Tomorrow, August 15, marks Korea’s Fatherland Liberation Day, a holiday celebrated across all of Korea.
The day is referred to as “조국해방의 날” (Jogukhaebangui nal) in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and “광복절” (Kwangbokjeol) in the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Remembering Imperial Japan’s despicable actions
The holiday commemorates Korea’s national liberation in 1945 following over 40 years of Japanese colonial rule. During the years of occupation, Koreans endured forced labour, language suppression, cultural erasure, and military conscription.
Japan also established the so-called “comfort women” sexual slavery system, which has been documented by Koreans in articles such as “Voices of the ‘Comfort Women’: The Power Politics Surrounding the UNESCO Documentary Heritage” by Heisoo Shin and the book Korean “Comfort Women”: Military Brothels, Brutality, and the Redress Movement by Pyong Gap Min.
Today, August 14, also marks Korea’s 9th “Comfort Women” Memorial Day.
The book Japan’s War Crimes: Past and Present by Ri Jong Hyon, published by the Foreign Languages Publishing House in Pyongyang, provides thorough accounts of Japan’s crimes against peace, crimes violating the laws of war, and crimes against humanity.
These works are all included in Voice of the Proletariat’s curated collection “Imperial Japan: Then and Now,” hosted on Unlearning Capitalism. Today, Japan’s actions during the World Anti-Fascist War are staunchly opposed and widely condemned by the international community.
Upholding the history of national liberation
As a holiday of political significance, Koreans in the north dance in celebration and picnic in public parks with meat, soju, and music.
The DPRK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) notes that it was “under the banner of independence set by the great Comrade Kim Il Sung” that the nationwide patriotic War of Resistance “finally achieved the historic feat of national liberation.”
In the south, the day is marked by official ceremonies, cultural programs, and concerts, as well as smaller commemorations and educational events.