace for the Sea), Loreta Castro(Center for Peace Education), Louise Legun(Veterans For Peace), Luis Frailes Álvaro (Grupo de Estudios Literarios y Decoloniales Asia-Pacífico en Madrid), Lynn Jamieson(Scottish branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Maggie Galley(Pax Christi Australia NSW Branch), Maggie Holdsworth(Concerned human), Malcolm Bruce(Edinburgh CND), Manuel Pardo(Frente Antiimperialista Internacionalista), Margaret Tonkin(Pax Christi Victoria. Australia), Margery Toller(Christian CND, Anglican Pacifist Fellowship), Marie Dennis(Pax Christi International), Mark Kaplan(Grey Matter Media), Martha Duenas Baum(Famoksaiyian – Guahan), Martha Hennessy(Catholic Worker), Martin Newell cp(Passionists UK), Mary Beth Sullivan(Global Network), Mary Branson(St Marys Catholic Church), Masae Yuasa(Hiroshima City University), Masakazu Yasui (Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo)), Masako Suzuki(Northern dugong research team), Masako Tanaka(Sophia University), Masato Minamino(Okinawa-Korea People Solidarity), Masato Shinozaki, Mayumi Seita, Merci Angeles(Peace Women Partners), Meri Joyce(Peace Boat), Mesopotamia Ecology Movement, Michael Bloom(Abingdon Peace Group), Michael O’Sullivan(Columbans Ireland), Michael Orgel(Medact Scotland), Mike Hastie(Veterans For Peace), Miliann Kang, Mina Watanabe(Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM)), Minah Seo(Columban Lay Missionary), Minoru Haseagwa(Okinawa Peace Support), Minoru Suda(Article) Messege Project), Mio Kokubun(Okinawa Baptist convention), Mio Nogawa(Alternative People’s Linkage in Asia), Misako Ichimura(Nora), Morag Carmichael(Trident Ploughshares), Mort Stamm, Motoki Tomoyose, Munemitsu Shiota, Munenori Ohwan 大湾 宗則(米軍Xバンドレーダー基地反対京都/近畿連絡会, No Base! 沖縄とつながる京都の会), Nan Kim(Alliance of Scholars Concerned about Korea, Women Cross DMZ), Nancy E. Galland(Natural Resource Defense Council USA), Natasha Mayers(Union of Maine Visual Artists), Nick Molnar(Moray Peace Builders), Nigel Young(Local Peace Group), Noam Chomsky(Linguist/Social Critic), Noboru Takeno, Noriko Kato(Stop!Henoko-umetate-campaign), Noriko Kyogoku(Base stop from bus stop(KANAGAWA)), Noriko Nakamatsu(Henoko Blue), Nuki Ashi, Olga Fedorenko(Seoul National University), Olivia Agate(Trident Ploughshares/CND), Osamu M akishi(Diving Team Rainbow), Pat Cunningham (Columban Justice and Peace), Pat Gaffney(Pax Christi British Section), Pat Sanchez(Greater Manchester CND), Patricia Antonyshyn, Patrick McInerney(Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations), Paul Krumm(Salina Resistance), Paul Schneiss(Deutsche Ostasienmission), Penny Morris(Veterans For Peace, MAINE), Penny Walker(Leicester Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Peter Hughes(Society of St. Columban), Peter Lanyon(Trident Ploughshares, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament), Peter O’Neill(Columban Mission Centre Peace, Ecology and Justice Office), Peter S. Morgan, Jr.(Veterans For Peace, USA Coast Guard), Peter Vanhoutte, Pierre Rousset(Europe solidaire sans frontières (ESSF)), Prescilla D. Tulipat(UP Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment), Puaʻena N. Ahn, Rachael M Joo(Middlebury College), Rachel Western, Rafendi Djamin(Human Rights Working Group – Indonesia), Ramsay Liem(Boston College), Rebecca Johnson(Women in Black), Rebecca Woodsford(Gareloch Hortis), Regina Hagen(Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space), Reiner Braun(International Peace Bureau), Renate Zauner (Trident Ploughshares), Rie Nakaya(Vancouver Save Article 9), Rikiya Miwa(AWC), Rita Camilleri(Pax Christi Victoria), Robert B. Shetterly(Americans Who tell the Truth), Robert L. Dale(Veterans for Peace), Robert Morris(Veterans For Peace, MAINE), Robin Spencer(Maine Veterans for Peace), Roger Leisner(Radio Free Maine), Rolly Bea, Romi Elnagar(Green Party of the US (unofficial) Issues and Discussion Group), Romina Beitseen(Campaign for International Co-operation and Disarmament (CICD)), Rosalie Tyler Paul (Greater Bunswick Peaceworks), Rose Berger(Sojourners), Rosemary Theobalds(Gareloch Hortis), Rowena leder(Grassington & District Peace Group North Yorkshire England), Ruchama Marton, Russell Wray(Citizens Opposing Active Sonar Threats), Ryoko Okazaki (Ritsumeikan University), S. Unzu Lee(Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea), Saito Takako(Saitma Teachers’ Union), Sarah Lasenby(Oxford Quakers), Sarah Swift(Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign), Sasha Davis(Keene State College), Satoko Oka Norimatsu(Peace Philosophy Centre), Sean Martin(Society of Saint Columban), Seth Martin(The Menders), Seung Hee Jeon(Boston College), Shigeo Kobayashi(Japanese Against Nuclear UK), Shigeru Takagi (NPO Vountary Night School in Matsudo city), Shizuko Nagashima , Sho Nagamine, Shona Mcalpine(Scottish CND), Simone Chun(Women Cross DMZ), Sisto dos Santos(The HAK Association), Soomin Seo(Temple University), Sriprakash Mayasandra(Mennonite Central Committee), Stephen Hull, Stuart Parkinson(Scientists for Global Responsibility), Subodh Raj Pyakurel(INSEC), Sue Park-Hur(Reconciliasian), Sumi Hasegawa(Article 9 Canada), Sumie Mizusawa(Henoko blue), Sungeun Kim(Filmmaker), Susan Bennet(Gareloch Horticulturalists peace action group), Suzanne Ewing(Pax Chrisit USA), Suzanne Hedrick(Global works, Women’s International League for Peace), Suzuyo Takazato(Okinawa Women Act Against Military Violence), Suzy Kim, Swedish Peace Council, Takao Takahara(Peace Depot), Takashi Tanino(Agenda Project), Takehiko Ito(Wako University), Tamayo Yamshiro(Henoko blue), Tarak Kauff(Veterans For Peace), Taworu Yamasaki(Henoko Blue), Terri Kekoolani (Hawaii Peace and Justice), Terry Andrews, Terry Byrne(Pax Christi, Victoria, Australia), Theresa Wolfwood(Centre Foundation Barnard-Boecker), Thomas Harty(Veterans for Peace), Tim Shorrock(The Nation), Timothy Zhu(Democratic Socialists of Honolulu), Tom D’Arcy(D’Arcy), Tom Rainey-Smith, Tomas Remiarz(GreenLand Services), Tomiko Suzuki, Tommy Griffin(Veterans For Peace Chapter 170), Toshio Takahashi 高橋 年男 (沖縄―韓国民衆連帯), Tsuneo Takeuchi , Tyson Smith Berry Jr(4Kids International), Ulla Klötzer(Women Against Nuclear Power – Finland), Universal Peace&Social Development Society , Valerie Flessati(Pax Christi), Vicki Beitseen(CICD), Vincent Moinard, Viv Ring (Derby CND), Vladimir Tikhonov (박노자)(Oslo University), Wamuyu (Pax Christi international), Will Griffin(The Peace Report), William H. Slavick(Pax Christi Maine), Will Yang, World BEYOND War, Wu Ju Mei, Yeonhee Kim (University of Hawai’i Manoa), Yoko(Henoko blue), Yoko Iemoto(Article 9 Canada), Yoshida Ai 吉田藍 , Yoshio Nakamura(AWC-Japan), Yosi (Jo) McIntire(The Friendship Association), Youjeong Oh(The University of Texas at Austin), Youki Kato, Young Sun Han, Yuji Murakami, Yukiko Okamoto(not organisation), Yumiko Makihara, 上間芳子(沖縄平和市民連絡会), 仲村渠 政彦(わが沖縄を考えるひとりの会), 土井陽子, 富樫純子, 小西誠(社会批評社), 山田星河, 廣瀬 康代(あぷら), 清水早子（しみずはやこ）(宮古島ピースアクション実行委員会), 瀧川 順朗(AWC), 陳姿吟 이상 총 435명
For a related urgent enforsement “No Fleet Review in Jeju”, please fo to here.
By Nan Kim
Nan Kim is a Medium member since Oct 2018. She is the author of Memory, Reconciliation, and Reunions in South Korea: Crossing the Divide/professor of contemporary history/anthropologist/public historian/working mom
Air shows. Water shows. Fleet Week. Depending on your views, these can be regarded as a nuisance or a form of entertainment here in the United States. But on South Korea’s Jeju Island, a place once officially designated as the Island of World Peace, the impending arrival of the first International Fleet Review is nothing short of appalling for residents still haunted by the trauma of intense militarized violence that had once gripped the island decades ago.
