Forgotten Korean Suicide Attacker ‘Hero’ celebrated by Imperial Japan: Park Gwan-bin (박관빈, 朴官彬) charged into an Allied machine-gun nest clutching an anti-tank explosive during the Burma Campaign in Dec. 1944

In the annals of forgotten history, few figures exemplify the complex and tragic reality of Korean soldiers in the Imperial Japanese Army quite like Park Gwan-bin (朴官彬), who is featured in the following propaganda news articles from January 1945 that are translated and transcribed below. 

Park Gwan-bin

Park, hailing from a rural village in Wiwon County in northern Korea, volunteered for the Imperial Army and met his death in Burma in December 1944 during the Burma campaign, charging into an enemy position while clutching an anti-tank explosive. His suicide attack destroyed a fortified machine-gun nest, paving the way for his comrades’ advance. The Imperial Japanese press at the time lavishly honored him, painting him as a model of unwavering loyalty and sacrifice as a land-based kamikaze attacker. His heroism was not only a personal achievement but a shared glory, extending to his family, his village, and even his entire county. As the articles show, his nine family members—including his parents, wife, daughter, younger brother, and uncle—were publicly associated with his 'martyrdom', an honor that might have carried tangible social and economic benefits.

The party leader of the Korean Federation of National Power (国民総力朝鮮連盟, 국민총력조선연맹), the monolithic party that ruled Korea under Japanese occupation, also celebrated Park’s sacrifice, tying it to Korea’s collective wartime contribution. The party leader also eulogized Lim Jang-su (림장수, 林長守), a Korean kamikaze pilot who destroyed a U.S. Navy vessel in the Philippines in a December 7, 1944 attack, as well as Matsui Hideo, originally named In Jae-ung (인재웅, 印在雄), another Korean kamikaze pilot who also died in the Philippines in a November 29, 1944 attack. In Jae-ung was quite possibly the first Korean kamikaze pilot ever to die in combat. A translation of a brief biographical article about In Jae-ung from the NHK Japanese news service is provided at the end of this post.

Park’s sacrifice was not only a source of honor for his family but also for various stakeholders who basked in his reflected glory. The county governor openly expressed his pride in having such a hero emerge from his jurisdiction, while the director of the training center in Pyongyang, where Park was trained, also took great pride in producing a soldier of such loyalty and valor. Even Park’s squad leader, his student company commander, and the captain who oversaw his training days were drawn into the celebration of his heroism, their reputations enhanced by their association with him. These layers of commemoration indicate that battlefield martyrdom was not merely an individual act but a means to elevate an entire network of people—from local officials to military instructors—who could claim a connection to the fallen hero.

Aside from the two celebrated kamikaze pilots, this article also briefly mentions other Korean “martyrs” in passing, like Lee In-seok, who is known to be the first Korean Imperial Army soldier to be killed in battle during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Unfortunately, other Korean soldiers referenced in the article remain frustratingly obscure, with little to no available information. This is an area where historians could pick up where existing research has failed.

Had Imperial Japan won the war, figures like Park Gwan-bin and Lim Jang-su would likely be Korean national icons today, with monuments erected in their honor, buildings named after them, schoolchildren learning their stories, and their spirits venerated in national ceremonies facing Yasukuni Shrine. They would have been ubiquitous in state propaganda, enshrined as the ultimate symbols of Korean loyalty to the Empire. But in our timeline, they are nearly forgotten, their stories buried in the shadows of history, and uncovering even fragments of their lives is an immense challenge. 

One translation decision that I made in this post was to list his name as Park Gwan-bin, even though the original newspaper articles only referred to him by his Japanized name, Bokumura (朴村). While I do not have explicit evidence that his original Korean name was Park, the fact that his Japanized surname incorporates the Hanja (Chinese character) for Park (朴) makes it a strong assumption. 

Given that different newspaper reports from January 29 and January 30, 1945, list different ages and identities for Park’s family members, discrepancies likely arose due to language barriers—his rural Korean relatives may have struggled to communicate in Japanese or spoken an obscure Korean dialect unfamiliar to reporters.

Another discrepancy that I found is that one article describes that Park grew up in poverty, while another article mentions that his family is well-off. Perhaps his farming family grew wealthy only after he grew older. Alternatively, it may be that the term 'well-off' was relative to the wealth of other farming families in the area, and that, compared to other families in Korea as a whole, their family would still have been considered poor.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 29, 1945
Flesh and Steel—A Path Cleared by Assault
Behold, the Brilliant Military Deeds of Private First Class Park!

As the shining heroic feats of Lieutenants Matsui Hideo (松井秀雄) (Korean name In Jae-ung, 인재웅, 印在雄) and Lim Jang-su illuminate the Korean peninsula like divine eagles, so too has Private First Class Park Gwan-bin (박관빈, 朴官彬, Japanese surname Bokumura 朴村), a volunteer from the Korean peninsula, fought bravely on the Burmese front. His valiant struggle has led to the ultimate sacrifice, his noble body falling amid the grass, dyed with blood. His luminous individual citation has now been publicly announced.

The esteemed Private First Class Park hails from 84 Gobo-dong (고보동, 古堡洞), Bongsan-myeon (봉산면, 鳳山面), Wiwon County (위원군, 渭原郡), North Pyongan Province. He was among the first class of volunteers trained at the Pyongyang First Volunteer Training School. Assigned to the Itai squad, he displayed remarkable martial prowess on the pestilence-ridden, scorching front lines. In particular, during combat on the banks of the Irrawaddy River last December, he fearlessly led his squad to the forefront, pressing against the enemy position despite sustaining severe injuries. Undeterred, he clutched an anti-tank explosive to his chest and charged into the enemy fortifications spitting fire. In an instant, he obliterated the enemy's fortified machine-gun nest and, in the ensuing chaos, personally stabbed several enemy soldiers to death. His sacrifice paved the way for the advance of our forces, making him a spearhead for the protection of the Imperial nation, perishing with honor on the Burmese front.

This marks the first individual commendation awarded to a Korean volunteer. The boundless spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice displayed by Private First Class Park, whose valor could stir even the spirits of the fallen, serves as a model not only for his fellow Korean volunteers but also for the elite ranks of the Imperial Army. Just as the names of Privates First Class Lee In-seok and Lee Hyang-su (이향수, 李享洙) who stained the battlefields of Shanxi with their pure blood, shine brightly, and as Sergeant Kaneshiro Yoshiki (金城義輝) received the distinguished honor of a double-rank promotion for extraordinary military achievements, Park’s valor now shines as a bright light in the annals of the Greater East Asia War.

The 26 million people of the Korean peninsula, already filled with burning gratitude and admiration for the divine eagles and soldiers of the sky, must now deepen their resolve and elevate their will to fight. The noble soul of Private First Class Park must serve as an inspiration for all.

A Land-Based Special Attack Unit
A Manifestation of the Spirit of Sacrifice
Testimony from Chief Reporter Nagaya

The Korean peninsula, which has already brought forth the divine eagles, the Special Attack Unit members Lieutenants Matsui and Lim, whose unwavering loyalty and valor will be remembered for eternity, has once again demonstrated its martial spirit. Earlier this year, on the central China front, Privates Second Class Ōyama and Morishige fearlessly engaged in fierce combat, cutting down more than ten enemy soldiers with unrelenting force. Their remarkable bravery earned high praise from General Okamura, commander of the China Expeditionary Army. Now, the Burmese front has seen the emergence of another legend: Private First Class Park Gwan-bin, the first from the Korean peninsula to receive an individual commendation.

Private First Class Park, under the most adverse conditions, bravely pressed forward with an anti-tank explosive in his arms, destroying a heavily fortified enemy machine-gun emplacement and significantly aiding our military operations. His actions exemplify the highest spirit of sacrifice. When he realized his grave injuries would prevent him from rising again, he calmly shouted "Banzai to His Majesty the Emperor!" before embracing death with composure. This act of ultimate loyalty is the very embodiment of the warrior spirit and can be rightfully deemed the equivalent of a land-based Special Attack Unit.

At a time when the Greater East Asia War sees fierce battles against the Americans unfolding on the Philippine front and the vast expanse of China, these Korean soldiers have shattered the enemy’s ranks, demonstrating superhuman feats of courage in both air and land operations to destroy the British and the Americans. Their deeds will surely solidify the 26 million Koreans' unwavering resolve for ultimate victory.

Even now, numerous Korean soldiers fight alongside those from the homeland across land, sea, and air. Without a doubt, further exemplary military exploits will emerge. With the second round of conscription examinations currently underway across all of Korea, these young men, inspired by the shining military exploits of their predecessors, must surely feel the flames of loyalty and devotion burning deep within their hearts. Young Korean men must engrave upon their hearts that military service is the highest honor for a man and the most exalted duty of a subject of Japan. They must strive to achieve glorious military feats so as not to bring shame upon their predecessors. At the same time, they must take to heart the spirit of the young warriors who have demonstrated their resolve to the 26 million people of the peninsula. With unshakable determination, they must unite all their strength to carry out the war to its conclusion and annihilate the British and the Americans.

