Chosenjin
A 10 year old North Korean boy escapes the US firebombings of Tokyo during WWII to find himself on the frontline of the Korean War only five years later.
Chosenjin Trailer
Raised in imperial Japan, Harabuji (Grandfather) escapes the US firebombings of Tokyo during WWII to Seoul, Korea. There, only five years later, he must flee from the Communists as well as the Nationalists who falsely accuse him of being a spy when war breaks out. The Nationalists capture the 16 year old boy, who finds himself on the frontline as a porterboy for British forces as his family's village is annihilated.
Episode 1: Growing up Korean in Tokyo, 1930s-1944
Episode 2: WWII Firebombings of Tokyo
Episode 3: Overnight Journey from Tokyo to Seoul 1944
Behind the Scenes
MUSIC
Yun Sim-Deok's "Hymn of Death," is considered the first "popular" (yuhaeng changga) Korean song. After recording the song in 1926 in Osaka, Korea's first professional soprano committed suicide later that year along with her married lover, Kim U-jin.
Yun Sim-Deok, Korea's first professional soprano
Episode 4: Flight of Exiled Family in Manchuria from Mao Zedong
Behind the Scenes
LEADERS
Korean Provisional Government (KPG) 1919-1945
during Japanese Rule
The Korean Provisional Government (KPG) was founded in April 1919 during the Japanese colonization of Korea (1910-1945). The sudden death of Korean Emperor Gojong, rumored to be poisoned by the imperial Japanese family, spurred the March First Movement for Korean independence at Emperor Gojong’s funeral on March 1, 1919. Korean dissidents launched a series of protests drawing an estimated 2 million people, leading to violent suppression by the Japanese. Due to the Japanese crackdown, which resulted in over 7,500 deaths and 46,000 arrests, 33 leaders of the movement signed the Declaration of Independence, providing for the establishment of the Republic of Korea. In September 1919, leaders of the dissident movement unified the Korean Provisional Government in exile in Shanghai with Syngman Rhee as its first President and Kyu-sik Kim as its first Vice President.
Emperor Gojong Emperor Gojong (1852–1919), born Yi Myeongbok, was the penultimate monarch of Korea, ruling from 1864 to 1907. On December 13, 1863, he was crowned at the age of twelve, becoming the last king of the Joseon dynasty. His reign was marked by political instability and foreign interference, particularly from Japan. After the assassination of his wife, Queen Min, a proponent of the anti-Japanese and pro-Chinese faction, in 1895 by Japanese agents, public opinion against the Japanese intensified in Korea and Gojong sought exile in Russia from Japanese agents. Following the Chinese defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), he returned to Korea and established the Empire of Korea to became its first emperor in 1897, declaring Korea’s independence from China. Emperor Gojong made efforts to modernize Korea through the Gwangmu Reform, aimed at strengthening the military, economy, and education. However, these reforms were insufficient to counter increasing Japanese encroachment. After Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) over the sphere of influence in Korea and Manchuria, Japan made Korea a Japanese protectorate under the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905, which Emperor Gojong refused to sign. Despite the emperor’s attempts to rally international support against the illegal signing of the treaty under threat of violence, he was forced to abdicate in 1907. After his abdication, Gojong lived under confinement and made unsuccessful efforts to support Korean independence. Korea was formally annexed by Japan under the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910, commencing Japan’s colonial rule over Korea. Emperor Gojong’s death in 1919, under suspicious circumstances believed to involve Japanese poisoning, sparked the March First Movement, a significant event in the Korean independence struggle.
Syngman Rhee and Kyu-sik Kim, President and Vice President of the Korean Provisional Government in 1919 Syngman Rhee (1875-1965) Syngman Rhee was a key figure in Korean history as South Korea’s first president. Born in Hwanghae Province (now North Korea), he received a classical Confucian education before attending an American Methodist school. Rhee became a leading advocate for Korean independence from Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, helping form the Independence Club in 1896. Imprisoned in 1899 for a plot against King Gojong, Rhee was released during the Russo-Japanese War in 1904 and moved to the U.S., where he earned a Ph.D. from Princeton in 1910. Afterward, Rhee pushed for Korea’s sovereignty, becoming president of the Korean Provisional Government in exile in 1918, though he was impeached in 1925 and returned to the U.S. to continue his advocacy. After World War II, Rhee’s fluency in English and ties with Americans positioned him to become the leader of South Korea under U.S. occupation following Japan’s surrender. Although focused on Korea’s unification and independence, Rhee used violence and suppression to consolidate his power. Elected president of the Republic of Korea in 1948, he enacted repressive laws, dissolved opposition parties, and arrested political opponents. Determined to unite Korea under his rule during the Korean War, Rhee defied the United Nations by releasing 25,000 anticommunist prisoners to disrupt peace negotiations. Despite his resistance, an armistice was signed in 1953 without his endorsement. Rhee’s presidency lasted through multiple terms but ultimately ended due to his authoritarian rule and election fraud. His manipulation of the 1960 presidential election, where he claimed over 90% of the vote, led to widespread protests. Student-led demonstrations and mounting pressure from the U.S. forced him to resign on April 27, 1960. Rhee lived in exile in Hawaii, where he died in 1965.
