明東學校의 변천과 그 성격

The Changes and Characteristics of Myeongdong School

Myeongdong School is the highest educational institution as well as center of Independence movement for Korean community in North Gando. Students from Myeongdong School were imbued with patriotism and nationalism and they did Independence movement aggressively. In 1920s, when Socialism came into, however, Myeongdong School suffered from conflict about religion and the middle school of Myeongdong School was abolished. Therefore in an effort to know the whole aspect of Myeongdong School, this thesis focuses on Myeongdong School’s management and change after 1920s. With Socialism spreading in 1920s, Kim Yak-yeon was installed for the principal again in spring, 1923. He regarded Socialism as hierarchism and Communists from foreign countries wouldn’t support Korean Independence movement aggressively. So, as he reinforce the education based on Christian ideology the students had students’ strike insisting the separation between religion and education and retirement of the principal. Finally Kim Yak-yeon abolished the Myeongdong middle school part. After that, a leading figure made Myeongdong School Reconstruction Committee and made fund by screening a movie or performance. Spread of Gwangju Student Movement in 1929 paved the way for an huge demonstration of Myeongdong School. For this reason Chinese ministry of education was pressured by Japanese and It suppressed Myeongdong School, and blocked the school by installing Chinese principal. Students protested the secretary and representatives from North Gando made counterplans for Myeongdong School. As a result Myeongdong School re-established after 5 months and the detained were released. In 1935 Myeongdong School’s total number of students were about 300 and that was remarkable development. In April 1936 Myeongdong School celebrated the 28 anniversary of the founding and successfully held a sports meeting. Like these, Myeongdong School, the oldest school in North Gando, were maintained by sincere efforts of Korean.