Graduate of the Pyongyang Second Volunteer Training School

Having fully demonstrated the essence of the Imperial Army, Private First Class Park Gwan-bin fell heroically on the Burmese front, earning an individual commendation. Born in 84 Gobo-dong-84, Bongsan-myeon, Wiwon County, North Pyongan Province, he graduated from Bongsan Elementary School. Initially engaged in farming at home, he was unable to suppress his fervent desire to become a volunteer soldier, so in 1942, he enrolled in the Pyongyang Second Army Volunteer Training School. After completing his training, he served as an assistant instructor at the same school. When he passed the rigorous second screening, he proudly stepped into the ranks of the military.

At home, his family consists of five other members including his father, Il-chan (일찬, 一賛)  (39 years old), his mother, Jik-ok (직옥, 直玉) (42 years old), his younger brother, Seong-bin (성빈, 星彬) (13 years old), his younger sister, Seon-bin (선빈, 善彬) (4 years old), and his uncle, Park Byeong-chan (병찬, 炳賛). The family is well-off, owning extensive farmland.

A Flower Always Adorned His Instructor's Desk
A Story from His Training School Days

[Pyongyang Telephone Report] Though Private First Class Park was a fearless warrior who struck terror into the hearts of the enemy, he also had a gentle side, as recently recounted in a cherished tale from his days at his training school in Pyongyang.

One day, while in training, he happened to notice that his instructor's desk held an empty vase. Finding the sight lonely, he thought, "Even in a training school, it would not be inappropriate for a vase to hold flowers." From the following morning, beautiful flowers mysteriously began appearing in the vase each day. After two or three days, the instructor, curious about the benefactor, discovered that the kind-hearted Park had been placing them there.

Beyond this anecdote, Private First Class Park worked tirelessly to improve the capabilities of Squad 38, of which he was a part, supporting the squad leader to make it a model unit within the school.

Follow This Loyal and Heroic Example!
Statement from the Chief of the Korean Federation of National Power

"At this moment, having learned that Private First Class Park has distinguished himself on the Burma front with remarkable military achievements, serving as a noble foundation for our Empire’s inevitable victory and living on in eternal righteousness, I am overwhelmed with emotion. He has been awarded a commendation from the army commander and, furthermore, has had the great honor of being reported to His Majesty.

Inspired by the eternal brilliance of the loyalty, courage, and valor of Second Lieutenants Matsui and Lim, as well as Sergeant Kanehara, we are now further moved by the unprecedented honor bestowed upon a Korean for the first time. This news is an immense source of pride for the Korean Peninsula, and we must widely extol his military achievements. At the same time, we must also remain steadfast in our sincerity, burn with an unshakable conviction in the defense of the Empire, and strive to align ourselves with the Imperial Will.

Now, as the realities of the war situation grow ever more severe, there is no room for cheap optimism. This autumn, when the entire hundred million must truly rise up and devote themselves fully to supplying the front lines, we must take to heart the spirit of Private First Class Park, who seized the enemy position in a life-or-death charge. We must renew our resolve to follow his path of loyal and heroic sacrifice."

The Deep Emotion at the Volunteer Soldier Training Center

[Pyongyang – Telephone Report] The deep emotion surrounding the heroic Private First Class Park has also spread to the Second Volunteer Soldier Training Center, where he trained. Former director Colonel Kamizumi Ryōkichi, student company commander Captain Wakamatsu Yoshinosuke, and squad leader Corporal Shiratani Masato each shared their heartfelt thoughts:

"It is truly an honor for our training center to have produced such a devoted Imperial soldier as Private First Class Park. We are simply overwhelmed with emotion. Private First Class Park was raised in a relatively wealthy household, and his parents were highly understanding people. A home that fosters such understanding naturally produces outstanding Imperial soldiers. We hope that all families will take this moment to deepen their understanding of the Imperial Army. Park was a gentle, serious man with exemplary conduct and a strong sense of responsibility. He was not only the pride of his family but also of our training center, and we cannot contain our joy."

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 30, 1945
The Character of Private First Class Park
A Man of Strong Willpower
Top of His Class in School

[Sinuiju Telephone Report] On the 28th, just as our spirits were still stirred by the heroic kamikaze attack of Second Lieutenant Lim Jang-su, we received news of another honor—the first-ever individual commendation for a Korean soldier, awarded to Private First Class Park Gwan-bin. All the people of the province, and indeed the entire Korean peninsula, reflected upon his brilliant military exploits and honor and resolved, with unwavering sincerity, to offer their own lives in service of the Emperor by destroying the enemy. The following is an account of Private First Class Park’s character:

Park was born in a poor farming household in Gobo-dong, Bongsan-myeon, Wiwon County, about 4.5 ri (approximately 18 kilometers) from Wiwon town. His strict father, Mr. Park Il-chan, was known as the most diligent farmer in the region. Growing up in this simple and honest environment, young Gwan-bin naturally became a quiet, gentle, and sincere individual.

By the time he graduated in March 1940 from Dongjang Public Elementary School (sixth graduating class), he had developed a strong physique and had gained a reputation as a determined young man who never gave up once he set his mind on something. He was expected to become a pillar of the village’s youth community.

Despite his family’s poverty, he studied diligently. He consistently ranked at the top of his class, astonishing those around him.

It was during this time that he resolved to enlist as a special volunteer soldier in the Imperial Army. Despite opposition from the villagers, he persisted and was finally accepted into the Pyongyang Special Volunteer Soldier Training Center in the summer of 1942. With a heart filled with excitement, he donned his training uniform and devoted himself entirely to the path of a true Imperial soldier.

He completed his training in December of that year. Afterward, he served as an assistant instructor at the Bongsan Youth Special Training Center, where he trained recruits with an unyielding spirit. He was a man of action, leading by example rather than mere words.

His courageous final act—charging into the enemy lines with explosives in hand—was the ultimate expression of his resolute will.

In a later month, he formally entered military service and gave his life in glory on the Burma front.

His surviving family members include his father Il-chan (41 years old), his mother Jik-ok (46 years old), his wife Ok-kin (24 years old), his four-year-old daughter, his younger brother’s wife, two younger sisters, and cousins—a total of nine relatives.

A Great Honor for the County
Statement from the Governor of Wiwon County

[Sinuiju – Telephone Report] Mr. Harada Keisei, the governor of Wiwon County, who had traveled to attend the Provincial Governors’ Conference on the 30th, expressed his profound emotion upon learning of the first individual commendation awarded to a Korean soldier:

"The unprecedented honor of this individual commendation is not only a supreme distinction for Private First Class Park himself but also an incomparable honor for all 40,000 residents of our county.

Previously, we had the honor of producing the late Second Lieutenant Lim, and now we have given rise to yet another heroic soldier, Private First Class Park. There is no greater pride and joy than this.

Thinking of the fact that such divine soldiers have emerged from my jurisdiction, I cannot remain still. The only way to truly repay the heroic deeds of these soldiers is to dedicate ourselves to increased wartime production.

Now is the time for all 40,000 county residents to follow in the footsteps of Private First Class Park!"

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年1月29日
肉弾・拓く突撃路
ああ武勲燦たり朴村上等兵

半島の神鷲松井、林両少尉の偉烈燦と輝くときビルマ戦線に勇戦奮闘、壮烈草染む屍の栄光に殉じた半島出身志願兵朴村官彬上等兵に対する輝く個人感状が発表された。

誉れの朴村上等兵は平北渭原郡凰山面古堡洞八四の出身、平壌第一志願兵訓練所一期生だ。板井分隊に属して灼熱瘴癘の戦線に武功をうち樹て、とくに昨年十二月イラワジ河岸の戦闘には分隊の最先頭に立って敵陣に肉薄重傷を受けるも届せず、破甲爆雷をしっかと胸に抱き敢然として火を吐く敵陣に突入、一瞬にして敵掩蓋重機陣地を爆砕すると、共に周章狼狽の敵数名を刺殺。友軍進撃の途を拓いて壮烈ビルマ戦線に皇国護持の尖兵と散ったのである。

半島出身志願兵に対する栄の個人感状はこれが最初であり、朴村上等兵のその鬼神を哭かしむる尽忠殉国の赤誠は半島出身志願兵は勿論、皇軍精鋭の亀鑑ともいうべく、さきに山西の戦野を純血に染めた李仁錫、李享洙両上等兵をはじめ、武功抜群二階級特進の栄誉に浴した金城義輝兵長らの勲と共に大東亜戦史に燦たる光芒を放ったものである。