South Korea will host the International Fleet Review over four days beginning October 10th, when warships from 15 nations, including the Philippines and the United States, will arrive at Jeju Island. For the Fleet Review to happen this year, of all years, is a bitter irony in that 2018 saw a great many earnest and somber 70-year commemorations of “April 3rd” (사삼 “sasam” in Korean). Sasam is the short-hand vernacular term to denote the period of massacres beginning in 1948 when tens of thousands of civilians were sweepingly labeled as communists, which served as a pretext for their being summarily killed by rightist state- and paramilitary forces in a campaign of “island pacification” synonymous with mass death. It was a traumatic episode that had been lost for a time to oblivion, as all accounts and evidence of the massacre were heavily censored for a generation under South Korea’s past authoritarian governments.
But eventually through the work of survivors, activists, and other advocates determined to ensure that the tragedy of the April 3rd massacres would not be forgotten, public opinion in South Korea and beyond had transformed to the point that sasam has come to be publicly memorialized in official and unofficial ceremonies every year. Moreover, by the “post-Cold War” period of the 1990s, it became widely recognized that Jeju Island had to remain demilitarized for the sake of regional peace and stability. This is because of Jeju’s sensitive location at the crossroads of Northeast Asia, particularly given its past use as a military outpost by the Imperial Japanese Navy during WWII. Part of the island’s tragic history is that, toward the end of Japan’s occupation of Korea (1910–1945), Japanese colonial forces built airfields on Jeju so that bombers could refuel in order to carry out aerial attacks against cities on China’s eastern seaboard including Nanjing and Shanghai.
Peace in the region therefore hinges upon a peaceful Jeju, and among those who visited the island to attend peace conferences and high-level summits in the 1990s were Mikhail Gorbachev (1991), Jiang Zemin (1995), and Bill Clinton (1996). It was during that period when Moon Chung-in — a Jeju native and currently special advisor to the South Korean President — also proposed that the island be made “a hub of peace” along the model of Geneva. Jeju’s identity, which had revolved at the time around tangerine farming and a burgeoning tourism industry, would be burnished by Jeju’s official governmental recognition as an “Island of World Peace” in 2005.
But the delicate balance of regional stability that had relied upon Jeju’s demilitarization would be dangerously altered by the realization of plans for the Jeju Naval Base, which has been vigorously opposed by peace activists for the past 11 years throughout the period of its construction until its opening last year. Given that military alliance agreements mean that US warships and nuclear submarines can readily port at Jeju, Gangjeong peace activists persist in their protests out of moral conviction and a collective refusal to back down in their opposition to conditions that they argue raise the risks of a future disastrous war.
Morning after morning in Gangjeong Village, a dynamic group of peace activists have held a daily protest of creative dissent, to call out those enabling a dangerous elevation of military tensions. Year after year, hundreds converge on Jeju Island to take part in a march to participate in Gangjeong’s “Peace for Life Movement” (saengmyŏng pyŏnghwa undong). That includes visitors like me, who have spent time in the village and have been deeply moved by the dedication of the activists there, while marveling at the rhythms of its remarkable community. That is, sustaining a protest movement over several very challenging years has only been possible through resilience, courage, and a deeply artistic sensibility. Such creativity explains how they have continually repurposed discouraging circumstances into new material for direct actions, moving forward to sustain their dissent of ethical witness for yet another day.
But when I visited this past summer, I was surprised and alarmed by how those rhythms had been disrupted. As an outsider, I could only begin to understand how wrenching had been the process of having this imminent Fleet Review imposed upon the village. It has divided the village community anew, opening deep wounds that recalled the original divisive battles over a decade ago surrounding the base construction.
When I first visited Gangjeong Village in 2014, it appeared to me as a wholly civilian agricultural village. Over the years, I have witnessed the steady encroachment of the base’s presence, along with the appearance of more and more navy personnel, whose expanding appropriation of space has amounted to a militarized form of settler colonialism. One could understand how the phenomenon would be profoundly galling and distressing for the vast majority of the village residents, who had originally voted against the base construction, only to have their opinions ignored. But for survivors of the April 3rd massacres and their family members, the appearance of military vehicles and uniforms have been re-traumatizing — not to mention the imminent arrival of a procession of warships.
