South Korea Investigates Massacre of 1,700 Religious People During Korean War

A state-run independent investigative committee in South Korea has revealed that approximately 1,700 religious people, primarily Christians, were massacred by the North Korean military, pro-North groups, and other hostile forces around the time of the 1950-53 Korean War. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Republic of Korea has verified the complete list of religious individuals killed across the country based on various historical records.

The commission's findings indicate that 104 people related to 24 Christian churches in North Jeolla Province were killed, religion, war between July and November of 1950, with a particularly brutal slaughter occurring in Jeongeup where pro-North guerilla forces burned down a church and Christian homes, killing 20 people. More than half of the victims, 60 people, were killed around September 28, 1950, when the North Korean army retreated after the Incheon Landing Operation by the U.N. forces.

Why this matters: The massacre of religious individuals during the Korean War highlights the tragic loss of life and religious persecution that occurred during the conflict. This investigation sheds light on a significant part of Korean history and the impact of the war on civilian populations.

The killings were reportedly due to the Christians being defined as 'uncooperative' to the North Korean collaborators, as well as clashes over the use of churches. The commission noted that Christians were targeted as an uncooperative force by North Korean followers, as many had participated in right-wing groups or defected to the South after Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has recommended that the South Korean government ask North Korea to apologize for the massacres and support projects for compensation and commemoration of the victims . North Korea remains repressive toward religion, with 99.6% of North Korean defectors reporting that religious activities are not tolerated in the country.

The massacre of approximately 1,700 religious people, mostly Christians, by North Korean forces and affiliated groups during the Korean War is a tragic event that has been verified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Republic of Korea. The killings, which occurred in various regions including North Jeolla Province, were targeted against those deemed uncooperative to the North Korean regime. The commission has called for an apology from North Korea and support for commemorating the victims of this religious persecution during a tumultuous period in Korean history.

Key Takeaways

• South Korean commission verified 1,700 religious people, mostly Christians, massacred in Korean War
• Killings occurred in North Jeolla Province, with 60 victims on Sept 28, 1950
• Christians targeted as 'uncooperative' to North Korean collaborators and for religious affiliation
• Commission calls for North Korea to apologize and support compensation/commemoration of victims
• North Korea remains repressive toward religion, with 99.6% of defectors reporting no tolerance