二千六百万はさきに神鷲、空の神兵に捧げた燃え沸ぎる感謝と感激をさらに一段と深めて戦う士気を昂揚。この朴村上等兵の芳魂に続かなければならない。

恰も陸の特攻隊
これぞ犠牲精神の発露
長屋報道部長語る

忠烈万古に薫る特攻隊員松井、林両少尉の神鷲を出し、その声価を中外に輝かした半島は今年はじめ中支戦線において敵兵十数名を刺殺し獅子奮迅の活躍をして岡村支那派遣軍司令官からいたく激賞された大山、森重二等兵をはじめ今またビルマ戦線に於いて半島出身初の個人感状の栄に輝く朴村官彬上等兵を出したことは唯々感激のほかなき次第である。特に朴村上等兵は最も困難なる状況のもと敢然身に破甲爆雷を抱き肉薄中掩蓋重機陣地を粉砕。味方の作戦を容易ならしめた行為は真に尊き犠牲精神の発露であると共に重傷の末再び起つ能わざるを知るや、天皇陛下万歳を唱え従容死につく。これ一死以て国に報ゆる尽忠精神のあらわれにして真に軍人精神の亀鑑であり陸の特攻隊というべきである。

今や大東亜戦争は比島戦線をはじめ支那大陸、熾烈な日米決戦が展開されているとき、これら半島出身兵が空に陸に体当たりを以て米英撃滅に鬼神を哭かしむる武勲を樹てたことは半島二千六百万をして勝ち抜く決意を一層新たにしたことであろう。

現在尚多くの半島出身兵が陸、海、空に内地出身兵と共に活躍中であるが、必ずや赫々たる武勲が続々と現れることを確信している。いま全鮮に亘り第二回目の徴兵検査が実施されているが、これらの若き壮丁は武勲輝く先輩の忠烈に対し胸奥深く尽忠の焰を燃えたぎらせていることであろう。

兵役は男子最高の名誉であり、日本臣民として崇高な義務であることを銘肝し先輩の名を恥かしめないよう立派な手柄を樹てることを切望すると同時に半島二千六百万に対し身を以て示した若き勇士の心を心として米英撃滅に向って飽くまで戦争遂行に総力を結集することを望んで止まない。

平壌第二志願訓練所の出身

皇軍の真髄を発揮しビルマ戦線で壮烈な戦死を遂げ個人感状授与に輝く朴村官彬上等兵は平北道渭原郡凰山面古堡洞八四に生れ凰山国民学校を卒業。一時家庭にあって農事にいそしんでいたが志願兵への熱望おさえがたく昭和十七年平壌の第二陸軍志願者訓練所に入所訓練終了後、同訓練所の助手として勤務しているうち第二次銓衡に見事合格、勇躍晴れの軍門を潜ったのである。

家庭には父一賛氏（39）、母直玉さん（42）、弟星彬君（13）、妹善彬さん（４つ）に叔父の炳賛氏の五人がおり、大農家である。

教官の机上、常に花あり
床しい訓練所時代の挿話

【平壌電話】敵陣に向っては鬼をもひしぐ勇猛果敢な朴村上等兵の優しい一面を物語る『朴村生徒の花』の逸話が、いま新たに平壌の予備訓練所で語られている。

訓練所入所中の或日、朴村生徒はふと教官の机上をみた。そこには花瓶あれど花なし、淋しさであった。訓練所とはいえ花瓶に花の風情はあっても差支えなかろう、と考えた。

恰度その翌日から毎朝その花瓶に美しい花が挿されるようになった。二日、三日は教官も黙していたが、毎日続く『花』に一体誰が挿してくれるのか、と不審に思い花の主をさがしたところ、朴村生徒の優しい心尽くしであることが判った。このほか朴村上等兵は当時編入していた三十八班の素質の向上を考え班長と共に尽力し同訓練所でも模範的な班に仕上げた功績も残している。

この忠烈に続け！
韓聯盟総長談

只今ビルマ戦線において赫々たる武勲を樹てて皇国必勝の尊い礎として悠久の大義に生きた朴村上等兵に対し、軍司令官より感状を授与せられ更に畏くも上聞に達せられたる光栄に浴したことを知り心からなる感激に咽んでいる次第であります。

裏に松井、林両少尉並に金原軍曹の萬世に輝く忠勇義烈に感動した我等は今又半島人としてこの最初の無上の光栄に浴したる報道に接したことは半島にとって絶大なる誇りとしてその武功を大いに宣揚すべきであると共に我等又至誠一貫、皇国護持の大信念に燃え、大御心に副い奉らねばなりません。

今や戦局の現実は愈々深刻となり安価なる楽観を許さず一億真に奮起、戦線への補給に最善をつくさなければならぬこの秋、我等は決死敵陣を占領した朴村上等兵の心を心として忠烈に続く決意を新にしなければなりません。

志願兵訓練所の感激

【平壌電話】神兵朴村官彬上等兵を出した当時の第二志願兵訓練所所長上住良吉大佐、生徒隊長若松吉之助大尉、区隊長白谷正人伍長は訓練所の名誉でもあるとそれぞれ次の如く感激談を語った。

わが訓練所から朴村上等兵の如き尽忠に燃える皇兵を出したことは実に有難い。只々感激している次第である。朴村上等兵は相当裕福な家庭に育ち両親が非常に理解ある人でした。理解ある家庭を持つことがかかる立派な皇兵を生み出すものと思う。

一般の家庭もこの際皇軍に対する理解を深めて貰いたい。朴村上等兵は日頃柔順で真面目、品行方正で責任感の強い男でした。本人はもとより一家一門の誉れであるが、わが訓練所としても喜びに堪えない。

京城日報 1945年1月30日

朴村上等兵：人となりの記
強い実行力
学校は首席で押通す

【新義州電話】神風特攻隊林長守少尉の壮烈なる体当たりに我ら神風魂に決戦の新なる決意と感激まだ醒めやらぬ二十八日、又も朴村官彬上等兵（渭原郡凰山面古堡洞出身）に対する半島初の個人感状授与と殊勲上聞の栄誉をきく全道民はもちろん半島民衆はその輝かしい武勲と栄誉を偲ぶと共にただただ滅敵の一死奉公の誠を固く誓った。以下は朴村上等兵の人となりの記である。

この朴村上等兵は渭原邑内から約四里半も離れた凰山面古堡洞の貧しい農家に生れた。厳父一賛氏はこの地方切っての精農家で純朴な生活環境は少年官彬をそのまま無口で温厚篤実なものへと育み上げて行った。

昭和十五年三月東場公立国民学校（第六期生）を修了する頃には頑丈な体格と何かやり出せば最後までやり通す頼もしい青年となって部落の中堅青年として嘱望されていた。貧しい家庭の中にあってよく勉強し、学校ではいつも首席を占めては人々の舌を巻いたのもこの少年であった。

陸軍特別志願兵へと志願したのもこの頃で、村の人々の反対を押し切って到頭昭和十七年の夏、平壌特別志願兵訓練所に入所訓練服に胸躍らせつつ只管神兵への道にいそしんだ。

同所を同年十二月に修了。その後凰山青年特別錬成所に指導員の助手として元気で訓練生と共に血の出るような訓練生活を重ねた。常に口でいうよりも自分が身をもって実戦して行った爆雷を抱いて敵陣に突撃した壮烈な魂もこの身を以て挺身した実行力にあった。

〇〇月に晴れて入営ビルマ戦線に護国の華を散ったものである。なお遺族には父一賛氏（41）、母直玉さん（46）、妻玉キンさん（24）、長女（４つ）、弟の妻、妹二人に従兄弟など九名がいる。

郡の名誉
渭原郡守談

【新義州電話】三十日開かれる府尹郡守会議に出席のため上道した渭原郡守原田桂成氏は朴村上等兵の半島人初の個人感状授与の知らせを知って左の如く感激談をなした。

半島初の個人感状授与の破格の名誉は本人のみならず四万郡民のこの上もない名誉である。さきに故林少尉を出し又も朴村上等兵を出したことはこの上もない誇りであり喜びだ。これは自分の管内に神兵を出したと思うとじっとしていられない感じた。

この感激を増産につぎ込むことこそ神兵の武勲に応える唯一の道である。今こそ四万郡民は朴村上等兵に続くべきだ。

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브

Matsui Hideo (松井秀雄) (Korean Name: In Jae-ung)

• Age at Death: 20 years and 6 months
• Place of Death: Leyte Bay, Philippines
• Date of Death: November 29, 1944
• Place of Origin: Korean Peninsula
• Military Rank: Army Corporal
• Training: 13th Class of Youth Aviation Cadets
• Unit: Army Special Attack Unit, Member of the Yasukuni Unit
• Aircraft: Type 1 Fighter "Hayabusa"
• Cause of Death: Killed in Action

Early Life

Matsui Hideo, originally named In Jae-ung (인재웅, 印在雄), was born on May 3, 1924, as the second son of a businessman. He had two younger sisters. At the age of 12, he moved to Kaesong with his mother and sisters. He attended Kaesong Public Commercial School before volunteering as a youth aviation cadet in the Imperial Japanese Army, where he became a pilot of the "Hayabusa" fighter aircraft.

Military Service and Death

On November 29, 1944, as a member of the Army Special Attack Unit (Kamikaze) known as the Yasukuni Unit, he launched his final sortie in a Type 1 Fighter "Hayabusa" and perished in Leyte Bay, Philippines.

