(Unofficial Translation)

Throughout this year, we have prepared for a new era by retracing the spirit of the March First Independence Movement and the Provisional Republic of Korea Government. I am grateful to Chairperson Han Wan-sang for summing up the meaning of their centennial and sharing his renewed commitment with us.  

Honorable descendants of decorated independence activists and members of the commission on this 100th anniversary,

A century ago, ordinary people shouted for Korea’s independence while waving the national flag, the Taegeukgi. Those average people, whose names are unknown, voluntarily rose up to protect their country. That was the moment when the subjects of a kingdom were reborn as the citizens of a democratic republic. 

The Provisional Republic of Korea Government was founded with that spirit. That government’s provisional charter for the Republic of Korea declares in Article 1 that Korea shall be a democratic republic. Article 3 stipulates that all of the people of the Republic of Korea shall be equal regardless of gender, wealth and class. Our current Constitution originates from this charter.

The most important reason for us to remember the March First Independence Movement and the establishment of the Provisional Government a century ago is that they are the roots of the Republic of Korea. The Republic is what all of the people achieved together by shouting for the independence of the country. Regardless of gender, class, ideology and religion, they worked together to carve out a peaceful and equitable country.

Another reason why we have to remember the March First Independence Movement and the establishment of the Provisional Government is to revisit the spirit ingrained in them. Over the past 100 years, have we been living up to the idea of a genuine republic as stipulated in the Republic of Korea’s provisional charter and achieving full equality for all? Now is the time for us to humbly reflect upon our actions, asking whether or not another version of privileged politics lingers and yet another class and discrimination have been created by severe economic inequality amidst prosperity.

If viewed from such a perspective, the new path that the Republic of Korea should take becomes obvious. We can live together as prosperously as we achieve together, and we can thrive together based on fairness, liberty and equality. That must be the lesson provided to us today by the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement and the founding of the Provisional Government.  

Distinguished members of the Commission, 

I extend my appreciation to you all for having played a significant role in helping us ruminate on the spirit of the March First Independence Movement and the Provisional Republic of Korea Government.

You’ve gathered people’s ideas on how to pass on the spirit of the Independence Movement and drafted a blueprint for the next century. 

You have produced an easy-to-read version of the Declaration of Independence and composed a commemorative song that has helped people from all walks of life reflect on the significance of the centennial. You’ve also made it possible for the spirit of the Independence Movement to remain alive among us through programs like “Read the 1919 Declaration of Independence Out Loud!” 

According to recently released findings from a 2019 survey of the Korean people’s mindset and values, 84 out of every 100 Koreans are proud of our history and the fact that they are Koreans. That is an 8 percent increase compared to the 2016 survey.

Accurately knowing our history constitutes the basis of pride. I believe each and every project held to commemorate the centennial has become a foundation for further nourishing pride in our history. 

Once again, I extend my profound gratitude to Chairperson Han Wan-sang and the 98 members of the Commission as well as to the supporters, businesspeople and artists who contributed via public participation.  

Descendants of decorated independence activists,

Over the past 100 years, the spirit of the March First Independence Movement has always remained alive beside us.

In that spirit, Korea was able to overcome division, the war, poverty and dictatorship and has emerged now as a self-reliant, independent country that prospers and stands tall.

Now, the coming 100 years will be spearheaded by future generations. The Government will do all it can to honor and publicize the history of the independence movement to ensure that proud leaders emerge who usher in a new future while keeping in mind the legacy of the March First Independence Movement. 

On February 26 this year, the Government held a Cabinet Meeting at the Kim Koo Museum and Library to ponder our responsibilities and resolutions for building a country where everyone is free, equal and prospers together, as envisioned by our independence activists.

After reevaluating patriotic martyr Yu Gwan-sun’s accomplishments and presenting her an upgraded order of merit, 647 independence activists – the highest number in history – have been decorated this year. The Government also strived to identify female independence activists. The number of decorated female independence activists had stood at 299 until 2017, accounting for merely 2 percent of the total. However, the Government endeavored to ensure that women’s dedication to and sacrifices for the independence movement receive proper historical recognition by identifying and rewarding 60 female activists last year and 113 activists this year. 

Repatriating the remains of five independence activists from overseas, including Gye Bong-woo and Hwang Woon-jeong from Kazakhstan, has been a very rewarding undertaking. The nation has fulfilled its duty, albeit belatedly. 

We have put heart and soul into restoring overseas historic sites related to the independence movement. The headquarters of the Korean Liberation Army in Chongqing, China, was restored in March, and the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall in Harbin Station has reopened. A memorial and monument for Choi Jae-hyeong has been constructed in Ussuriysk, Russia, and the library that commemorates the February 8 Independence Declaration in Tokyo has also reopened. 

The central and local governments are pooling resources to build a memorial hall for Yi Sang-ryong, penname Seokju, in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and to complete the restoration of Imcheonggak, Yi’s birth place, by 2025. 

The construction of a memorial hall for the Provisional Republic of Korea Government will be completed in 2021. In addition to commemorating the history of the 100 years of a democratic republic, it will be a place to honor the Provisional Government’s spirit of unity that transcends ideology and generations. 

Honorable descendants of decorated independence activists and members of the Commission, 

That day 100 years ago, we were able to summon up our courage because we were together, and because we were together, we could inform the world of the birth of the Republic of Korea. 

Similarly, our goals – a country where everyone prospers together and a peaceful Korean Peninsula – can only be achieved when we are together. I ask the descendants of decorated independence activists to join our efforts to achieve these goals. 

The spirit of the March First Independence Movement and the Provisional Government will shine forever and always bring us courage and strength. 

Thank you.