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Identifying Jeju 4‧3 Victims Through DNA Analysis

• Blood Sampling is Key to Obtaining Meaningful DNA Data

Professors Lee Soong Deok and Cho Sohee

 

The project to excavate remains and identify Jeju 4‧3 victims began in 2007.

So far, 414 sets of remains have been recovered from sites including the current Jeju International Airport. Thanks to the active participation of bereaved families in blood sampling and the efforts of Seoul National University’s Forensic Medicine team, the identities of 144 individuals have been confirmed. Since 2018, the Seoul National University team has implemented advanced DNA analysis techniques, including Single

 

Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) and Short Tandem Repeat-Next Generation Sequencing (STR-NGS), enabling identification through blood samples from both maternal and paternal relatives as distant as 8th cousins. We spoke with Professors Lee Soong Deok and Cho Sohee from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Seoul National University College of Medicine, who are working to reunite missing Jeju 4‧3 victims with their families through DNA analysis.

• Editor’s Note

 

Interview Compiled by Yang Jeong-sim, Chief of Research and Investigation Office

 

You’ve been working for a long time to identify missing Jeju 4‧3 victims through DNA analysis, uncover the truth of Jeju 4‧3, and provide solace to bereaved families. What were your initial thoughts when you first began this project?

Professor Lee Soong Deok: Years ago, I was contacted by the Jeju 4‧3 Research Institute, asking me to give a lecture to help them understand the circumstances surrounding excavation of remains and DNA analysis, which I did. That was my first encounter with Jeju 4‧3, and I also had the chance to visit the excavation site inside the Japanese Cave Encampment on the coast of Byeoldobong Peak. One of the roles of forensic medicine is identifying people—determining their identities.

Honestly, when I was first asked to assist with the excavation and identification of Jeju 4‧3 victims, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of the event and initially thought of it as just another routine task. But after discussing the matter at the Jeju 4‧3 Research Institute, I realized it was far from routine and would involve some academic challenges. From the beginning, I felt it was crucial to carefully design the project to ensure its success.

Now, many of the challenges I initially thought would be difficult academically have been addressed by Professor Cho Sohee. The most critical aspect of DNA testing is having familial data—someone to compare it against. But there was no prior data available to identify the remains of the Jeju 4‧3 victims.

Another issue was that bone analysis at the time was one of the most challenging types of testing. Since obtaining results was so difficult, the task felt even more daunting. Additionally, because this work required a long-term perspective, I spent a great teal of time contemplating the best approach to take.

 

Between 2007 and 2009, we discovered 387 remains from a mass killing during Jeju 4‧3 at the current Jeju International Airport site, marking the beginning of full-scale DNA analysis. The early stages must have been quite challenging.

Professor Lee Soong Deok: At that time, the excavation was carried out collaboratively by Jeju National University’s Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation and the Jeju 4‧3 Research Institute, which enabled large-scale DNA testing. As I mentioned earlier, while excavating remains is crucial, the most important factor is having information from the victims’ families for identification. That’s why I’ve always emphasized the need for blood sampling by the bereaved families, both then and now.

There were several reasons why I believed blood sampling was necessary. One was that the search process would take a very long time, and during that period, new testing methods we’re currently unaware of might be introduced. Relying solely on oral samples wouldn’t be sufficient. Another point, which might not be apparent to most people, is that the act of giving blood can serve as a form of ritual for the bereaved families. During the process, they share their stories, which can help release some of the emotional burdens they’ve carried for so long. Blood sampling takes time and can be painful, but thanks to the active participation of Jeju 4‧3 victims’ families, we’ve been able to identify 144 individuals.

 

Could you briefly explain the forensic identification process in a way that the general public can easily understand?

Professor Cho Sohee: The purpose of forensic genetic analysis is to identify individuals. When conducting tests for identification, DNA extraction from remains is much more challenging than extracting from live samples typically used in other tests. In the case of Jeju 4‧3 victims’ remains, they’ve been buried underground for a very long time and have suffered damage from bacteria and external factors, such as UV rays from sunlight. These external factors negatively impact the quality of DNA, which is why we need to exercise extra caution when extracting genetic material from remains. The extraction process itself takes a long time, and the amount of DNA we can obtain is often extremely limited.