His death was widely publicized in a local Korean newspaper, which printed a headline in Hangul reading, "A Yasukuni Divine Eagle from the Peninsula." His story was used to bolster wartime morale among the Korean population. Following his death, at least 16 other young Korean men are known to have perished in similar special attack missions.

Postwar Controversy

A longstanding rumor suggested that In Jae-ung had survived as a prisoner of war and later returned to the Korean Peninsula after the war. However, his surviving sisters have denied these claims. Furthermore, no records of him have been found in U.S. military prisoner records.

Source: Translated from NHK Archives 特攻＞特攻隊員4000人の記憶＞陸軍靖国隊　印　在雄さん｜戦争｜NHKアーカイブス

Imperial Japan celebrated a Korean boy’s angry blood vow to sun goddess Amaterasu offering up his life as a fighter pilot to avenge the U.S. bombing of Ise Shrine in 1945

The following article serves as a tragic testament to the extent of Imperial Japan’s propaganda and its devastating impact on Korean youth during the colonial period. It tells the story of a 15-year-old Korean boy, Yoshiyama Kakei, who became enraged after hearing news of a U.S. air attack on the Ise Jingu shrine—one of the most sacred Shinto sites in Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine, located in Ise, Mie Prefecture, was likely strafed during the Bombing of Nagoya on January 14, 1945.

What makes this article particularly striking is how it illustrates the depth of indoctrination under the Japanese colonial regime. The boy, from a rural area in Goseong County in Gangwon Province, expressed his outrage not merely as loyalty to the emperor but as a personal sense of spiritual violation. His reaction shows that Koreans were systematically taught to feel a connection to the broader pantheon of Shinto deities, not just the emperor himself.

In his desperation to atone for what he saw as a grave offense against the divine, this young boy wrote a letter pledging his life for vengeance—using his own blood. His willingness to volunteer as a fighter pilot reveals how deeply Imperial Japan’s wartime propaganda and the state Shinto religion had permeated the minds of the most impressionable Korean youths.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 25, 1945

"Goddess, I offer up my blood in apology"

A Young Aviation Soldier’s Fiery Blood Petition

Enraged by the report of despicable enemy aircraft violating the sacred grounds of Ise Jingu Shrine, a young Korean boy, Yoshiyama Kakei, solemnly swore vengeance and submitted a blood petition to become an aviation soldier.

15-year-old Yoshiyama Kakei from 2-617 Dong-ri, Goseong-eup, Goseong County, Gangwon Province, graduated from elementary school last year. As a trainee at the Goseong South Youth Training Institute, he has been undergoing rigorous preparation to become an Imperial soldier. However, upon hearing the Imperial Headquarters’ announcement on the 14th that the despicable B-29 bombers had attacked the sacred grounds of Ise Jingu—worshiped by 100 million people—and destroyed the Saikan and Kagura-den, he was enraged by the sheer arrogance and brutality of the enemy Americans.

Unable to allow even a moment’s delay, his young blood boiled with fury, and he made a firm vow of vengeance. He resolved to take to the skies and fight, writing in blood:

"Amaterasu Omikami, please forgive me. I offer my blood in apology in place of my own body. Transcending life and death, I dedicate myself to annihilating the enemy Americans."

Burning with fiery, pure determination, the young boy also enclosed the following letter dated January 24th, addressed to the commander of the Japanese Korean Army, applying to become an aviation soldier. Below is the content of his letter, revealing his heartfelt resolve:

"(Omitted introduction) In this sacred era of Showa, how can we ever apologize to the gods, to our ancestors, and to our descendants for allowing the divine grounds of the Grand Shrine of Ise to be defiled? When I think about this, my heart aches with such sorrow that I cannot even cry. Clenching my teeth and tightening my fists, I swore that I myself would avenge this outrage.

There is no time left to hesitate. Right now, the soldiers on the frontlines believe in us, enduring harsh battles with unwavering determination. When I think of their struggles and the spirit they carry within their hearts, I am filled with nothing but profound gratitude.

I, too, must take to the skies of decisive battle as soon as possible and dedicate everything to His Majesty. That is the most important duty we bear. Please, grant me this wish and allow me to take revenge. I humbly beg you."

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年1月25日

神様・お詫びに僕の血を

少年飛行兵に烈々血書で熱願

醜翼伊勢神域を侵す報に憤激、断乎復仇を誓う半島少年の飛行兵血書志願。

江原道高城郡高城邑東里二区六一七吉山河圭君（１５）は昨年国民学校を卒業。高城南青年訓練所生として皇兵への練磨を続けているが、去る十四日醜翼B２９が一億崇拝の伊勢神宮神域を爆撃し斎館、神楽殿を破壊した大本営発表を聞き敵米の余りの不逞暴虐ぶりに憤激。もはや一刻の猶予もならず、と若き血潮を憤激に沸らせ断乎この復仇を誓って空征く決意を固め、『天照大神様、お許し下さい。僕の身に代って血でお詫び致します。死生を超越し敵米撃滅にこの身を捧げます』と血書。

これに烈々火と燃ゆる少年の至純な決意を綴った次の如き手紙を添えて二十四日朝鮮軍司令官宛に少年飛行兵を志願して来た、以下同君の決意を披瀝した手紙の内容：

「（前略）この昭和の聖代に皇大神宮の神域を汚したこと神様に先祖に子孫に何とお詫びしましょう。そのことを考えます時、私は泣くにも泣けない思いで胸を痛めました。そして歯を喰いしばり拳を握り、きっとこの仇を自分の身で討つと誓ったのです。

も早一刻の猶予も許されません。今日前線の兵隊さんは私たちの来ることを信じて苦しい戦闘に耐えつつ頑張っておられるのです。その兵隊さんのお姿、その心中をお察しいたします時、私たちはただただ感謝に堪えません。そして私たちも一刻も早く決戦の大空に続きすべてを大君に捧げ奉ることが最も大切な任務であると思っています。どうかこの希望を叶えて仇を討たして下さい。お願いいたします。」

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브

Lim Jangsu (림장수, 林長守) was a Korean Kamikaze pilot who died in a suicide attack on US navy vessels in the Philippines on Dec. 7, 1944; he was from Yeomju-eup near Sinuiju

These two Imperial propaganda news articles from January 1945 cover an ethnic Korean kamikaze pilot, Lim Jangsu (林長守), who died in a suicide attack on December 7, 1944, during the Battle of Ormoc Bay in the Philippines. His suicidal assault helped destroy either the USS Ward or USS Lamson, but despite his prominent glorification in wartime media, his name has all but disappeared from history. Access to these news articles became possible only recently with the opening up of the digital newspaper archives of the National Library of Korea.

Lim Jangsu

Jangsu and sixteen other kamikaze pilots were plastered across the front page of the Keijo Nippo on January 25, 1945, the largest newspaper in colonial Korea. Imperial Japan was desperately seeking to manipulate and rally the colonized Korean population to cope with imminent military defeat. Their strategy? Elevating a Korean suicide pilot into a martyr. Whereas the spirit of Isoroku Yamamoto was being promoted in 1943, by 1945, the "Jangsu spirit" was being pushed instead.

Lim Jangsu in the center

Jangsu hailed from Namsi-eup, which is now called Yeomju-eup, a small township a few kilometers east of Sinuiju, in present-day North Korea. His family, including his three younger brothers—one of whom was a provincial police officer—was thrust into the spectacle of wartime Imperial Japanese propaganda. One of the articles describes his parents watching their son's final moments immortalized on film in a Sinuiju theater, overcome with tears as they beheld his image on the silver screen.

Yet, for all this propaganda, why is his name nowhere to be found online? His existence is not even mentioned in Wikipedia or Namu Wiki. Indeed, currently on Reddit, one post about Korean Kamikaze pilots says that the first Korean to die in a Kamikaze attack was Park Dong-hun (Okawa Masaaki) on March 29, 1945.

This story forces us to confront unsettling questions about Korea's place in Imperial Japan’s war machine and how colonial subjects were manipulated, used, and then discarded.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 15, 1945

Earnest Cry of 'Oh, Jangsu!'

Sergeant Lim's Parents Shed Tears of Joy in a Silver Screen Reunion

[Sinuiju telephone report] The second 'Divine Eagle' born on the peninsula, Sergeant Lim Jangsu (림장수, 林長守), and his strict father, Mr. Lim Chunhui (림춘희, 林春煕), experienced a miraculous reunion on the silver screen. Upon seeing the lifelike image of the 'Divine Eagle,' they gasped, 'Ah, it is Jangsu!' Overcome with tears, the entire family gathered to remember the heroic deeds of their departed son in this touching home-front episode.