Kim Il Sung Official Portrait in 1948 Kim Il Sung, born Kim Song Ju in 1912 in the Japanese-controlled Korean peninsula, emerged as the central figure in North Korea’s establishment and leadership. His rise was deeply rooted in his early exposure to anti-Japanese resistance. During the Japanese colonization of Korea (1910–1945), Kim joined guerrilla forces in Manchuria, aligning with communist ideals and fighting for Korean independence. His leadership abilities became evident as he navigated the challenges of guerrilla warfare and gained support from both Chinese communists and the Soviet Union. After Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule at the end of World War II, the peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States the south. In the Soviet-administered north, Kim’s communist credentials and loyalty to the USSR made him a favorable candidate for leadership. In 1948, with Soviet backing, Kim became the first Premier of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). His charismatic leadership and use of propaganda helped solidify his authority, creating a cult of personality around him. Under Kim’s leadership, North Korea embraced a centralized, authoritarian regime and pursued the ideology of juche (self-reliance), which he developed to justify the state’s autonomy and his absolute control. His decision to invade South Korea in 1950, triggering the Korean War, was pivotal in defining his legacy. Despite the war’s devastating consequences and an eventual stalemate, Kim leveraged it to solidify his grip on power, casting himself as a protector of the Korean people against external aggression. Over the decades, Kim Il Sung transformed North Korea into a dynastic state, with his family maintaining control long after his death in 1994.
Aegugka
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Flag of the Korean Provisional Government
(1919-1945)
The lyrics of “Aegukga” (애국가) ("The Patriotic Song"), the national anthem of the Republic of Korea (ROK), date back to the 1890s when songs were written to inspire patriotism. The lyrics were popularized via independence newspapers. Following the Japanese defeat of China, during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), Emperor Gojong (고종, 高宗) returned to Korea from exile in Russia and proclaimed the Korean Empire in 1897. The emperor summoned German musician Franz von Eckert to complete the music for the national anthem in 1902. On August 15, 1902, the emperor proclaimed the first national anthem. After defeating the Russians in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Japan embarked on annexing Korea and forced Emperor Gojong to abdicate in 1907. In 1910, the Japanese officially colonized Korea, thus banning Aegukga and replacing it with the Japanese national anthem, “Kimigayo" (“His Imperial Majesty's Reign”). Dissidents continued to sing Aegukga under Japanese colonial rule when the lyrics were sung to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne.” In 1935, Korean composer, Ahn Ik-tae, composed new music for the lyrics, transforming the anthem to its current version.
VIEW LYRICS TRANSLATED IN ENGLISH 1st verse Until the East Sea's waves are dry, Mt. Baekdu worn away, God watch o'er our land forever, our Korea manse. Refrain: Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of range and river land; Guarded by her people, ever may Korea stand. 2nd verse Like that Mt. Namsan armoured pine, standing on duty still, wind or frost, unchanging ever, be our resolute will. Refrain 3rd verse In autumn's, arching evening sky, crystal and cloudless blue; be the radiant moon our spirit, steadfast, single and true. Refrain 4th verse With such a will, such a spirit, loyalty, heart and hand, Let us love, come grief, come gladness, this our beloved land. Refrain
VIEW LYRICS IN KOREAN 1절 동해 물과 백두산이 마르고 닳도록, 하느님이 보우하사 우리나라 만세. 후렴: 무궁화 삼천리 화려 강산, 대한 사람 대한으로 길이 보전하세. 2절: 남산 위에 저 소나무 철갑을 두른 듯 바람서리 불변함은 우리 기상일세. 후렴 3절: 가을 하늘 공활한데 높고 구름 없이 밝은 달은 우리 가슴 일편단심일세. 후렴 4절: 이 기상과 이 맘으로 충성을 다하여 괴로우나 즐거우나 나라 사랑하세. 후렴
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Flag of the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea (DPRK) (1948-1992)
“Aegugka” sung to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne” remained the national anthem of North Korea, until 1947, when Kim Il Sung adopted a new version. Under the leadership of Kim Il Sung, the new lyrics were written by North Korean politician and poet, Pak Se-yong, and the music was composed by politician and composer, Kim Won-gyun, who gained prominence after composing “Song of General Kim Il Sung.” Originally self-taught, Kim Won-gyun composed numerous revolutionary songs and operas. Performance of the North Korean anthem is prohibited in South Korea under the National Securities Act, enforced since 1948.
VIEW LYRICS TRANSLATED IN ENGLISH Shine bright, you dawn, on this land so fair, The country of three thousand ri, So rich in silver and in gold you are, Five thousand years of your history. 𝄆 Our people ever were renowned and sage, And rich in cultural heritage, And as with heart and soul, we strive, Korea shall forever thrive! 𝄇 And in the spirit of Mount Paektu, With the love of toil that shall never die, With a will of iron fostered by the truth, We'll lead the whole world by and by. 𝄆 We have the might to foil the angry sea, Our land more prosperous still shall be, As by the people's will we strive, Korea shall forever thrive! 𝄇
VIEW LYRICS IN KOREAN 아침은 빛나라 이 강산 은금에 자원도 가득한 삼천리 아름다운 내 조국 반만년 오랜 력사에 𝄆 찬란한 문화로 자라난 슬기론 인민의 이 영광 몸과 맘 다 바쳐 이 조선 길이 받드세 𝄇 백두산 기상을 다 안고 근로의 정신은 깃들어 진리로 뭉쳐진 억센 뜻 온 세계 앞서 나가리 𝄆 솟는 힘 노도도 내밀어 인민의 뜻으로 선 나라 한없이 부강하는 이 조선 길이 빛내세 𝄇
Behind the Scenes
FAMILY HISTORY
Manchuria
In the early 1920s, my great grandparents' family were forced off their land in Myongchon, North Hamgyong Province, in North Korea by the Japanese, who had colonized Korea in 1910. They resettled in Gando or Jiandao in current day Manchuria. On their new settlement, they eventually prospered as large-scale farmers.
In 1932, the Japanese established the puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria. Following the Japanese World War II surrender in 1945, Mao Zedong and the Chinese People's Liberation Army established a base in Manchuria during the Chinese Communist Revolution and gave my great grandparents' family 24 hours to evacuate their land in Gando in 1946. Forced to leave behind all their possessions, they moved to Seoul to live with my harabuji (grandfather) and fell into poverty.
Tokyo
Following a major depression in 1930-32 during the worldwide Great Depression, Japan began economic recovery in 1934. However, the military gradually overtook domestic politics in Japan, where right-ring nationalism resurged during a period of fear.
Having received a scholarship to study in Tokyo, Japan by Christian missionaries, Harabuji's father moved from Manchuria to Tokyo where he later established a factory that built machine parts. Born in Tokyo, where Koreans faced fierce discrimination,
Harabuji grew not knowing that he was Korean, In 1944, Harabuji's father died from tuberculosis prevalent at the time and Harabuji had to flee to Korea with his mother to escape the US firebombings of Tokyo during WWII.
Korea
When Harabuji arrived in Seoul in 1944, he found himself unable to speak Korean and a foreigner in his home country. Shortly after, Korea became divided at the 38th Parallel, and the US Army Military Government (USAMGK) established rule south of the 38th Parallel following Japan's WWII surrender,
On June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army (NKPA) crossed the 38th Parallel. Three days later, Harabuji witnessed tanks and soldiers from the North Korea People's Army (NKPA) storm into Seoul. Harabuji then went into hiding in 9th grade from the Communists, who forced students to fight in the war, until General MacCarthur recaptured Seoul. With the Chinese entry into the war, Harabuji became a refugee until he was forced to become a porter-boy for the British troops at the Battle of Imjin River in April 1951.
Resources
Australian War Memorial
Council on East Asian Studies, Yale University
Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online
Image Database to Enhance Asian Studies
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Korea Society
Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Republic of Korea
National Archives and Records Administration at College Park - Motion Pictures (RDSM)
National Museum of Korea
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
National Museum of United States Air Force
Naval History Heritage and Command
News and Features Bureau
Office of Emergency Management, Office of War Information
Office of Strategic Map Services, Stanford University
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Quaker's in the World, Friends Service Unit in Korea
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
War or Peace? 1950 Fateful Year, 1950/12/21, Universal Studios
University of Southern California Digital Library
US-China Institute, University of Southern California
US Department of Defense. Department of the Air Force.
US Department of Defense. Department of the Army
US Department of Defense. Department of the Navy. Naval Photographic Center
US Office of Civil Defense
US Treasury Department
Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University