Next comes the DNA analysis. As I mentioned earlier, extracting DNA from remains is challenging, but making comparisons is even more critical. The goal isn’t just to extract DNA from the remains―it’s to compare it with the DNA of relatives and derive meaningful information. That’s the primary purpose of the process.

We typically use methods such as analyzing paternal lineage, maternal lineage, and parent-child relationships through paternity tests. Relatives undergo the same tests, and the results are compared. When meaningful matches are found, we can confirm the identity of the remains.

As Professor Cho mentioned, analyzing remains that are over 70 years old must be very challenging. For instance, during the excavation in Gollyeonggol, Daejeon, 200 remains were discovered, but samples could only be taken from 70 of them. Similar issues were encountered with the Jeju International Airport remains. However, as Professor Lee pointed out, advances in DNA analysis techniques have recently allowed us to achieve better identification outcomes.

Professor Lee Soong Deok: That’s correct. Technological advancements have made things that were previously difficult either possible or more likely to succeed. Let me use Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) as an example. As I mentioned earlier, the extent to which remains have been degraded by external factors significantly impacts test results. Due to these external factors, DNA often loses its original length, leaving us with shorter fragments or, in many cases, no viable results at all. However, the introduction of NGS has allowed us to derive results even from shortened DNA fragments, significantly increasing the amount of information we can obtain compared to before.

What’s encouraging is that terms like SNP and NGS, which are highly technical and typically used by researchers, are now being casually mentioned by the Governor of Jeju and those involved in Jeju 4‧3 projects. It’s personally gratifying to see these advances in testing technology gaining recognition and value. Currently, Jeju is leading the way in DNA analysis for resolving historical issues both domestically and internationally. This progress has only been possible through the collaboration of bereaved families’ associations, government officials, and civic organizations in Jeju.

We are always grateful that when we propose the use of SNP or NGS, the significance of these methods is understood and supported. Although the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and related foundations share the same goals as we do, they are administrative bodies with procedural requirements that may not always align with our research process or outcomes. Their willingness to find compromises has been instrumental in making this work possible.

 

As a result of such efforts, we’ve been able to expand blood sampling from bereaved families every year, which has also allowed us to conduct DNA analysis more actively.

Professor Lee Soong Deok: The importance of blood sampling by families is exemplified by two cases this year where families were reunited with their lost relatives. The remains of the late Kang Moon-ho did not initially yield definitive results. However, many family members, including great-grandchildren, participated in blood sampling, making the identification possible. Another case involved President Lee Han-jin of the Association of Jeju People in America (New York), who provided a blood sample during a brief visit to Korea, enabling the identification of his brother’s remains.

When we review the DNA extraction results from the remains found at the airport, we see cases with very promising results where identification is still not possible, as well as cases with intermediate or poor result. For the latter, even multiple testing methods face limitations, requiring further research from experts like Dr. Cho to resolve them in the future. For the former, there is significant potential for identification using current methods, which is why extensive blood sampling from families is so crucial.

When you were first asked to take on this project, you must have approached it with the mindset of a forensic scientist. During an identification report meeting, Professor Lee, you once tearfully said, “I’m truly sorry for finding them so late.” Your sincerity was deeply felt. Over the course of this work, how has your perspective changed compared to when you first started?

Professor Lee Soong Deok: I believe that the excavation and identification of remains are ways to help bereaved families resolve their long-held grievances. Whenever I visit the Jeju 4‧3 Peace Park, I make it a point to look at the Headstone Monument Engraved with Names of the Deceased and reflect on those who have yet to be found. It always weighs heavily on my heart and deepens my sense of responsibility for this work. I remember a time when Professor Cho and I were in Jeju and a bereaved family member who had just found her brother’s remains cried out, “Brother, why did you come so late?” She was overwhelmed with tears, and that moment stays with me. It’s moments like these that remind me of the importance of helping to ease their grief, however we can.

