The Japanese imperialists illegally occupied Korea early in the 20th century, depriving the Korean nation of all its rights and wealth such as the right to existence through brutal fascist rule and imposing upon the Koreans the destiny of stateless people worse than a dog at the mourner's house.

This touched off the towering wrath and spirit of resistance among them, leading to nationwide anti-Japanese resistance on March 1, 1919.

The uprisers indomitably fought against the Japanese imperialist army and police's brutal suppression, chanting such slogans as "Long live independence of Korea!" and "The Japanese and troops, quit Korea!"

Rodong Sinmun Saturday in an editorial says that the March First Popular Uprising was nationwide anti-Japanese patriotic resistance to regain the country usurped by the Japanese imperialists and establish national sovereignty.

It goes on:

All Koreans should carry forward patriotism and self-sacrificing fighting spirit displayed by the uprisers to put an end to the history of national split woven with distrust and confrontation and usher in a new era of reunification and prosperity.

The issue of national reunification is the most important one related to the destiny of the Korean nation.

Nearly seven decades have passed since the Korean nation was divided by outside forces.

Human and material resources of Korea have been wasted for nothing, uniform development of the nation has been hindered and the danger of a nuclear war is increasing day by day owing to the territorial partition and national split that have persisted for several decades.

The vicious cycle of confrontation should never be allowed to repeat itself any longer.

It is the only way for the Korean nation to achieve its prosperity to attain the reconciliation and unity of the entire nation and opt for reunification.