My Ancestor

Danny Lee

ESL-100 CE

My Ancestor

   

    When I was twelve years old, it was my first time hearing about my great-grandfather. On March 1, 2000, I sat on a couch with my grandmother, and then we started talking about my great-grandfather. He joined the Korean independent movement of 1917 with his colleagues and supported movement activists when he was the same age as me. At that time, Korea was controlled under by Japanese rule. Many Korean people lost their fundamental rights and lived in fear. People suffered a lot under Japanese rule that seemed like slavery, and they started to fight to find their basic human rights. She mentioned to me that my great-grandfather was never afraid of punishment, and he just wanted to fight for his rights. In addition, he hoped his next generation would not live in fear. When I heard about my great-grandfather's story, I was really proud of him. Japanese slavery rule brought terrible suffering to Korea. The brave actions of my great-grandfather and his colleagues let to important long-term effects that shaped Korean society and my life.

    During this time period, Japanese colonial rule created severe negative long-term effects that traumatized for Korean women. One century ago, Korea was invaded by the Japanese government. Korean people were living under their slavery rule, but it was not only in Korea. Japan attacked countries all around Asia, including China. During this period time, the Japanese government tortured people, had public executions, and sold people into slavery. Many women were raped and sexually harassed at a young age. In addition, women were traded to the Japanese military base camp for sex. On March 1, 1919, Koreans announced the independent movement to fight against Japanese rule, and my great-grandfather was one of the fighters. Even today, there are several survivors in Korea who still carry deep emotional wounds in their hearts.

    In addition, despite dark history moments, there was a positive long-term effect of the movement that established the foundation for a peaceful country. After Liberation Day on August 15, 1945, the Korean government started to build a new nation. During the building of a new constitution, there was hard work and insufficient equipment, so people worked hard together to rebuild the country. My great-grandfather with his colleagues never gave up fighting to find freedom for their next generations. In the past eight decades, Korea has developed a strong society with low crime rates and high safety. I realized that Korean people could walk safety at night without fear and pain because of their sacrifices.

    Finally, the independent movement created a positive long-term effect by allowing future generations to live freely without too much anxiety. After a conversation with my grandmother, I learned about how Korean people now live in relative safety. For me I was able to enjoy my freedom until I moved to the United States. All these effects came from my great-grandfather who fought for his fundamental rights and freedom. When I was seventeen years old, I went out to my relative place where my great-grandfather posted photos of their old generations. When I saw it, I imagined my great-grandfather, how he looked, and what actually he provided me for the future.

    In conclusion, Japanese slavery rule caused terrible negative long-term effects in Korean society, but my great-grandfather and his colleagues made brave sacrifices and contributions that gave me freedom and created positive effects in Korea. Their hard work helped build a strong, and peaceful nation where people can pursue their dreams without fear. Most Korean people will never forget about the March 1 independent movement, and they know how Korea became a strong and safe country in the world. In the future, if I have a family, I will tell them about the history of Korea and their great great-parents.