Events on April 3 in history

In Jeju Province, South Korea, a civil-war-like period of violence and human rights abuses begins, known as the Jeju uprising.

Jeju: South Korea's Enchanting Volcanic Island

Stepping onto Jeju Island, officially known as Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, offers a unique glimpse into South Korea's natural splendor. This remarkable island, the nation's largest, holds a distinct place among South Korea's nine provinces, captivating visitors with its dramatic volcanic landscapes and a rich, often tumultuous, history. For centuries, it has been known by various names; European mariners once referred to it as Quelpart, while during the period of Japanese occupation, it was called Saishū. Geographically positioned in the serene Korea Strait, southwest of the mainland's South Jeolla Province, Jeju's administrative journey saw it transition from being part of South Jeolla to becoming a separate, self-governing province in 1946. Today, its vibrant capital, Jeju City, serves as the island's bustling hub, lying at the foot of the magnificent Mt. Halla, which proudly stands as South Korea's tallest mountain, a dormant volcano shaping much of the island's iconic beauty.

A Turbulent Chapter: The Jeju April 3 Incident

Beneath Jeju Island's picturesque facade lies a profound and somber chapter in South Korean history: the Jeju Uprising, formally remembered as the Jeju April 3 Incident. This period of intense conflict, which unfolded between April 1948 and May 1949, represents one of the most tragic and pivotal events leading up to the Korean War.

Roots of Discontent: Division and Resistance

The seeds of the Jeju Uprising were sown in the tumultuous post-World War II era, as the Korean peninsula grappled with the prospect of division. Residents of Jeju Island were fiercely opposed to the proposed partitioning of Korea, which threatened to cleave their homeland in two. Their discontent escalated into widespread protests and a general strike beginning in 1947, directly challenging elections scheduled by the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea (UNTCOK). These elections were controversially planned to be held exclusively within the territory controlled by the United States Army Military Government in Korea, effectively solidifying the division without islanders' consent or a unified Korean voice.

The Insurgency Begins

What began as civil disobedience quickly spiraled into a violent insurgency. In April 1948, the Workers' Party of South Korea (WPSK) and its ardent supporters launched a direct assault, targeting police forces and members of the Northwest Youth League who had been stationed on Jeju. These pro-government groups, in turn, were mobilized to suppress the burgeoning protests with brutal force, marking the beginning of a cycle of violence that would engulf the island. The situation on Jeju Island became a microcosm of the broader political tensions plaguing the peninsula.

Escalation and Brutality

The nascent First Republic of Korea, under the leadership of President Syngman Rhee, dramatically escalated its suppression efforts from August 1948. A declaration of martial law in November of that year paved the way for a full-scale "eradication campaign" launched in March 1949, aimed at crushing rebel forces in Jeju's rural heartland. Though the organized insurgency was largely defeated within two months, the cost was horrific. Between 14,000 and 30,000 people—a staggering 10 percent of Jeju Island's population at the time—were mercilessly killed. The extreme violence also forced approximately 40,000 islanders to flee their homes, seeking refuge in Japan. While atrocities and war crimes were committed by both sides, historians widely note the exceptional cruelty of the methods employed by the South Korean government forces against protesters and civilians. This intense violence against non-combatants contributed directly to the subsequent Yeosu-Suncheon rebellion on the mainland's South Jeolla Province, underscoring the interconnectedness of these early post-war conflicts. Indeed, some military historians, including Allan R. Millett, view the Jeju Uprising not merely as a precursor but as the true, brutal beginning of the broader Korean War.

A Silenced History and Eventual Reconciliation

For several decades following the Jeju Uprising, its existence was officially censored and repressed in South Korea, largely due to Cold War-era anti-communist narratives. Many rebel veterans and suspected sympathizers faced further persecution and were tragically killed upon the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950, effectively burying the truth of the incident. However, with the advent of democracy, the historical truth slowly began to emerge. In a landmark acknowledgment, the South Korean government officially apologized for its role in the killings in 2006, almost 60 years after the events, and committed to providing reparations to victims and their families. This crucial step was further reinforced in 2019 when the South Korean police and defense ministry issued their own apologies for the massacres, representing a significant moment of reconciliation and a commitment to remembrance for the victims of the Jeju April 3 Incident.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jeju Island and the April 3 Incident

What is Jeju Province?

Jeju Province, officially known as Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, is one of South Korea's nine provinces. It is comprised of Jeju Island, the country's largest island, and several smaller islets. Its capital is Jeju City, and it is home to Mt. Halla, South Korea's highest mountain.

When did Jeju Island become a separate province?

While historically part of South Jeolla Province, Jeju Island was officially separated and became its own province in 1946, a year before the Jeju Uprising began to simmer.

What was the Jeju April 3 Incident?

The Jeju April 3 Incident, also known as the Jeju Uprising, was a devastating period of conflict on Jeju Island from April 1948 to May 1949. It involved widespread protests against the division of Korea and UN-backed elections, escalating into an insurgency by the Workers' Party of South Korea (WPSK) and a brutal suppression campaign by the First Republic of Korea under President Syngman Rhee.

How many people died during the Jeju Uprising?

The violence during the Jeju Uprising was extreme, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 14,000 to 30,000 people, which constituted roughly 10 percent of Jeju Island's population at the time. Additionally, about 40,000 residents fled to Japan.

Has the South Korean government apologized for the Jeju Uprising?

Yes. In 2006, almost 60 years after the events, the South Korean government formally apologized for its role in the killings and pledged reparations. This apology was further affirmed in 2019 by apologies from the South Korean police and defense ministry regarding the massacres.

Why is the Jeju Uprising considered significant?

The Jeju Uprising is highly significant because it represents a tragic episode of state violence against its own citizens and is considered by some historians, such as Allan R. Millett, as the true beginning of the Korean War, due to its scale and the deep ideological conflicts it reflected.