The 238th installment of Japan News, featuring the Kamikaze Special Attack Unit’s Imperial loyalty Squadron in action, is currently being shown at the World Theater in the city. Upon hearing from others that their son, Sergeant Lim Jangsu, appeared in the film, his father, Chunhui, along with his mother, Dae-nyeo (대녀, 大女), traveled all the way from their home in Namsi (남시, 南市) to Sinuiju on the night of January 11th, their hearts pounding with hope—'perhaps we will see Jangsu…' With bated breath, the couple fixed their eyes on the screen. The film seamlessly portrayed the warriors of the special attack unit, calm and composed, just before their sortie.

One by one, two, three—'Ah, it is Jangsu!' Sergeant Lim, with his tall stature and strong, well-defined features, dominated the screen. Even his mother, Dae-nyeo, who had not shed a tear upon hearing of her beloved son’s self-sacrificing attack, could not hold back this time, as tears gently fell from her eyes—tears of joy. One after another, the Divine Eagle aircraft of the Imperial Loyalty Squadron plunged into the skies over Leyte in their ultimate act of devotion. The couple remained in their seats, unable to look away, deeply moved by the scene before them.

On January 13th, the film was screened in the provincial government conference room. Among the attendees was Sergeant Lim Jangsu’s younger brother, Lim Dalsu (림달수, 林達守) who was employed at the provincial police department. Thanks to the thoughtful consideration of his superior, he was given the opportunity to watch the film. Overjoyed at the sight of his brother on screen, he was filled with excitement and declared with firm resolve, 'I will surely follow in the footsteps of the Special Attack Unit!' Thus, the Divine Eagle film became a powerful and deeply moving topic on the home front."

[Photo: In the center stands Sergeant Lim Jangsu before his attack]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 25, 1945

Carrying on Jangsu's Spirit in Old Age

Parents of Newly Promoted Second Lieutenant Lim Moved to Tears

[Sinuiju telephone report] With a single aircraft, he brought down an enemy warship—Sergeant Lim Jangsu, the Divine Eagle of the Korean peninsula, achieved a fearless and precise strike ramming attack. His valorous feat, along with the distinguished achievements of the entire Loyalty Squadron, was recognized with a commendation from the highest commander of the Southern Front. Furthermore, word has now arrived that this honor has reached the highest levels of the Imperial court, resulting in his posthumous promotion to Second Lieutenant and the awarding of the Fourth-Class Order of Merit and the Sixth-Class Order of the Rising Sun.

At the family home of the late Second Lieutenant Lim in Namsi, his strict father, Chunhui, was moved to tears by the boundless and immeasurable grace of the Emperor. Overcome with emotion, he declared, 'I must dedicate myself entirely to the spirit of the Special Attack Unit, breaking my body and bones if necessary, to repay even one ten-thousandth of the Imperial favor.'

Overwhelmed by emotion, he continued: "The immense grace of His Majesty is beyond words—I am overwhelmed with both awe and gratitude. There is no greater honor for our family. As I am still capable of working, I will push my aging body to its limits, dedicating myself fully to carrying on Jangsu’s spirit. With whatever strength I have, I will devote myself to home-front service, however small my contribution may be, in the effort to strike down the American and British forces. My only concern is how I can ever repay even one ten-thousandth of the Imperial favor."

Likewise, the late Second Lieutenant Lim’s mother, Dang Daenyeo (당대녀, 堂大女), also tearfully expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the sacred honor, saying: "Fortunately, Jangsu has three younger brothers. We will raise them to be as strong in spirit as their late brother, and we are prepared to dedicate them to the nation as well." [Photo: Second Lieutenant Lim]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年1月15日

真面目に”おお長守！”

林伍長の両親嬉しい涙の銀幕対面

【新義州電話】半島が生んだ第二の神鷲林伍長と厳父林春煕氏が奇しき銀幕対面に『あっ、長守だ』と生けるが如き神鷲の姿に感涙にむせび、一家を挙げて故人の壮挙を偲んだ銃後の挿話がある。

日本ニュース第二三八号神風特攻隊勤皇隊出撃映画は府内世界館で上映中であり、林伍長の姿が出ると人づてに聞いた父親春煕氏は母親大女さんと共に十一日夜、南市の自宅から遥々来義した若しや長守に会えれば．．．と胸轟かせて夫婦は画面に見入った。出撃を前に悠然落ち着いた特攻隊勇士等の姿を画面は流れるように再現する。

一人、二人、三人『あっ、長守だ』脊高く線の太い特徴ある林伍長の姿が銀幕を圧して映し出される。愛息の体当たりを聞いても涙だつ見せなかった母親大女さんもこの時はホロリと涙した。嬉しい涙一一機又一機レイテの空に突っ込む勤皇隊神鷲機の尽忠の姿にいつ迄も夫妻は席を離れなかった。

十三日には道庁会議室で上映され、ここには林伍長の次弟林達守君（道警察部勤務）がおり、上司の情あるはからいで観覧したが兄の姿に狂喜して喜び『必ず特攻隊に続きます』と決意をもらし、かくして神鷲映画は銃後に大きな感激の話題を盛った。

【写真＝中央が出撃前の神鷲林長守伍長】

京城日報 1945年1月25日

老骨に長守精神を

特進に感涙、林少尉の両親

【新義州電話】一機もって一艦をよくぞ屠った半島の神鷲林長守伍長の必死必中の体当たり武勲は、勤皇隊全員の偉勲と共に南方方面最高指揮官より感状を授与され、いままた畏くも上聞に達し、少尉に特進、功四旭六の恩命に浴したという報に接した南市の故林少尉の生家では、厳父春煕氏は皇恩の鴻大無辺さに感泣『粉骨砕身、特攻精神に徹し皇恩の万分の一にでも報い奉らねば』と感激を語った。

「皇恩の鴻大なることひたすら恐懼感激に堪えません。家門の名誉またこれに過ぐるものはありません。私は未だ働き得る身でありますから、老骨に鞭打って粉骨砕身長守の精神を受け継いで米英撃摧に微力ながら銃後奉公に邁進する覚悟であります。如何にして皇恩の万分の一にでも報い得るかが心配であります」

なお故林少尉の母堂大女さんも聖恩の忝きに感泣しながら、

『幸いに長守も弟が三名おりますから、兄に負けないように精神を錬成してお国に捧げる覚悟であります』と語った。【写真＝林少尉】

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브

‘Selfless’ Imperial Japanese policeman visits pregnant Korean mother daily and delivers her baby after forcing her husband into Imperial war service: a 1945 ‘heartwarming’ propaganda tale

In the waning days of Japanese colonial rule in January 1945, a propaganda article was published in the Keijo Nippo newspaper in Seoul, Korea retelling what appears on the surface to be a heartwarming story of selfless generosity. A Japanese police officer Korea went above and beyond to help Mrs. Ryōko Hirata, a heavily pregnant Korean mother, after her husband was conscripted into the Imperial war effort. The officer was the one to hand the conscription order to her husband. After the reluctant husband was sent away, the officer reportedly visited Ryōko daily, provided money, arranged for medicine and a midwife, and even helped deliver her baby. It is presented as a tale of compassion and duty.

Original caption: Officer Okamoto with the joyful Hirata family

But was it truly altruism? Or did the officer have ulterior motives? While the article paints a rosy picture, a more critical examination of the narrative suggests that maybe this is not the entire story. The mother is later expected to "work" once she recovers. Why? How exactly was she supposed to "repay" the officer’s kindness? This raises uncomfortable questions: Was the officer creating a sense of indebtedness to manipulate her? If there was a romantic interest involved, his actions could have been aimed at building a more intimate relationship with Ryōko, more akin to grooming behavior.

Another disturbing aspect is from the perspective of Ryōko’s husband. Deployed on mandatory Imperial war service, he may have been deeply uneasy about a Japanese officer becoming so intimate with his wife in his absence. Yet he had no choice but to put on a brave face. In a humiliating show of forced gratitude, he referred to the officer as his family’s "guardian god" in his letters—an acknowledgment likely born of necessity rather than true sentiment.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the role of Imperial police officers during this era. These were influential figures who not only enforced colonial law but also worked closely with the Imperial Army and local patriotic groups (neighborhood cells). Police officers often wielded significant power over local communities, including decisions on conscription. It is entirely plausible that this officer played a role in determining who received conscription orders and may have ensured that Mr. Hirata was drafted—potentially setting the stage for his narrative of "saving" the Hirata family in the husband’s absence.

In Imperial Japan, there were different types of conscription orders differentiated by the color of the paper that they were printed on: red (赤紙, Akagami), white (白紙, Hakushi), blue (青紙, Aogami), and also pink paper (紅紙, Kōgami).

White Paper conscription was used for "educational conscription" and training-related activities, such as "教育召集" (educational conscription), "演習召集" (training mobilization), and "簡閲点呼" (roll-call inspection). Red and pink papers were generally used for calling people into active military service, and blue papers were used for short-term homeland defense, particularly against events like air raids.

Given that Mr. Hirata was a married father with children, he may have been issued a red, pink, or blue paper on this particular occasion. The issuing of these orders was a way to manage the different needs and urgencies of military and homeland activities during the war period.

