August 15 marks one of the most important public holidays in the Korean calendar, Independence Day or Gwangbokjeol as it is known locally. Translated literally, it means “Restoration of Light Day”, and celebrates the victory over Japan which liberated Korea from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945. August 15 also commemorates the formation of the very first South Korean government three years later under Syngman Rhee, on August 15, 1948.
Gwangbokjeol is one of the few public holidays that are shared with North Korea who also celebrate “Liberation Day” on August 15. The Japanese colonial rule from 1910-1945 was a dark period for the then unified Korea as Japanese colonialism was often quite harsh as Japan ruled directly through military might, and any Korean resistance was forcefully put down. This led to a nationwide protest and the foundation of “The March 1st Movement” in 1919 which pushed for national independence. March 1 is also celebrated as a modern national holiday to commemorate the 33 Korean nationalists and students who took part in this declaration of independence.
It was during the Japanese wartime mobilization of 1937-45 that Korea suffered the most during colonization as Korean men were forced to fight on the frontline for Japan or were sent to work in Japanese factories, while many young Korean women were drafted as “Comfort Women” for Japanese soldiers. After the defeat of Japan in 1945, Korea was liberated but only until 1948 when the Soviets backed Kim Il Sung was appointed the new leader of North Korea and Sygnman Rhee was formally installed as the first president of South Korea.
Pakistan has officially congratulated Korea for its independence day
South Korea and North Korea have embassies in Islamabad, Pakistan. Korea provided aid to Pakistan in $500,000 during covid through WHO, as well as medical test kits and masks.
Pakistan and Korea have improved their relations since the 1980s. Pakistan is one of the few countries to keep good relationship with both South and North Korea.
