By Shin Young-In, Jeju Island lawyer
August, 2011

Quelle: http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/I51g/150
*Translated by Youngsil Kang and Gangjeong Translation team/ edited by Jay & Karen, Alpha
* Original Korean version (국문 원문):   http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/49kU/814

1. Introduction
2. Problems of constructing a naval base on Jeju Island
(1) Employment of expedited processes and placation during the location selection process
(2) Unlawful nullification of an Absolute Preservation Area
(3) Abuse of governmental powers and the possibility of a second April 3rd Massacre
(4) Questionable effect of new naval base in Jeju for national security
(5) Problematic effect on local economy
(6) Potential victimization from the hegemonic struggle between the U.S. and China
(7) Civilian and military complex tourist port?

3. Historical significance of the struggle against the naval base in Jeju Island
(1) Overcome a recurring painful history
(2) Learning from the pain and regrets of the Jeju April 3rd Inciden
(3) Regeneration of the island of life and peace
(4) Contribution to the peaceful reunification of Korea and to peace in Northeast Asia

4. Closing

1. Introduction

Jeju Island has long been reputed for its exceptional beauty and natural heritage, having been designated in all three categories of UNESCO Natural Science – a Biosphere Reserve in 2002, a World Heritage Site in 2007, a Global Geological Park in 2010 – and recently paving the way towards being renowned as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World under the compassionate support of many. At the same time, it is a place of resentment and much agony, being home to the April 3rd Massacre, where tens of thousands of innocent locals were indiscriminately killed by the abuse of government power during the transitional period of the Cold War and the Korean War following liberation from Japanese colonization.

Despite the facts above, the natural environment and the local communities of Jeju Island are currently being destroyed at the risk of repeating the resentment and agony of the April 3rd Massacre due to the unlawful construction of a naval base by the Government. Lives and peace are at stake.

Accordingly, this article seeks to look into depth and in detail the concerns and problems entailed by this construction of a naval base on Jeju Island and consequently contend the historical value of the current resistance movement against its enforcement.