New Book Highlights Kim Sun-woo as Central Figure in Korean Partisan Movement, Not Lee Hyun-sang

A new book, "Partisan Report," by Hwang Kwang-woo, an independent historian, aims to bring to light the life and significance of Kim Sun-woo, a central figure in the Korean People's Guerrilla Army during the Korean War. Hwang argues that while Lee Hyun-sang is often symbolized as the leader of the partisans, Kim Sun-woo was the true core of the movement.

"When Lee Hyun-sang's Southern Army arrived in Jirisan's Dal-tteugi village in August 1951, their numbers were 400," Hwang writes in the book's preface. "Kim Sun-woo, based in Baegaksan, Hwasun, was commanding over 5,000 guerrillas. If Lee Hyun-sang was the symbol of the partisans, Kim Sun-woo was their center."

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When Lee Hyun-sang's Southern Army arrived in Jirisan's Dal-tteugi village in August 1951, their numbers were 400. Kim Sun-woo, based in Baegaksan, Hwasun, was commanding over 5,000 guerrillas. If Lee Hyun-sang was the symbol of the partisans, Kim Sun-woo was their center.

The book, published by Dacu Books, is based on over 40 sources including historical documents, academic papers, and photographs. Hwang also conducted interviews with Kim Sun-woo's family and colleagues and visited locations where Kim had stayed. "I wanted to quickly reveal the secrets of the partisans that are unknown to readers of 'My Father's Liberation Diary,' 'The Partisans,' or 'The Taebaek Mountains,'" Hwang stated, referring to popular Korean novels that touch upon the era.

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I wanted to quickly reveal the secrets of the partisans that are unknown to readers of 'My Father's Liberation Diary,' 'The Partisans,' or 'The Taebaek Mountains.'

Kim Sun-woo, born in 1918, became involved in communist activities after awakening his national consciousness while working in various factories. After liberation, he joined the Joseon Communist Party and later became active in the Workers' Party of Korea. He rose to become the commander of the Jeonnam People's Guerrilla Army in 1950. The book includes appendices with details on partisan casualties, letters written by Kim, his chronology, and court documents.

Hwang's research highlights the harsh realities faced by the partisans, including food shortages and constant pressure from government forces. A letter from Kim Sun-woo to his deputy commander in 1951 reveals the dire situation: "Defections are continuously occurring everywhere," "There is a tendency to underestimate the enemy," and "As the war drags on, underground operations are necessary." He also stressed the need for resourcefulness, suggesting methods to escape disguised as beggars or the sick, and urged loyalty to the party by offering even one's shoes.

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Defections are continuously occurring everywhere. There is a tendency to underestimate the enemy. As the war drags on, underground operations are necessary.

Kim Sun-woo was eventually killed in action in April 1954 in Baegunsan, Gwangyang. Hwang emphasizes that many joined the partisan ranks not out of strong conviction, but to escape massacres by government forces or simply out of dislike for the Rhee Syngman regime. "Kim Sun-woo led them," Hwang said. "I wanted to create a book about Kim Sun-woo, who, like the peak of Baegunsan hidden in the clouds, has disappeared into the clouds of history, to pass his life on to future generations."

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Kim Sun-woo, who, like the peak of Baegunsan hidden in the clouds, has disappeared into the clouds of history, I wanted to create a book to pass his life on to future generations.