Reclaiming 112 Names — From Farmers to Foreigners: 5 Meanings of the Independence Merit Awards on the 107th March 1st Movement Anniversary
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs honored 112 independence activists on the occasion of the 107th March 1st Independence Movement anniversary. From farmer activist Park Seon-bong to French supporter Ferdinand Buisson and American Henry Dodge Appenzeller, three foreign nationals were included — reminding us that Korea's independence was not a struggle fought by Koreans alone.
Image Availability Notice: Original images provided by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (such as the Japanese Police Bureau's official document 'Records on Rioters') cannot be directly attached due to copyright policy. Please refer to the reference links at the bottom of this article for related images.
Why does this matter today? Today, March 1st — the sound of manse (만세) that filled the streets of Joseon 107 years ago has returned in the names of 112 people who had long been buried in anonymity. Farmers, students, clergy, and even foreigners.
TL;DR
- The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs awarded government citations to 112 independence activists on the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement
- Breakdown: 9 Order of Merit for National Foundation (Patriotic Order), 12 Patriotic Order, 2 National Foundation Commendation, 89 Presidential Citations
- 3 foreign nationals included — French independence supporter Buisson, American Appenzeller, and one additional recipient
- Oldest case: Righteous Army soldier Park Seon-bong (from Ganseong, Gangwon Province, 1907), killed while being transported after arrest
- As of 2026, cumulative government-honored independence activists expected to surpass 18,000
The Facts: What Happened
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Minister Kwon O-eul) officially announced on February 26, 2026, through a press release that 112 independence activists would be honored on the occasion of the 107th March 1st Independence Movement anniversary (March 1, 2026).
The breakdown of awards is as follows:
| Award | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Order of Merit for National Foundation — Patriotic Order | 9 |
| Order of Merit for National Foundation — National Foundation Order | 12 |
| National Foundation Commendation | 2 |
| Presidential Citation | 89 |
| Total | 112 |
Notable Figures
Park Seon-bong (from Goseong, Gangwon Province — Patriotic Order)
In September 1907, he joined the Nam Hui-pil Righteous Army unit in Ganseong County, Gangwon Province, and attacked Japanese troops before being captured on December 20. He was killed while being transported. His name appears in the Japanese Police Bureau document 'Records on Rioters' (dated December 27, 1907), which allowed verification of his record.
An Chi-hyeon (National Foundation Order)
In 1941, he was arrested in the Karafuto (Sakhalin) region of Japan while seeking ways to achieve national independence and endured severe hardships.
3 Foreign Recipients
- Ferdinand Édouard Buisson (France): Organized the Friends of Korea Society in Paris and served as vice-chairman, supporting the independence movement
- Henry Dodge Appenzeller (United States): Criticized Japan's colonial rule and championed the legitimacy of Korean independence on the international stage
Why It's Making Headlines Now
While the announcement of independence merit awards around March 1st is a recurring annual event, the 2026 edition is drawing particular attention for three reasons.
① The Symbolism of Foreign Recipients
The recognition of a French national and an American moves the narrative beyond 'independence struggle = a Korean-only fight,' serving as historical evidence of international solidarity. With South Korea reflecting on the international value of democracy following the December 3rd martial law crisis, this context resonates even more deeply.
② The Evolution of Research Methods
The digitization and analysis of irregular historical materials — Japanese government documents (police bureau records), colonial-era trial records, Karafuto (Sakhalin) regional archives — to identify potential honorees is accelerating. The introduction of AI-based document analysis is speeding up this process.
③ Growing Public Interest in 'Names Yet to Be Discovered'
It is estimated that more than 2 million people participated in the March 1st Movement. The cumulative number of independence activists honored by the government to date is approaching approximately 18,000. The vast majority remain unnamed.
Context & Background: What Is the Independence Merit Award System?
The South Korean government has operated the independence merit award system since 1949. Through the e-Gonghun portal (e-gonghun.mpva.go.kr), ordinary citizens can submit historical materials and apply for nominations.
- Review Period: Typically 1–2 years after document submission
- Who Can Apply: Bereaved families, local governments, research institutions, individuals
- Key Sources: Colonial-era trial records, county and township reports, newspapers (Dongnip Sinmun, Maeil Sinbo, etc.), overseas independence movement organization records
The March 1st Movement did not occur on a single day; over 1,500 rallies were held across more than 220 counties nationwide from March through May 1919. It is estimated that approximately 7,500 people were killed and 46,000 were arrested during this period. (Estimates by the Institute for Independence Movement Studies)
Outlook: Will the Awards Continue?
- Positive factors: Advancement of AI document analysis, cooperation with Japan's National Archives, expansion of overseas Korean community reporting systems
- Structural limitations: No award without objective documentary evidence (trial records, official documents) — oral accounts and testimonies alone have their limits
- 2030 Goal: The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is reportedly targeting a cumulative total of 20,000 honorees by 2030, the 111th anniversary of the March 1st Movement
Checklist: 5 Things to Know After Reading This Article
Reference Links
- Yonhap News: 112 Independence Activists Including Park Seon-bong Honored on March 1st Anniversary
- Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Official Press Release
- Korea Policy Briefing: 112 Independence Activists Honored for 107th March 1st Anniversary
- World Korean News: Independence Merit Award for Foreigners Who Promoted Korea's Independence
- e-Gonghun Portal (Applications & Lookup)
Image source: Official document images provided by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs — Japanese Police Bureau 'Records on Rioters' (December 27, 1907), containing Park Seon-bong's arrest record. Reprinted from News1 reporting and the Ministry's press release.