What was the primary goal of the Korean independence movement during Japanese occupation?

• A. To promote cultural exchange with Japan
• B. To achieve national sovereignty and end colonial rule
• C. To establish a new monarchy
• D. To unify with North Korea

Answer: (B)

The primary goal of the Korean independence movement during Japanese occupation was to achieve national sovereignty and end colonial rule. This movement emerged in response to the harsh realities of Japanese colonialism, which began formally in 1910 and brought about significant political repression, cultural assimilation, and economic exploitation.

Korean nationalists organized various activities, including protests, uprisings, and the formation of independence groups like the Korean Provisional Government, which sought to rally support for an independent Korea. The desire for self-determination and the restoration of Korean identity were central themes of these efforts. The March 1st Movement in 1919, for example, was a pivotal event that marked widespread public demand for independence, gaining international attention and fostering a stronger national consciousness.

While promoting cultural exchange or establishing a new monarchy might have been considerations among some individuals, the overwhelming objective across the independence movement was the complete liberation from Japanese rule and the return of sovereignty to the Korean people. The question about unifying with North Korea is not relevant to the context of the independence movement during the occupation, as the division of Korea into North and South didn't occur until after World War II. Hence, the focus was firmly on independence rather than subsequent geopolitical issues.