On March 15, 1942, several anti-Japanese propaganda posters were discovered pasted on a wall in Janghowon-eup, Icheon City. The individuals responsible for putting up these posters were Korean independence group called the ‘Eagle Boys’, consisting of children.
The Eagle Boys was an organization that originated from Park Young-sun, a graduate of Janghowon Elementary School. It was formed by mostly 4th to 6th grade students at Janghowon Elementary School who came together with a common purpose. They raised chickens and cultivated crops to finance their activities, and under the pledge to become members of the Korean independence army in the future, they trained their courage, physical and mental strength through training, and paid tribute to the shrine of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, in order to strengthen their determination for independence.
They also carried out activities such as creating propaganda materials urging local officials throughout the country not to collaborate with Japan, but to cooperate in the anti-Japanese struggle, as they believed that Japan, which was at war at the time, would eventually be defeated.
The Japanese police, who believed that they needed to prevent the spread of these anti-Japanese activities, arrested members of the organization and subjected them to severe torture and interrogation although they were children.
As a result, the leader of the organization, Park Young-sun, was imprisoned for two years, and Park Seung-yeon passed away before the liberation due to the aftereffects of torture. Despite the sadness, the Eagle Boys were able to rely on each other and welcome the liberation.
“Love your country.”
“Justice prevails. Long live the Korean independence army.”
The Eagle Boys were united in their common goal to achieve Korea’s independence and carried out anti-Japanese activities. Now it is your turn to become the Eagle Boys of the 21st century and complete Korea that they dreamed of!