By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has selected Pastor Joo Ki-chul (1897-1944) as the Independence Fighter of the Month, in consultation with the Korea Liberation Association and the Independence Hall of Korea.
The ministry cited that Joo refused to visit shrines honoring Japanese war criminals during Japan's colonial rule of Korea (1910-1945).
Born in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Joo entered Yonhi College, predecessor of Yonsei University in Seoul, after graduating from Osan School in 1916.
But he had to drop out of school due to bad health and came back home to devote himself to God and the church as a deacon.
He participated in the March 1 Independence Movement in 1919 as chairman of the Joseon Youth Corps.
In 1936, Joo was appointed pastor of Sanjunghyun Church in Pyongyang, a birthplace of the Presbyterian Church of Korea. At that time, traditional Christian schools were on the brink of closure since they refused to visit Japanese war shrines.
In 1938, the Japanese government-general pushed ahead with measures to suppress Christian churches and Christian schools.
The National Presbyterian Church Association gave in to the fierce oppression by the Japanese. But Joo stood up against it and preached a sermon, titled ``Determination for Death,'' rebuking the unfair oppression of annihilating the patriotism of Koreans who refused to bow before idols.
He was arrested by the Japanese police and was severely tortured and was put under strict surveillance. After his release, he continued to lead movements against visiting war shrines.
He was arrested again on charges of lese majesty(treason) and violation of the Maintenance of the Public Order Act in July 1940 and died in prison.
He was posthumously awarded the government medal, Dongnip Jang (the Order of Independence), in 1990.