This was not supposed to happen. These Jeju residents are the ones who survived a traumatic violent past and lived through decades to reach a more humane equilibrium. How can all of that have come to pass, now only for these survivors to see this dismaying, incomprehensible regression to militarism? That militarism has effectively displaced many Gangjeong residents from their own community while generating risks to countless others, a situation that goes against the spirit of the recent North-South Korean agreements in the name of building peace. Meanwhile, resistance to the base is a cause that has been marginalized by other Jeju residents, those persuaded into supporting the base construction by government lobbying and the lure of economic stimulus.
In a further challenge for the Gangjeong activists, an extremely frustrating aspect of this controversy is the difficulty they have faced in rallying those who are in fact their long-time allies and advocates. That’s partly because the very name “International Fleet Review” sounds so bland and apparently benign. Alternative descriptive phrases could be “parade of warships” or “military festival,” but neither serves to convey the urgency and seriousness of what the Fleet Review represents. When the whole world seems plunged into crisis, this controversy over the Fleet Review is an issue that risks falling off of the radar of otherwise-enthusiastic supporters.
Yet, the peace activists at Gangjeong are now putting all their strength and leveraging their formidable tradition of moral protest to oppose the Fleet Review, and they need more help — particularly from friends and advocates abroad — to support their cause. According to the Gangjeong activists, they are protesting the Fleet Review to oppose the ceremonial event that formally marks the relapse of Jeju into an international military outpost. The peace activists on the island therefore seek to warn against the ruinous dangers that such re-militarization would augur, if we only pay attention.
Lately, here in the U.S., we find ourselves living through a time to remember Cassandra, the Trojan figure in Greek mythology who would utter prophecies that were true but not believed. I can begin to imagine how she must have felt, amid a host of feelings that could have taken hold at the worst points of any given day. But whether it be anger, or disbelief, or horror, or dread, such emotions need not be in vain. That is, not if we can stand up for each other and offer our support to those who have summoned the courage to face down a gauntlet of doubt or indifference and to speak the truth.
US Nuclear Aircraft Carrier, Japanese Imperial Rising Sun Flag in Jeju naval base?/ Bringing 100 year conflict to the villagers/ Inter-Island Solidarity for Peace of the Sea Camp & Jeju Grand March for Life and Peace, 2018/ Interconnections between Korea and Yemen/ Okinawa Carries On Onaga’s Legacy/ RIMPAC, New PTA Commander and Hawai’i County Council War Crimes Inquiry/ USA is coming back to Taiwan/ Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding/ Following the shadow of Seodal Oreum/ Seongju is still at war with THAAD missile deployment/ Blue House directly involved with human rights violations/ Arms sales and President Moon’s Peace through Strength /2018 Asia Peace Education Workshop/ Story of Bijarim/No Space Force: Keep Space for Peace and more
The Jeju Grand March(July 30 to Aug. 4) and international fleet review(Oct. 10 to 14, 2018)
On Aug. 4, the Jeju Grand March for Life and Peace 2018 which started on July 30 made a big finish with a statement for peace and solidarity. This year’s theme was “From Gangjeong to Seongsan: Peace, Let’s Walk Together.” Unlike most marches of last years in which we walked through the coast of whole Island in the two groups of eastward and westward teams starting from Gangjeong and finishing in Jeju City, this year’s march focused on the two spots of Jeju: Gangjeong where the Jeju navy base was built in 2016 and Seongsan where the 2nd Jeju airport(air base) is planned. Another difference was that we shortened march from a week into three days while instead having three days’ camp in Seongsan.
For July 30 press conference in Gangjeong and Aug. 3 cultural festival in Seongsan, see here and here.
We were blessed to have many special friends from overseas: Hawaii, Hongkong, Okinawa, Taiwan and United States etc.. Many of them had also joined inter-Island Solidarity for Peace of Sea camp in Jeju from July 25 to 29. We also had great guests-the grandmothers and activists of Soseong-ri, Seongsan where the anti-THAAD campaign is constantly and daily going on.
However, the march and camp were done also with the heavy heart because of the issue of fleet review.
On July 31, the next day of beginning of march, the chief of naval operation, South Korea, declared to have a fleet review in Jeju in coming October. Despite villagers’ decision to oppose a fleet review in Jeju on March 30, this year, the navy has intervened to change villagers’ opinion. And in July, the President Moon Jae-in’s Presidential House openly intervened to change villagers’ opinion by sending Presidential House Secretaries and top navies at least four times to the village. As a result, the Gangjeong village association who had made March 30 decision but was ready to be deceived by sugar-coting words of government officers and navies held another general meeting on July 29 to ask villagers’ opinion on fleet review again. The result was overwhelmingly in favor of fleet review as the participants for the meeting were mostly those who are ready to compromise to the navy with false prmises. On the day, the anti-base villagers’ association boycotted the meeting and vote, saying the July 29 meeting is in violation of a village principle of ‘not deliberating the same measure twice.’ Instead its representatives filed a lawsuit claiming the procedure of another vote for same issue is wrong and the vote itself should be cancelled. The same group strongly criticized the Presidential House! Yes. It is the same government who made the April 27 inter-Korean Summit meeting but emphasized the US-led ‘alliance’ in July!
(It was last December that Kang Hee-bong, a navy-compromising villager won over Go Gwon-il, an anti-baser and former vice-mayor of village association. On the day’s vote, Kang had mobilized lots of people in the village who have never appeared in the anti-base movement).
The Island Council is also complicit to the deeds of Presidential House and navy. Originally, its whole 43 council members had unanimously signed to submit the draft for the resolution against the fleet review in Jeju. However, later on July 19, it abruptly postponed to submit the draft. It was the next day of July 18 when Lee Yong-seon, a secretary of Presidential House visited Jeju and met Kang and other villagers to deliver the opinion of Presidential House. For centuries, the central government in Korea made a colony of Jeju. For me, these whole current scenes just remind such painful and oppressed history of Jeju.
Moreover, the navy says there would be a US nuclear aircraft carrier during the international fleet review in Jeju from Oct. 10 to 14! And around 100 warships including 30 foreign warships would join for military show on the Jeju Sea during the time destroying already suffering ocean environmet! For whom, this disastrous fleet review is held, especially upon the 70th year of Jeju April 3rd when at least 30,000 Islanders were killed under the order of US Army military government? Who are the beneficiaries? What is the meaning of this anachronistic militarism? We will not give up! The fleet review, a parade of warships, should be stopped! Please say to your government. Jeju doesn’t want warships from your country! And Hawaii friends are right to say they don’t want warships from South Korea during the RIMPAC which is now being held in Hawaii for two months! We should not exchange warships but friendship for peace and life!
Resolute Opposition to International Fleet Review! / Do we still need THAAD and Jeju navy base?/ Visiting Oxford and Croughton AFB, UK/Henoko Base Resistance Photo Exhibition/ Yemen, We Welcome You/ The ‘Trial Deal’ Exposed/ 20 Year Struggle Against Gunsan US Base/ US Forces Korea Open New Headquarters in Pyeongtaek/ Won Re-elected Jeju Governor/ Green Party Campaign at Local Election/ Stop RIMPAC/ Re-opening of Peace Center/ Hot Pink Dolphins Center in Construction/ Friendship Recital/ 2018 Jeju Peace Tour etc.
We absolutely oppose international fleet review in Jeju!
On March 30, this year, Gangjeong villagers have already expressed their strong opposition against International Fleet Review in Jeju navy base in coming October 10 (Wed.) to 14 (Sun). The navy who lies to people that they would not hold the review in Jeju navy base if villagers oppose to it, has not given up its desire to hold the review in Jeju navy base. It is not 100% ceratin yet on the venue of it. (It could be Jeju or Busan or somewhere else). But we expect the navy would make public on the venue sooner or later.
What we would see in the ‘review’ will be a parade/show of warships and weapons including US nuclear aircraft carrier/submarine. The navy is planning to invite 70 nations including 17 NATO member countries. The ‘review’ would not only waste people’ s tax (planned of around 3million USD) but instigate war culture. Above all, it will be very likely that Jeju navy base would be nailed both nominally and virtually as a strategic war base. That already contradicts with the spirits of non-nuclearization of Korean peninsula and peace & disarmament shown in April 27 inter-Korean Summit meeting. We oppose international fleet review to be held in any place of Korea, too.
Former vice-mayor Go Gwon-il concerns about, saying “For tens of warships and fighter planes to line up, they may need all ports of Seogwipo area (wider area than Gangjeong village). The navy intends to expand its facilities into Seogwipo area.” ( http://www.ijejutoday.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=210403 )
Photo by Pang Eunmi
Here are lists of nations that South Korea navy plans to invite. Please say your government to refuse ROK navy/ government’s invitation to international fleet revie in Jeju or somewhere else in Korea. Please remind them April 27 Inter-Korean Summit meeting: Non-nuclearization of Korean peninsula. Peace and disarmament!
Asia(20) Japan, China, Indonesia, India*, Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Bangladesh*, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Singapore,, Pakistan, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
Middle East(8) Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar
