The Korean Independence Army () was an independent military force organized in Northern Jiandao (Gando) in 1919 and led by Hong Beom-do, a former gunner. This unit played major roles in defeating the Japanese in the Battle of Fengwudong and Battle of Qingshanli.
Background
Hong led the Korean Righteous Army to several victories, beginning in 1907, at Gaksan, Samsu, and Bukcheong. These successes eventually led to increased attacks by the Japanese Army, which caused the Korean Independence Army to withdraw in 1910 to Primorsky and Kando. From a safer location inside Russia, Hong continued his campaign against the Japanese. In August 1918, when Japan invaded Primorsky in support of the White Army during the Russian civil war, Hong formed a military force centered around the former Korean Independence Army and Korean people living in Manchuria.
Organization
When the March 1st Movement took place in 1919, Hong and his soldiers moved to Antuhyun. In 1919, the Korean Independence Army established relations with Koreans residing in Yeonggae, Primorsky Krai, and Jiandao (Gando). Starting with the attack on Hyesanjin (a city located on the Yalu River) in August 1919, the military forces led by Hong launched a military campaign against the Japanese forces in northern Korea. However, due to difficulties in supplying his weapons and logistics, in the winter of 1919, he went under the Gando National Association which had great influence in the Korean community in north Jiandao and received financial support. The number of soldiers increased to 600, and combat power was strengthened by equipping 600 military guns, about 30 pistols, and about 200 rounds of ammunition per gun.
The Korean Independence Army, which had established a base in north Jiandao carried out anti-Japanese armed activities together with the National Army, which was under the leadership of the Gando National Association, discussed integration in early 1920 for effective anti-Japanese warfare. On February 21, 1920, Cho An-mu, commander of the National Army, and the Korean Independence Army, who had established a camp in Myeongwol-gu, Yanji County, met in Hamatang, Yanji County to discuss integration for the first time. Then, Choi Jin-dong, commander of the Military Affairs Command, who had a camp in Bongo-dong, Chunhwa-hyang, Wangcheong-hyeon, joined in for three days from March 8 to 10, and on March 25. In March 1920, the three armies joined forces, and during this time they lived and operated in the area of Nosuando.
Main Activities
Korean Independence Army carried out large-scale operations to enter the country was carried out in conjunction with the Military Affairs Command in December 1919 and March 1920, respectively. They called for legitimacy of the independence army's armed struggle, and was widely publicized by issuing a statement of death and a warning, while also prohibiting other small organizations from collecting various nominal donations in the base area.
The independence army then moved their base from Antuhyun to Fengwudong, Wang Qinghyun, China and received financial support from the Gando National Association for a larger domestic resistance operation. The military's finances and administration were managed by the association. Around 200 old righteous soldiers and old farmers and laborers from Jiandao, centering on Hong beom-do, purchased weapons from various places to train the independence army. Hong allied with the Military Affairs Command, led by Choi Jin-dong, who had been stationed in Hoeryong and Jongseong (Wongseong) along the Tuman coast of the Tuman River.
They continued to receive reinforcements, weapons, and resources from Jiandao, Korea, and Primorsky Krai. In early September 1919, Gu Chun-seon led the Gando National Association to provide financial and human support. Afterwards, soldiers continued to be conscripted and recruited, the size of the unit grew, and the system and equipment were improved to a significant level. The army also showed force by giving a stern warning to Korean police assistants and other secret agents operating in the area.