Uiyeoldan (의열단)

Uiyeoldan (의열단) was a Korean Anarchist group led by Kim Won-bong (김원봉) to fight Japanese occupation. It was formed on November 9, 1919. They received funds from the Comintern.

This group engaged in assassinations and bombings against Japanese officials and traitor Koreans. They were designated as a terrorist organization by the Imperial Japanese Government.

Some notable actions were:

  1. Bombing of Governor General Saito Makoto’s office in Seoul on Sept. 12, 1921
  2. The attempted assassination of Japanese Army General Kiichi Tanaka on March 28, 1922
  3. Attempted assassination of the Japanese Emperor on Jan. 4, 1924
  4. Bombing of the Tokyo Takushoku on Dec. 28, 1926

The organization was based on 10 articles of resolution:

  1. We aggressively pursue all acts of righteousness. (천하에 정의로운 일을 맹렬히 실행하기로 한다.)
  2. We sacrifice our body and life for Korean independence and world equality. (조선의 독립과 세계의 평등을 위하여 몸과 목숨을 희생하기로 한다.)
  3. We only select members of loyal spirit and compassionate mind. (충의(忠義)의 기백과 희생의 정신이 확고한 자라야 단원으로 한다.)
  4. We take the objective of the Corps as first priority and promptly execute the goals of its members. (단의 뜻을 우선하고 단원의 뜻을 실행하는데 속히 한다.)
  5. We select a leader of righteous character to represent the Corps. (의백(義伯,올바른 성품을 가진 지도자) 한 사람을 선출하여 단체를 대표하게 한다.)
  6. We present a status report, wherever or whenever the Corps may be, every month. (언제 어디서든지 매월 일차씩 상황을 보고한다.)
  7. We oblige to assemble upon request by a member of the Corps. (언제 어디서든지 모이도록 요청하면 꼭 응한다.)
  8. We stay alive to fulfill the objective of the Corps. (죽지않고 살아있어 단의 뜻을 이루도록 한다.)
  9. We as members devote ourselves to the Corps and the Corps devotes itself to every one of us. (한 사람은 다수를 위하여, 다수는 한 사람을 위하여헌신한다.)
  10. We execute all those who disobey the objectives of the Corps. (단의 뜻에 배반한 자는 척살 한다.)

Article number 9 is a quote from Maxim Gorky,.

The organization targeted 7 types of people who must be killed and 5 government structures that must be destroyed.

List of 7 types of people who must be killed:

  1. Joseon Governor-General
  2. Head of Japanese Troops
  3. Taiwan Governor-General and High Officer
  4. Traitors
  5. Pro-Japanese Leaders
  6. Secret Agents of Japan
  7. Anti-National Nobles and Large Property-Owning Landlords

List of 5 governmental structures that must be destroyed:

  1. Japanese Government-General of Korea
  2. Oriental Development Company
  3. Office of Maeil-Shinbo
  4. All Police Offices
  5. Other buildings of the Japanese government within Korean lands