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South Korean President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook cheer after Moon’s commemorative address for the 101st anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement at Paiwha Girls' High School in Seoul on Mar. 1. (Blue House photo pool)

In a commemorative address for the 101st anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said, “COVID-19 may be threatening our lives temporarily, but we cannot allow our unity and hope to be broken.” He also pledged to “bring back the spirit of the March 1 Independent Movement to overcome today’s crisis.” His message on the holiday was a clear statement of commitment to overcoming what amounts to a national crisis with the novel coronavirus. In particular, he noted that the remains of General Hong Beom-do, the hero of the 1920 Battle of Fengwudong (of the Korean independence movement), are to be repatriated this year. Hong was one of the great figures in the militia battles during the Japanese occupation, and we look forward to his remains’ return as a meaningful opportunity to remember the March 1 spirit.

Moon praised the various efforts that are being made to contain COVID-19 (the disease resulting from the coronavirus), which he likened to the March 1 Movement’s “Manse [Hail Korean independence] demonstrations” and armed struggle that erupted like wildfire under the Japanese occupation. “Today, the entire population is working together,” he noted, citing examples such as the growing “generous landlord” campaign, the dedication of physicians and nurses, and the waves of support to the hardest-hit areas of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. He stressed that the present moment is one that calls for popular unity and dedication like never before.

It is very gratifying to hear that the longstanding efforts to have Hong Beom-do’s remains repatriated are now coming to fruition. This year marks the centennial of the Battle of Fengwudong, one of the most glorious victories in the history of the independence movement. The return of Hong’s remains as a central figure in that battle will be an occasion for properly honoring the sacrifices and efforts of those who devoted their hearts and souls to independence amid the darkness of the Japanese occupation.

Moon also said he hoped to see “cooperation” from North Korea in the area of public health. This appeared to take into account the fact that COVID-19 is turning into a top priority for South and North alike. With inter-Korean relations stuck in a holding pattern, we look forward to seeing the ball rolling again in the area of public health, including a response to the COVID-19 issue. Speaking of Japan, Moon called for “overcoming the crisis together and working together toward a future-oriented cooperative relationship.” With both sides currently struggling with difficulties over COVID-19, a joint response could lay the groundwork for a more future-oriented relationship.

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