Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Left-right coalition Shinganhoe honored as Independence Activist of the Month for February
An illustration of Shinganhoe, a group of independence activists who fought for liberation from Japan's colonial rule / Courtesy of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
By Lee Hyo-jin
In Korea’s current political landscape, marked by an intense ideological divide, it is hard to imagine cooperation between left and right-wing factions.
Yet, such unity was witnessed during a pivotal moment in the nation’s history — when it fought for independence from Japan’s colonial rule (1910-45).
This coalition of left and right-wing activists, named Shinganhoe, was honored as the Independence Activist of the Month for February by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. The ministry designates independence activists or groups each month and organizes commemorative events, exhibitions and other memorial projects to honor their contributions.
Formed in 1927, Shinganhoe members united under the common cause of achieving Korea’s independence from Japan’s occupation. The group brought together nationalists, who emphasized Korean culture and history while calling for self-governance, and socialists, who focused on class liberation and social equality.
The name Shinganhoe symbolizes "a new branch sprouting from an old tree," representing its vision for a united independence movement. The organization quickly grew, establishing over 150 regional branches and amassing 40,000 members, including those in overseas branches.
The members engaged in various activities to resist Japanese colonial policies and protect the nation’s interests by organizing public lectures, speeches and protests to openly criticize Japan’s unlawful governance.
The group’s most notable involvement was in the Wonsan General Strike in 1929, the largest labor movement during Korea's colonial period. Shinganhoe raised funds for striking workers and opposed Japan’s efforts to replace those workers with others.
In the same year, the independence activists supported victims of the Gapsan Farmer Crisis, where Japanese forces burned villages and displaced residents who resisted colonial rule.
Shinganhoe was disbanded on May 16, 1931, but left a lasting legacy as its members continued to fight for Korea’s independence, demonstrating the enduring power of unity beyond ideological differences.
"Shinganhoe represents the collective determination of Koreans to overcome ideological divisions and unite for independence, leaving a profound impact on subsequent movements," the veterans ministry said.
The ministry also noted that the group was chosen as February's independence activist based on a public survey from April 23 to May 22 last year through its website, as well as the websites of the Heritage of Korean Independence and the Independence Hall of Korea.