[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 38 (Monday, March 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MS. YU GWAN-SUN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 4, 2019

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the outstanding 
contributions of Yu Gwan-sun to her country and to the ``March 1st 
Movement.'' Her courage united the people of South Korea to fight for 
their freedom and inspired many to persevere through hardships. Yu 
passed away upholding her beliefs and resistance against the colonial 
rule.
  Nine years after the Japanese military rule of the Korean Peninsula, 
the push for Korean independence against Japan began in Seoul on March 
1, 1919. Back then, 16-year-old Yu Gwan-sun gathered her classmates and 
began protesting on the streets. Yu's efforts garnered support from 
many community members and she became involved in peaceful student 
demonstrations. The protest, however, led to the closure of all schools 
in South Korea. Yu was briefly detained, and ultimately forced to 
return to her hometown, Cheonan.
  Yu was not deterred by these obstacles, instead she spread a copy of 
the United States Declaration of Independence from town to town, 
rallying for support. Her efforts encouraged 3,000 citizens to protest 
on April 1st. Unfortunately, during the protest, nineteen people were 
shot and killed by the colonial police, including Yu's parents. This 
sparked a nationwide uprising with over two million people 
participating in independence marches. Of the two million, 700,000 were 
killed and 46,000 were imprisoned.
  Yu was captured, jailed, convicted of sedition, and sent to Seodaemun 
Prison in Seoul. Even in prison, Yu was extremely rebellious. She 
demanded the release of other prisoners and continued to display her 
support for Korean Independence. In addition, Yu helped organize a 
large-scale protest with other inmates until she was transferred to an 
underground facility where they tortured and killed her.
  Yu Gwan-sun's courage of conviction, even after countless setbacks, 
made her the symbol of Korea's Independence movement. She inspired 
countless amounts of people to take a stand for their freedom and sense 
of self. Although the ``March 1st Movement'' did not immediately result 
in Korea's Independence, Yu's presence throughout the protests united 
many individuals.
  Over 100 years ago, United States President Woodrow Wilson's ideas of 
self-determination to resist the occupation of Japanese military rule 
inspired the Korean people. It is estimated that approximately two 
million Koreans participated in more than 1,500 demonstrations for 
independence. These acts became the catalyst for the Korean 
Independence movement that would help unify the Korean people in their 
quest for independence in 1945.
  Our alliance with the Republic of Korea has always been firm. South 
Korea has remained one of the United States' closest and most steadfast 
allies and partners. Our shared belief in self-determination is pivotal 
to our joint success and I am proud to rise today to honor that 
history. I hope my colleagues will recognize the importance of the 
Korean March 1st Movement as a reflection of our own values of freedom.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the 
efforts of dedicated individuals like Ms. Yu Gwan-sun.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, family, friends 
and the residents of the Ninth Congressional District in recognizing, 
Ms. Yu Gwan-sun and her outstanding character and service to her 
country and community.

                          ____________________