Annually, on August 15th, the Republic of Korea commemorates National Liberation Day, also known as Gwangbokjeol (The Day the Light Returned), to mark the end of 35 years of Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945). On that day, Korean flags are prominently displayed to reflect the country’s history and express gratitude for the many independence movement activists who sacrificed their lives for their homeland’s freedom. The struggle for independence from Japanese rule is pivotal in Korea’s history, with National Liberation Day celebrated as a National Public Holiday and many ceremonies taking place on that day. Through television and cinema, these liberation struggles have been vividly depicted, serving not only as entertainment but also as a powerful reflection of the resilience and determination of Koreans in their quest for freedom, liberty, and justice.
As a Nigerian historian with a profound interest in Global Politics, I have always been drawn to the parallels between the struggles for independence and self-determination across continents. Among these, the Korean Liberation Day struggles resonate deeply with me because, like Korea, Nigeria fought for and gained independence from the British Colonial Government in 1960. Thus, learning about the Korean independence movement has offered me valuable insights into the complexities of resistance, colonialism, decolonisation, nation-building, and post-colonial development. It has also enabled me to contextualise Nigeria’s struggle for independence within a broader global narrative, identifying commonalities and differences, such as the role of cultural identity in resistance movements, that have enriched my understanding of these pivotal historical moments. Due to my geographical distance from Korea, which has limited me from accessing archival and historical records about the war, coupled with language barriers, Korean films with English subtitles became my window into the country’s past, allowing me to experience historical events like the Korean Independence Movements from afar.
Some Korean movies that depict the Japanese occupation of Korea from a Korean perspective and helped me gain a deeper understanding of the country’s liberation/independence struggles, trials, triumphs, and sacrifices include:
Assassination (2015): Set in the 1930s during the era of the Japanese occupation of Korea, “Assassination” is a Korean spy action film centred around a group of Korean resistance fighters working in China who were tasked with the job of assassinating a highly ranked Japanese officer. Starring Korean stars like Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Jung-jae, and Ha Jung-woo, the movie showed the effort of this resistance group in breaking a sniper out of prison to carry out their assassination plan while also dealing with the issue of a traitor in their midst.
The Age of Shadows (2016): Starring Gong Yoo and Song Kang-ho, “The Age of Shadow” is a 2016 Korean historical action-thriller movie about a group of Korean resistance fighters who are opposing and fighting against the Japanese occupation of the peninsula in the late 1920s. It tells the story of Lee Jung-chool, a Korean police officer working for the Japanese government, who became torn between his duty and his loyalty to his homeland. The movie portrays the complexities of the liberation struggles, where loyalty and betrayal often go hand in hand.
Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016): Starring Kang Ha-neul and Park Jeong-min, “Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet” is a 2016 South Korean black-and-white film that tells the story of Yun Dong-ju, a young Korean poet who resisted Japanese colonial rule through his writings and who was later imprisoned by the Japanese government for being involved in the Korean independence movement. Dong-ju’s poetry, filled with longing for freedom and sorrow for his homeland, symbolised resistance during the occupation. The film portrayed the power of words in the face of oppression, showing that resistance can take different forms.
Anarchist from Colony (2017): This Korean biographical period film tells the story of Park Yeol, portrayed by Lee Je-hoon, an anarchist and independence activist who resisted Japanese colonial rule. Based on actual events, the film chronicles Park Yeol’s efforts in organising the anarchist group Heukdohoe, which plotted to assassinate Japan’s Crown Prince Hirohito during the occupation of Korea. The movie also explores his relationship with Fumiko Kaneko, a Japanese woman who shared his revolutionary ideals and supported the Korean liberation cause. Through their story, the film offers a deeper insight into the ideological struggles and personal connections that fuelled the resistance movement.
I Can Speak (2017): Starring Na Moon-hee and Lee Je-hoon, this Korean comedy-drama is based on the true story of Korean comfort women. The film highlights the 2007 resolution (HR121) that addressed the issue of ‘comfort women’ under the Japanese military through the story of Nah Ok-bun, an elderly woman determined to learn English. Her goal is to continue her friend’s mission of testifying at the Comfort Women hearing in Washington, D.C., bringing attention to the atrocities committed by the Japanese military.
A Resistance (2019): Featuring Go Ah-sung, Kim Sae-byuk, and other acclaimed Korean actors, this 2019 biographical period film tells the story of Yu Gwan-sun, a 17-year-old student activist who played a pivotal role in Korea’s March First Movement for independence. Imprisoned by the Japanese military police during the colonial period, Yu Gwan-sun remained resolute, rallying her fellow prisoners to resist Japanese oppression. Her leadership ignited a movement that spread beyond the prison walls and into the streets. The film also portrays the brutal torture she endured and her tragic death in a Japanese prison just two days before her expected release.
The Battle: Roar to Victory (2019): Directed by Won Shin-yeon and set in the 1920s, “The Battle: Roar to Victory” is a 2019 Korean period film that depicts the Battle of Fengwudong, one of the significant armed conflicts between Korean independence fighters and the Japanese army. It focuses on the unity and courage of the Korean fighters as they stand against overwhelming odds.
Through these movies, I broadened my knowledge of Korean history, particularly gaining a greater insight into the people’s struggles during the Japanese colonial period and their fight for independence. Whether you are a history enthusiast, peacebuilder, or lover of Korean culture, these films can help deepen your understanding of Korea’s journey to independence and ensure that the sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s freedom are never forgotten.