We can safely assume that the Hirata family was ethnic Korean, as another propaganda article from 1943 featured a model Korean family from the same neighborhood, Sungin-dong, and Ryōko appears to be wearing Hanbok in the news photo. The police officer in question, Officer Okamoto, is described as hailing from Kagoshima Prefecture, so he is ethnic Japanese.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 10, 1945

On Days Off, Officers Dedicate Themselves to Welfare Visits

Two Policemen Protect the Families of Conscripted Warriors

"Maintaining public order is not the sole duty of a police officer." This is the story of a policeman who steadfastly supported the family of a conscripted warrior, ensuring that a heavily pregnant wife on the verge of homelessness received proper care, including medicine and medical attention, and safely delivered her child. It is also the story of another policeman who, despite his modest salary, set aside part of his income each month to provide living expenses for conscripted families. These two heartwarming episodes of compassion and unity between police and citizens shine as inspirational examples of humanity and courage to mark a bright and resolute start to the New Year.

Officer Yoshiaki Okamoto, originally from Kagoshima and stationed at the Dongmyo Police Substation under the Dongdaemun Precinct in Seoul, visited the home of Mr. Takemitsu Hirata in Sungin-dong, Dongdaemun District, one bitterly cold evening in December of last year. He carried with him an official conscription deployment order.

Upon receiving the conscription deployment order, Mr. Hirata was taken aback and turned to look at his wife. His wife, Ryōko, was in the final month of her pregnancy and could give birth at any moment, whether that day or the next. Desperate, Mr. Hirata pleaded with Officer Okamoto, asking if there was any way his departure could be postponed until after the child was born. Officer Okamoto was troubled by the request but knew that a supreme national mandate could not be swayed by personal circumstances.

Thus, Mr. Hirata, unable to wait for his child to be born, resolved himself and left for his conscription duty. At that moment, Officer Okamoto firmly vowed in his heart, "Alright, I will take full responsibility for what comes next." From that day forward, he visited the Hirata household daily, attending to various needs. Additionally, he gave her an envelope of money, instructing her to use it for childbirth expenses.

Upon learning of the situation, Mr. Motoki Matsue, the neighborhood leader of the sixth patriotic group, also stepped in. Declaring, "It is the duty of our patriotic group to protect the families of conscripted warriors," he contributed 50 yen. Together with Officer Okamoto, he worked tirelessly, arranging for medicine and a midwife, their efforts marked by heartfelt determination.

Thus, Ryōko, despite feeling the loneliness of a home without her husband, safely delivered her child amidst an outpouring of kindness that brought her to tears. The baby, born healthy, welcomed the New Year in good health.

Officer Okamoto was not only known for his recent acts of kindness. In the past, he had selflessly taken a penniless blind man to Seoul Imperial University Hospital at his own expense, where he arranged ten days of treatment for him. For this compassionate act, he was commended by Chief Ushijima of the Dongdaemun Precinct. When Officer Okamoto received his year-end bonus, he chose not to celebrate solely for himself. Instead, he decided to share the joy of the New Year with thirteen families of conscripted soldiers within his jurisdiction who faced the holiday without their loved ones. To these families, he sent heartfelt year-end gifts filled with warmth and care.

Ryōko Hirata said, "When my husband left, I felt a deep sense of loneliness and wondered how we would manage. However, thanks to Officer Okamoto’s many acts of kindness, my child was born safely. I informed my husband of everything, and he replied, 'Officer Okamoto is a living guardian god for our family. Please express my heartfelt gratitude to him. I will work with all my might to repay this debt of gratitude, but you must not rely too much on his kindness. As soon as you recover, work to repay his generosity as well.' Now that I have recovered, I am ready to take on any work," she said, her voice trembling and filled with tears.

[Photo caption: Officer Okamoto with the joyful Hirata family.]

Similarly, Officer Shigeru Yamaguchi, also stationed at the Dongmyo Substation and originally from Wakayama Prefecture, took it upon himself to assess the living conditions of conscripted warriors’ families. During his visits, he discovered that the wife of Mr. Yoshimichi Niraku, living at 52-7 Sungin-dong in Dongdaemun District, was struggling to support four children in a rented home and could not even afford rice. Moved by their plight, Officer Yamaguchi secretly began sending monthly financial support to the family. On his days off, he made it a point to visit and provide further assistance. Working together with the aforementioned Officer Okamoto, they encouraged each other and alternated visits to the family every two days.

When Precinct Chief Ushijima learned of these acts, he was overjoyed, saying, "You have done a remarkable job. I wholeheartedly commend your efforts and have also given a small monetary reward as an example for others to follow."

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年1月10日

非番の日は必ず慰問

応徴士の家族を護る二警官

『治安維持だけが警察官の務めではない』臨月の腹をかかえ路頭に迷わんとする応徴士の家族をしっかと護り、薬よ、医者よと世話をし、健やかにお産をさせたお巡りさん。同じく少ない俸給を割いて毎月応徴家族に生活費を贈っているお巡りさん。これは『明朗敢闘』の新春を飾る警民一体の人情佳話二篇。

府内東大門署東廟派出所勤務の岡元良秋警官（鹿児島出身）が徴用出動令書を持って東大門区崇仁町平田武光君の家を訪れたのは旧臘十二月寒さのきびしい或る夕方だった。

令書を手にした平田君ははっとして妻をかえり見た。それは妻女良子さんが臨月できょう生れるか明日産むかのときであったからだ。そこで平田君はなんとか子供が生れた後に行くように延期は出来ないものかと頼んだ。岡元警官は返事に困ったが、国家の至上命令は私ことで左右さるべきでない。

かくて平田君は子供の生れるのも待たず意を決して立って征った。その時岡元警官は「よしっ、後は必ず引受けるぞ」と心に固く誓い、それから毎日此家を訪れては何かと世話し、またお産の時に使って呉れと金一封を贈った。

このときこれを知った同組六班長の松江元揆さんも『応徴士を護るのは愛国班の務めだ』と五十円を贈り、岡元警察官と心を合せ薬よ産婆さんよと涙ぐましい世話をした。

かくして良子さんは夫なき淋しい家ながら人の情にむせび泣きつつ目出度く安産をした。そしてその子は健やかに正月を迎えたのである。

この岡元警官はそればかりでなく前にはビタ一文持たぬ盲を自費で城大に連れて行き十日も治療を施し牛島東大門署長に表彰を受けた奇特な人であるが、年末の賞与を貰ったときは自分ばかりが喜ぶより主なき正月を迎える応徴家族にも共に正月の祝いをしようと受持管内にある十三軒に温かい心のこもるお歳暮を贈った。平田良子は、

夫が行くときはほんとうにどうなるのかと心淋しく思っていましたが、岡元さんから色々世話して戴き、このように子供も無事に生れ、このことを主人に知らせました處、主人から『岡元さんは我が家の生き神様だ。お前からお礼を申上げて呉れ。私も命がけで働いて御恩返しをするつもりだが、お前も余り温情にあまえずに体がよくなり次第働いて御恩返しをしろ』と言って来ました。私ももうよくなりましたから、どんな仕事でもやりますと、涙にむせびうるんだ声で語るのだった。【写真＝岡元警官と喜ぶ平田一家】

◇．．．同じく東廟派出所勤務の山口茂警官（和歌山県）は応徴家族の生計状況を見て廻ったが、そのうち東大門区崇仁町五二の七、二樂喜道君の妻女が四人の子供をかかえ間借りのうえに米代すらないのを知り、人には秘して毎月生活費を贈り、非番の日には必ず慰問して廻ろうと前記岡元警官と励まし合って二日おきに見舞っている。この話を聞いた牛島署長も我がことのように喜び、『よくやって呉れたと、私は心からほめてやり、他の範にすべて金一封を贈りました』と語っている。

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브

Imperial Japan’s railway system in Korea was falling apart by early August 1945 with severe overcrowding, parts and labor shortages, exhausted staff causing more accidents, train conductors gone rogue …

This article offers a fascinating glimpse into the decrepit state of the streetcar system in Seoul at the beginning of August 1945, a mere two weeks or so before the end of World War II and the liberation of Korea from Imperial Japanese colonial rule.

Original caption: Executive Maehara guiding workers on-site

Three years of war apparently took a terrible toll on the city's streetcar infrastructure, with shortages of everything from labor to materials, and repair backlogs increasing. Even in the best of times, the streetcar system was already struggling with crowding, as shown in these newspaper photos from November 28, 1939:

Fewer operational streetcars meant even more overcrowding, which was exacerbated by passengers who brought oversized luggage on board, often stuffed with scarce food supplies brought in from the countryside. Fewer staff also meant overworked staff who were exhausted and more prone to mistakes, which led to more accidents. Similar scenes were likely playing out elsewhere in Imperial Japan in both the wartime and immediate postwar periods.

