New Declaration of Independence on 100th Anniversary of 3.1 Movement

On the 100th anniversary of the 3.1 movement, a mysterious group called the Cheollima Civil Defense Group released a video declaring the provisional government of “Free Joseon.”

” WE DECLARE ON THIS DAY the establishment of Free Joseon, a provisional government preparing the foundations for a future nation built upon respect for principles of human rights and humanitarianism, holding sacred a manifest dignity for every woman, man, and child.”

The group has declared previously that they are working to help North Korean defectors escape to freedom.

“탈출을 원하시거나 정보를 나누고 싶은 분은 우리가 지켜 드리겠습니다. 어느 나라에 계시던지 가능합니다. 가시고 싶은 곳으로 안전히 보내드리겠습니다. 여러 북조선 사람을 벌써 도와온 우리는 어떤 대가도 바라지 않습니다. “

“We will aid those who wish to defect or disseminate information. This is possible in whichever country you are. We will safely transport you to your desired location. We, who have already helped numerous North Koreans, require no payment.

Notably, the last video posted to the group’s Youtube page shows Kim Han Sol, the son of Kim Jong Nam, declaring that he is safe with his mother and sister in the aftermath of Kim Jong Nam’s execution. The group posted a message on their website thanking the governments of the United States, the Netherlands, China, and an unidentified nation after the family’s escape from Macau.

Along with the video declaration, the Cheollima group has posted a written declaration to their website found here. The declaration acknowledges that on this day 100 years ago, our ancestors declared a Free Korea, “calling on their compatriots to rise and overthrow a system of wanton oppression and intolerable indignities.” The declaration goes on to state that the dream has not been realized forcing the group to declare a provisional government, Free Joseon, which will implement preparations for a future government. It is unclear whether anyone in the DPRK has heard this declaration, or if the group has contacts with personnel in the North.

Rebellion in the DPRK?

In the 1990s there were at least two rebellions planned by factions of the KPA, with the latter including senior officers in the 6th Corps. Unsurprisingly, both of these planned insurrections resulted in widespread executions. Following Kim Jong Il’s death, Kim Jong Un quickly rose to power and consolidated this power with multiple high profile executions. Recently, Kim Jong Un has begun another round of purges targeting senior military officials that his father avoided in order to maintain support. Could this spark another coup attempt from wary military officials?

Not much is known about this Cheollima Group at this time. Without contacts in the military apparatus of the DPRK, this group has no possibility of inspiring insurrection. The declaration video looks to have been filmed in South Korea, and given the current administration, they probably don’t have support from the ROK government. Perhaps this was just a symbolic move on their part, but there are still lingering questions.

• Does this group actually exist, or are they a fantasy group posting about operations that never happened?
• Did Kim Han Sol request help from this group? None of the governments mentioned by the group have commented.
• Does the group indeed have a network ranging from Europe to China, South East Asia, South Korea, and possibly North Korea?
• Is the DPRK taking this group seriously? If so, are there agents attempting to track and target the members?
• Will we see further declarations or a concrete framework for establishing this “provisional government?”
• Would a provisional government even receive any support in today’s climate?

I’m not sure what to make of this group. Of course, a part of me wishes this group was real and that they have the contacts they claim. But even so, we’ve seen the history of rebellions in the North and even the outcome for high profile defectors. What is clear, to me at least, is that the status quo can no longer continue and the current push for normalized relations with the DPRK will crush any hope for a liberated North Korean people.