The main reason is the Japanese monopoly applied a form of colonialism in South Korea. This kind of behavior had a significant impact on the local economic environment of South Korea. As capitalism continues to squeeze South Korea’s agricultural life further, the growing number of people who depended on the industry would suffer. Just like the Japanese companies used inhumane ways to force their workers to work continuously. Besides, Japanese political power in Korea led to another aspect of oppression. As a result, economic and political pressures in both directions have led to a growing sense of opposition among South Koreans.
In my eyes, the “1919 Declaration of Independence” is the equivalent of a booster. It expresses the regime that Koreans want to abolish and the regime they want to establish in a very macho way. This greatly encouraged the Korean people, set off a campaign against the Japanese colonialists’ enthusiasm. Other factors, such as the “freedom of speech and assembly” mentioned by Shin, became the aftereffects of the ongoing Korean resistance struggle. It is the derivatives produced by this declaration that can make the Korean people go further and further on the road of striving for freedom. Together, all these factors could make this movement “the first modern national social movement in Korean history” (Shin 2).
As for the last question, any people (including me) who were oppressed in the colonies would find ways to fight for more freedom and the liberation of their own country. This reminds me of the experience of Liang Qichao from the previous lecture. No matter where he is, whenever there is a dilemma for his country’s security, he will try his best to help his country.