The colonial reporter interviewed two people for this piece: one was President Hozumi of Seoul Electric Railway, and the other was Chief Conductor Maehara whom the reporter accompanied on a field trip to at least three of the train stations along a short stretch of what is now Line 2 of Seoul Metro: Kōgane Station (present-day Euljiro-1-ga), Eiraku Station (present-day Euljiro-3-ga), and Kōgane 4-Chōme Station (present-day Euljiro-4-ga). Maehara and the reporter witnessed the serious overcrowding and dysfunctional train operations first hand, such as train clumping and 'tandem trains' (a larger car pulling a smaller one). The interviewees were surprisingly frank and open about the ongoing problems, acknowledging room for improvement. As a propaganda news feature, colonial authorities may have published these interviews to address mounting public anger over worsening train services.

Maehara directed special criticism at rogue train conductors who were responsible for the phenomenon of trains pretending to be broken ('moving broken cars'), trains speeding away even though there is still space for more passengers ('jump trains'), trains that ignore waiting passengers at stops ('slipping trains'), and trains running without clear destinations ('black trains'), which he attributed to lack of adequate crew education. Perhaps some of these 'black trains' were commandeered by anti-regime elements, like Korean nationalists and revolutionaries.

This article uses one Korean word, "回車 (회차)", which means "a train reversing direction at the end of its route and heading back in the opposite direction". The corresponding Japanese word would be 折り返し列車. In fact, the word 回車 does not appear in any online Japanese dictionary, not even in the Weblio dictionary which usually includes words used during this period. Did the variety of Japanese spoken in Korea at the time include this word as a special loanword, or did a Korean writer accidentally or intentionally slip it into this article? In the two years of reading Keijo Nippo, this is arguably the first word I have ever encountered in the pages of the newspaper where I had to consult a Korean dictionary to confirm its definition.

I marked and labeled the train stations mentioned in this article along with some additional landmarks in the following illustrated 1929 map, which can be found at this history website. This map is a panoramic view of Seoul (then called Keijō in Japanese) as viewed in the northeast direction.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) August 3, 1945

Trains, Run Smoothly! 

President Hozumi Discusses Alleviating Congestion 

Struggling with Repairs

Just when you think a train has finally arrived, you are caught in a crush of people, a scene of chaos and agony—it is truly a transportation hell. The issue of transportation is a source of distress for the people of Seoul. Is there any measure that can alleviate the congestion? This question, along with another concern, was brought to the headquarters of the Seoul Electric Railway Company, leading to a conversation with President Hozumi about running the trains.

The Wish to Eliminate Faulty Cars

Q: What is the fundamental cause of the transportation congestion?
A: In the past, we prided ourselves on operating 95% of all vehicles. Now, however, we cannot keep up with repairs. We lack enough cars, and we cannot procure motors. We are forcing trains to run in tandem (a larger car pulling a smaller one), but this strain is causing even more breakdowns. The rate of absenteeism among crew members is also increasing.

Q: While the material shortages are understandable, could not congestion be alleviated somewhat by having technical school students help out with repairs and by reinforcing labor management?
A: Well, is that something only the electric company can do? Recently, due to the rain, the number of faulty cars has increased. Of course, repairs are essential, and we must also consider the job security of the crew members. Support from relevant government agencies for food supplies and materials is necessary, and raising public awareness of transportation etiquette is also part of the solution.

Q: What about reducing unnecessary passengers?
A: Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in people going out to buy food. They bring large loads, which contributes to the congestion. But then, what qualifies as a truly necessary passenger? People going out to buy food are doing so to survive, so you cannot exactly say their trips are unnecessary. We need to be more thoughtful about car assignments.

Q: It seems accidents have been on the rise as well.
A: In general, people are paying less attention. This applies to the crew as well. I am deeply concerned about this. But when I look at the current situation, it seems like a competition between inconsiderate people. Seoul Electric runs the trains, but there are other institutions responsible for public transportation training and etiquette. I think it is necessary to retrain the drivers.

Q: Does Seoul Electric have any decisive measures to alleviate congestion?
A: Listen, when there is little food, people fight. The same applies to transportation—if we had enough cars, there would be no problem. For that, we need to gather more hands for repairs. If we can do that, restoring the system to its former state is not impossible.

Dull Train Operations

Chief Conductor Maehara brainstorms solutions

In terms of life in the city center, both moral integrity and clarity are swayed when the charm of smooth train operations is significantly disturbed. We accompanied a senior official from the Seoul Electric Railway Company as he took command on the front lines, observing the real situation on the ground.

"Don't push, you will get crushed! What are you saying? Don't dawdle!"

At the peak of rush hour, around 5 PM, near the entrance of Kōgane Station (present-day Euljiro-1-ga), a middle-aged, distinguished conductor was hard at work directing passengers, urging, "Please move in an orderly manner, there is still room, so please move inside." This dedicated conductor is none other than Mr. Maehara, a senior executive of Seoul Electric. At the request of the reporter, he kindly agreed to discuss the congestion issue on the spot.

"How can we squeeze in like this? People are not cargo!" a loud voice of anger came from the crowd, and Maehara, with a wry smile, slightly lowered his head.

Reporter: "Do you often ride the trains yourself?"
Maehara: "Of course, I am on the trains practically every third day."

After some light banter, the reporter and Maehara continued their conversation on the crowded train.

Reporter: "Is there no way to alleviate this congestion? Recently, I heard about a passenger who broke two ribs and had to be hospitalized."
Maehara: "It is embarrassing for the company that we are unable to adequately serve the needs of wartime transportation. Above all, we simply do not have enough trains. Compared to the end of last year, we have reduced the number of cars by an additional 30%. On top of that, 25% of the cars that leave the depot each day return due to breakdowns."

Reporter: "Is there no way to strengthen your repair capabilities?"
Maehara: "We lack enough workers."

Reporter: "You cannot just leave it at that, can you?"
Maehara: "Of course, the trains are just as important as weapons, and we are striving to train and recruit workers. We are waiting for the implementation of new regulations that will stabilize the conditions for our employees, but I regret that the authorities are slow in taking action."

Reporter: "Given the extreme reduction in the number of trains, isn't it vital for the company to implement bold new ideas for introducing new train management technologies?"
Maehara: "We are considering it, but it is difficult."

At Eiraku Station (present-day Euljiro-3-ga), many passengers got off, and a good number of waiting passengers were able to board. Maehara was closely examining intersection technologies.

Reporter: "For example, cars converge on this line from both the Namdaemun and Seodaemun platforms, so if people walk to this point, it should be easier to board. If the two platforms at the Kōgane Station entrance were consolidated on the Kōgane line side, the train utilization rate would increase significantly, don’t you think?"
Maehara: "We would not know for sure without precise calculations. It is a complex problem involving advanced mathematical 'combinations.' Moreover, the stop-and-go signals are controlled by entirely separate entities, which complicates matters."

Reporter: "Have you tried calculating it precisely?"
Maehara: "We have not. But breaking the usual norms of train operations may indeed be essential."

We disembarked at Kōgane 4-Chōme Station (present-day Euljiro-4-ga). There we saw a line of ten "tandem trains" (a larger car pulling a smaller one). Maehara, embarrassed, remarked, "Well, here comes another tandem." When we asked the cause at the front of the line, we learned it was a motor failure.

Maehara: "It is generally the same things: motor failures, brake issues, ball bearings, or circuit breakers causing what we call 'clumped operations'—and this greatly inconveniences passengers. Many of the faults cannot be repaired on-site."

Reporter: "How many 'clumps' occur each day?"
Maehara: "I do not know. We do not receive reports on each one."

Reporter: "Is there no enthusiasm for gathering data on such issues?"
Maehara: "Handling clumps while trains are in operation is a longstanding problem that the railway society has been studying, but with breakdowns happening so frequently, we must indeed put more effort into it. We would like to draw on the wisdom of scientists in the city. Seoul Electric is also studying this issue, but there are already more than ten different causes of clumping alone."

As an experiment, we tried recording the [westbound] passing trains headed for Kōgane Station and the [eastbound] passing trains bound for 6-chōme (present-day Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station). From 6:51 PM, we observed the following departures:

• 6:51 PM, train headed for Kōgane Station
• 7:00 PM, train headed for Kōgane Station
• 7:16 PM, train headed for Kōgane Station
• 7:17 PM, train headed for Kōgane Station
• 7:20 PM, train headed for Kōgane Station
• 7:25 PM, train headed for Kōgane Station

It was not until 30 minutes later that a Wangsimni-bound train finally arrived. It was a small train, with passengers spilling out from both entrances. The train slowly came to a stop, packed so dangerously that it was unbearable to watch. Following that, two Wangsimni-bound trains arrived, and ironically, the third one was nearly empty. For a line that transports 90,000 commuters a day, the operation of the Wangsimni line was nothing short of terribly inefficient, a 'skewer dumpling' style of operation.

Reporter: "What about adjusting train destinations at key points to better manage flow?"
Maehara: "Passengers are uncooperative, and changing the destination in the middle of a route only causes more confusion."

