Korea's Legacy
The Spirit of March First
O David Hyun 1997
by David Hyun
Seventy-eight years ago on March First, 1919, Korea celebrated the Declaration of Korean
Independence. I wish to share from deep in my heart thoughts about the meaning of March First
1919. My thoughts are not of a professional historian. Rather, these thoughts emanate from a
close association, as the youngest son, with the Reverend Soon Hyun, Pioneer Methodist Minister
of Korea and Hawaii who dedicated his life to the Korean Independence Movement of March First.
I grew up in my father's work. He was one of seven Christian ministers who planned the March
First events; entrusted with two missions from the 33 signers: one, to announce to the world press
Korea's Declaration of Independence; and two, to organize, as Secretary General of the Shanghai
Committee, the Korean Provisional Government of Shanghai. In 1921, as Ambassador and
Minister Plenipotentiary for the Korean Provisional Government to the United States government,
Reverend Hyun submitted a well-received Request for Recognition of the Korean Provisional
Government. This Request was tragically withdrawn by Syngman Rhee, President, under false
allegations that false credentials were used by Reverend Hyun.
I present these descriptions of my father as my only meritorious credentials for the thoughts I shall
now share.
Recently, less than a year ago, I read for the first time historians of modern Korea who described
the March First Declaration of Korean Independence as a naive and innocent movement doomed
to fail for seeking Independence through diplomatic means. Furthermore, because the Movement
absolutely did not achieve the Independence of Korea, the March First movement must be deemed
an absolute failure.
I speak for my father when I say March First has not failed. March First lives. Korea still needs
March First. As long as Korea remains divided into North and South; as long as a foreign army is
on Korean soil; and as long as Korean armed forces are subject to a foreign general staff, Korea
is not independent. When Korea remains subject to a foreign power, no matter the high promises,
no matter the high intentions, Korea is not free.
North and South Korea needs the spirit of March First to achieve a true and full Independence of
all Korea.    The egotistic spirit of Korea's leaders, North and South, prevents true Korean
The Spmt of March First - page 1