[에세이 경시대회 당선작-고등 부문 1위]The Meaning of Korean Liberation

Angie Sohn/Thomas Jefferson High School

August 15th was the momentous day when the Japanese Imperial Army surrendered to the Allied forces, marking the end of more than 30 years under colonial rule. Korean civilians poured out onto the streets, celebrating the good news which they had long awaited - the news that Korea was officially liberated. Euphoric cheers broke out among the crowds in that moment of communal victory. Finally free, they were able to retain their identity as Koreans even after this long period of strife and oppression. Although the years that would follow after the liberation of Korea would bring many hardships, the meaning of Korean liberation is incredibly substantial, because it signaled the beginning of a new life as a free country.

For decades, Koreans were forced to forgo their proud culture. They had to bow at Shinto temples, their birth names that were preciously chosen by their family were abandoned for Japanese names, and the ingenious Korean alphabet, invented by the great King Sejong centuries before, was suppressed in an attempt of assimilation. The Korean people experienced the stifling of their language, culture, and traditions. However, their proud patriotism never died, but only burgeoned and swelled in their hearts. When students attended school where they practiced the Japanese customs and language, they’d come home to speak Korean with their families; their native language was to never be forsaken. Clandestine meetings took place among the brave independence fighters who risked their lives to achieve their dreams of liberation. Throughout this dark period of suppression, the people still never lost hope, and waited for the day when they could shout and sing of Korean songs in the streets, bearing the pride of being Korean and keeping their identity.

The day of liberation, called “Gwangbokjeol”, translates to “the restoration of light day”, and rightfully so, the arrival of freedom brought light that illuminated the three decade long period of darkness. Although the Korean peninsula would undergo multiple phases marked by wars, separations, dictatorships, and poverty, throughout these decades, the people still clung to their pride of culture and history. Every year, we commemorate the sacrifices, bereavements, and triumphant victory of our nation on August 15th. This important day calls for reflection on the actions of our ancestors, and the brave heroes who fought for independence. Furthermore, history serves as a prime example of what must not be repeated, and thus, we must never forget our history. In the present, we must strive for the upholding of liberal freedoms, for which our ancestors sacrificed themselves to achieve.

A regret that sits heavy in the hearts of many Koreans is the separation of the peninsula into North and South. The very brothers and sisters who celebrated together the liberation of their country would soon be torn apart by war and political tumult. To this day, the Korean peninsula remains divided - these two countries that were once united, now remain isolated and on precarious terms. Although Korea was liberated on August 15th, 1945, the North and South still remain under the shackles of distrust and conflicting political ideologies. Is this what the forefathers intended when they courageously fired their guns, sacrificed their lives, and shouted for the everlasting glory of their nation? Although many decades after the establishment of the 38th parallel have passed and hardened the stances of our divided nations, we should still make amends and attempt to ameliorate this relationship in honor of the sacrifices of our ancestors. We must cease this hostility between what was once a nation of fellow kinsmen who shared the same sufferings, and we must do our utmost best to restore peace in this 21st century.

Lastly, as a 2nd generation Korean American, I believe that my dual identity can be seen as what may be a product of the cascades of Korean history, starting from its liberation. Over half a century later, millions of ethnic Koreans would disperse all over the world, establishing their own communities, cultivating young leaders, and carrying a notable presence in their respective countries. However, this was made possible due to the liberation of Korea, and the transformative years that would follow after. Now, Koreans can move to other countries in hopes of success and achieving their dreams. This dream is what incited my parents to move to America, and thus, I was born in a land where Koreans, for many decades, have been freely immigrating to in the pursuit of dreams. Furthermore, many Koreans proudly retain their identity as they move to new countries; they bring their own culture, customs, and language, and proudly continue these traditions in their new communities. Thus, as a Korean-American, I am proud to be descended from a nation of fortitude that surmounted many challenges and underwent immense reformation since its day of liberation. Due to this historic feat, more than half a century later, Koreans all over the world celebrate this substantial holiday, where light shone on the country of their forefathers, and provided a path for the nation to develop into what it is today.