Reporter: "If leaving the task of managing the confusion to lower-level employees results in further disorder, then it would be better to assign staff at key points. The real issue is breaking away from outdated concepts of train operation. It seems we are too bound by conventional practices."

At the train station in Donam-dong there was still a massive crowd of about 400 people waiting. At its peak, the crowd can reach 600. At Jongno 4-Chōme (present-day Jongno 4-ga), another large crowd was waiting. The route, which carries 80,000 daily commuters with only eight cars, was managed relatively smoothly, but the Kōgane Line saw passenger surges that drastically reduced operational efficiency. While passenger management in 'skewer dumpling trains' is going relatively well, there are still issues such as trains pretending to be broken ('moving broken cars'), trains speeding away even though there is still space for more passengers ('jump trains'), trains that ignore waiting passengers at stops ('slipping trains'), and trains running without clear destinations ('black trains'). Clearly, there are still significant gaps in the education of the train operators.

Maehara: "There is clearly a lack of adequate training for the crew, but it seems we are still feeling the aftereffects of having overemphasized the improvement of train turnaround rates for a period. We are determined to make every effort to address this."

While there are certainly ongoing challenges and 'impossible' situations, Maehara’s dedication to his work is evident. He is known for late-night sessions with experts, formulating plans to improve operations. The people of Seoul have great expectations for him as the new senior executive at Seoul Electric.
[Photo: Executive Maehara guiding workers on-site]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年8月3日
上手に電車よ走れ
穂積社長と混雑緩和問答
修理困難に閉口

やっと電車が来たかと思うと押し合いへし合い阿鼻叫喚、正しく交通地獄だ。戦う京城府民の『足』の問題は悩みの種である。輸送緩和へなんとか施策はないものか。府民の此の苦情を京電本社へ持ち込み打開究明の二題＝先ず穂積社長の肚を叩いて電車を走らそうとする問答

一掃したい故障車
問：輸送が混雑する根本原因は何か？
答：もとは全車輌の九十五パーセントを動かしていたのが京電の自慢だったが、今は修繕が行き届かない。車輌も足らないモーターも手に入らない、そこで無理に親子電車を引張るのだが無理をするから更に故障が増えるという始末だ。乗務員の欠勤率も揚っている。
問：資材難は仕方ないとしても技術者現役生徒の勤労奉仕も車輌修繕を手伝わしたり労務管理を徹底すれば或る程度混雑は緩和されないか？
答：夫は君、電気会社だけすることかね。最近雨の為に故障車は増えているし修理の手は勿論緊要だし乗務員の身分的安定も考慮せねばならぬ。従業員の食糧、資材斡旋等関係官庁の助力が必要で府民の交通道徳の昂揚も緩和策だ。
問：無駄な人を運ばないようにすればどうか？
答：最近買出し部隊がめっきり増えてきて大きな荷物を持ち込み混雑の一因となっているが、然らばほんとうに用がある人とは何か。買出しも食う為にはどうしてもやらなければならぬ状態だから其の人にとっては無用だとは言えぬではないか。配車ももっと考慮すべきだと思う。
問：事故が増えてきた様だが？
答：一般に注意力が減ってきている。乗務員もそうだ。此の点恐縮している。然し近頃の状態を見ているとまるで野暮人と野暮人の競合だよ。京電は電車を動かすが乗客の交通道徳とか訓練は他にやるべき機関があるではないか。運転手の再教育は必要だと思う。
問：何とか輸送緩和へ京電の決戦施策はないか？
答：いいかね君、食物も少ないと喧嘩をする。輸送も車輌さえあれば問題ない。其の為には修繕の『手』を搔き集めたい。そうすれば元通り復活することは不可能ではない。

芸の無い配車ぶり
紳士車掌前原さん思案投げ首
都心生活に道徳心も明朗性も先ず電車運営の妙味が大きく揺らぐ。京城電車幹部の陣頭指揮に同行。現場の実体を衝く。
『押すな潰れるぞ何言うか、ぼやぼやするな！』
午後五時頃混雑絶頂の黄金町入口で客をさばき乍ら『御順に中へ願います、まだ乗れますから中へ詰めて下さい』懸命に名車掌ぶりを発揮しているのが中年の紳士車掌。これが京電前原常務だ。記者が乞うて混雑電車打開の現場問答に出て貰った姿だ。
『そんなに詰められるかい、人間は荷物じゃないぞ』と怒声が飛んで来て常務の縮んだ首が苦笑する。
『常務も電車てうものに乗りますか』
『冗談ではない。三日にあげず乗っている』
以下馬鹿囃子で締め上げる様にして乗った記者との車中問答。
『この混雑は何とかならんか。此の前も肋骨二本を折って入院した客もある』
『会社の不勉強で決戦輸送に充分の奉仕が出来ず申し訳ない。何と言っても電車が足らない。昨年末の混雑時に較べて現在は更に三割減車している。それに加えて毎日一日出庫した車が故障で入庫するが其の数は二割五分に達している』
『修理能力の強化は出来ぬか』
『工員不足だ』
『工員不足だ、と放っては擱けまい』
『勿論電車も兵器だの信念で工員教育と、工員募集に努力している。近く充足会社としての工員待遇の規定が適用されれば工員も落ちつくと思うが当局の措置も遅い憾みがある』
『それにしても極端に減車した今日、電車の操車技術にも思い切った新構想を行うのは会社として第一の要点ではないか』
『考えてはいるが困難だ』
永楽町では乗客が大分下車して、待っていた客のかなりが乗車出来た。交叉点技術を突っ込んでいる。
『例えば此の線には南大門方面からと西大門方面からの車が二重に集まるので此処迄歩けば幾何か楽に乗れる。もし黄金町入口の二つの乗場を黄金町線側に統合したら車の利用率はぐっと上がると思うが』
『夫は精密に計算してみないと優劣は解らない。高等数学の『組合』の問題だ。それにゴーストップの信号が全然別個の管轄だから厄介だ』
『精密に計算してみたことがあるか』
『それはない。然し電車は交叉点前で止まるのが定石だ。定石を打破してみるのが肝要ではないか』
黄金町四丁目で降りてみる。丁度来合わせた十輌も重なった「親子電車」に『いや端へ向の親子が来ましたね』と常務卿が照れた形だ。先頭の車に原因を訊くとモーターの故障だ。
『大体時々廻ってみて解るのはモーターの故障、制動器、ボール、遮断器と色々の故障の為に大小の団子運転を作っているが之が乗客に大変な迷惑をお掛けしている。現場で修理出来ぬものも多い』
『一日にどれ程団子を作っているか』
『それは解らない。一々報告がない』
『それ位の統計を作るだけの研究熱意はないのか』
『．．．団子の「運行中処理は」電車学会の宿題になっているが、こう故障が頻発しては大いに研究せねばならない。街の科学者の知恵も借りたい所だ。京電でも研究中だが、団子の原因と種類だけでも十数程ある』
試みに二人で黄金町から六丁目方面行きの通過車輌を記録してみる。六時五十一分黄金町行、七時黄金町行、七時十六分続いて黄金町行、七時十七分同、七時二十分同、七時二十五分同、始めてから三十分後にやっと往十里行が来る。しかも小型の両入口にはみ出した客が鈴成りのまま徐行して止まる。危なくてみておれない。続いて往十里行が二台、三台目は皮肉にも空いている。日に九万人の通勤者を運ぶ往十里線の操車はこれでは拙劣此上もない『串団子』運転だ。
『時々要地点で行先変更をやり調節してはどうか』
『乗客が無理解で出来ないものもかえって混乱して収拾がつかぬ』
『混乱を整理するための処置を下級従業員に委せて、混乱するのなら要所に係を配置してやればよいだろう。問題は古い操車通念を打破することだ。どうも操車上の「定石」に囚れているように思う』
敦岩町の停留所は相変わらず長蛇の列でざっと四百名が押しかけている。多い時は六百を超えている。鐘路四丁目でもまた大物長蛇が待っているが、一日八万の通勤者を僅か八輌の車が運んでいる。それでも比較的順調な一本運転に対して黄金町線の客が波状的に殺到するから運用率は全然低下している。ここの乗客整理はうまく行っていた『串団子電車』もさることながら故障を偽った「動く故障車」まだ空いているのに客を振り切って走る「跳び出し電車」停車点の客を無視して行き過ぎる「滑り込み電車」行き先も前後も解らず走る「闇電車」等々まだまだ運転手教育に不充分の處がある。
『全く乗務員教育の足らん處だが一時回車率向上を強調した余波がまだあるようだ。極力努力したいと思っている』
問題は勿論困難と『不可能』の続出かも知らぬが、技術畑に鍛えたという仕事への熱と追及力が充分みられ、陣頭指揮の一方、夜おそく迄専門家と首引で構想を錬ると言う新常務前原鷹氏の仕事ぶりは府民が大いに期待する處だ。

【写真＝現場で整理員指導中の前原京電常務】

The original source can be checked out at the National Library of Korea, which I visited in September 2023 to take the following photos of the newspaper copies: