'Spring Has Come' for the 74th Anniversary of Jeju 4·3

Memorial Exhibition Spring Has Come - Work by Artist Lee Sujin.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The Jeju 4·3 National Committee marked the 74th anniversary of Jeju 4·3 by organizing meaningful 4·3-related exhibitions and performances in collaboration with the Beautiful Youth Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall as part of the commemorative events in the Seoul area. Reflecting on social values that remain unresolved in our society before and after Jeon Tae-il, the exhibition titled "History of Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace 展" was planned to inform and share with citizens the democratic spirit and respect for human dignity born during Korea's modern and contemporary history.

First, the 74th anniversary exhibition of Jeju 4·3, "Spring Has Come," will be held from the 22nd until April 10th at the first-floor citizen exhibition hall of the Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This exhibition, prepared to share and remember Jeju’s painful history, features eight works by artist Lee Su-jin of "Boriart," who participated in the "The President of the Republic of Korea Speaks the Truth about 4·3" record exhibition held from 2018 to 2020.

Additionally, visitors can view informational records summarizing Jeju 4·3 on its 74th anniversary and the activities of the Jeju 4·3 National Committee. Promotional materials related to 4·3, such as camellia flower badges, are also available. The exhibition is open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until April 10th.

Memorial performance "I Speak to You" stage scene.

A performance has also been prepared. The commemorative performance for the "History of Human Rights, Democracy, and Peace 展" is the one-person play "I Speak to You," written and directed by Choi Min-joo and performed by the theater troupe "People Who Cultivate Shinmyeong." The play, based on Jeju 4·3, tells the story of ordinary people during that time who had no choice but to hide in the mountains to escape the suppression forces and armed groups, hiding in Billemot Cave to survive, but ultimately were killed without any reason.

Throughout the performance, only the protagonist, a young girl named Heechun, appears. "I Speak to You" conveys a hopeful message as Heechun protects her family in her own way inside the cave, goes down to the village to get food, and endures each day with difficulty, but eventually a ray of light enters the cave, revealing all the truth to the world. The performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 1 and 3 p.m. on April 2 at the second-floor Woolimteo of the Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall. Admission is free. Citizens wishing to attend can contact the Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall or the Jeju 4·3 National Committee.

The Jeju 4·3 National Committee stated, "Although 4·3 was born as a child and has become a 74-year-old elder, it still does not have a proper name. The day when Jeju 4·3 finds its rightful name through true repentance and apology, the day when forgiveness and reconciliation lead to mutual coexistence, will be the day when the true spring of Jeju begins again. We are honored to prepare this event together with the Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall, which holds great significance in modern Korean history and the labor movement, as well as various artists who can be called friends of Jeju 4·3."

Meanwhile, on December 9 last year, the partial amendment bill of the "Special Act on the Investigation of the Truth of the Jeju 4·3 Incident and the Restoration of the Honor of Victims," which includes compensation regulations for Jeju 4·3 victims, passed the National Assembly plenary session, enabling the disbursement of 181 billion won in compensation this year.