Professor Cho Sohee: I began participating in this project in 2014. At the time, I was still learning about forensic science, so I approached it primarily from an academic perspective. Later, as I became a primary researcher and experienced the identification-reporting sessions, my perspective changed significantly. I developed both a sense of mission and a deep sense of fulfillment through this work. Seeing the bereaved families reunited with their loved ones became a turning point for me. Now, when I see the names of the victims, they no longer feel like mere subjects of research—they feel like family.

 

Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to the bereaved families?

Professor Lee Soong Deok: I hope they can find closure before they pass. While DNA sampling is important, I also hope they use this opportunity to share their stories and leave behind meaningful information. Many of our elders often think, “I must not pass my pain and sorrow onto my children.” However, the case of Jeju 4‧3 isn’t something that should be borne on an individual level. Since such tragedies could happen again, I believe it’s crucial to resolve and address this properly.

The successful participation of bereaved families in blood sampling ensures that the significance of this project is passed on to future generations. This project is not just about finding people; it’s an issue of trust between the state and its people. This work is ongoing, and while the details differ across periods, many issues share similar characteristics in nature. Projects like this should be comprehensively supported at the national level and approached with a long-term perspective. We must ensure that bereaved families do not pass away harboring unresolved grief and that even their descendants can eventually find their lost loved ones. To the bereaved families, I sincerely urge you not to carry that burden of sorrow alone.

Professor Cho Sohee: Since I’m deeply involved in DNA analysis, I know that the more bereaved families participate in blood sampling, the more evidence we have, and the greater our hope becomes. I believe this is a profoundly meaningful endeavor, and I am strongly driven by the desire to identify as many individuals as possible while their family members are still alive. I encourage families to participate in blood sampling.

 

The excavation and identification of Jeju 4‧3 victims are projects we are pursuing with the utmost sincerity. We are truly fortunate to have your support and guidance, as esteemed professors from Seoul National University’s Department of Forensic Medicine. We sincerely thank you.

Professor Lee Soong Deok: This is work that needs to continue for a long time. Similar incidents must not happen again. To prevent that, I believe it’s important to keep revisiting and reaffirming its significance. I see my role as connecting this work to the next generation, and I am committed to fulfilling that responsibility. I’m reassured knowing that Professor Cho, here with me, will carry on this work effectively.

Ban Yeong-gwan, Head of Research and Investigation Team

 

Why Should Jeju 4·3 Gain Global Recognition?

Despite years of forced silence, Jeju 4·3 emerged from darkness into light and stands as a compelling model for addressing historical injustices. The tragic memory of “at least one immediate family member, or a cousin, losing their life,” was met with resilience, as survivors endured the darkest times and built democracy from the ground up, culminating in the government’s investigation of truth and formal apology. Through measures such as the designation of a National Memorial Day, individual reparation for victims, and ex officio retrials and acquittals for unjustly convicted Jeju 4·3 prisoners, as well as reconciliation and coexistence efforts led by bereaved families, Jeju 4·3 continues to serve as a powerful example of confronting and resolving historical issues.

Gaining global recognition for Jeju 4·3 is an essential step toward achieving justice for historical injustices. Contrary to common misconceptions, the goal of raising awareness about Jeju 4·3 is neither to highlight its tragic past nor to glorify its achievements. Instead, global recognition marks the path toward a true restoration of honor. The state violence of Jeju 4·3 stemmed from ideological conflicts within the global Cold War framework. At the time, renowned international media misrepresented Jeju as “an island of communists.” Domestically, with the enactment of the Jeju 4·3 Special Act, the publication of the Jeju 4·3 Incident Investigation Report, and the President’s formal apology, distorted perceptions of Jeju 4·3 have gradually subsided. However, these truths remain largely unrecognized within the international community. Notably, as the United States and the UN―both deeply connected to Jeju 4·3―have yet to express an official stance, global recognition can serve as a foundation for fostering international solidarity which drives meaningful change.

Furthermore, gaining global recognition for Jeju 4·3 is central to our mission of preventing the recurrence of state violence and human rights violations. Sharing the 76-year journey of truth-seeking and reconciliation regarding Jeju 4·3 imparts valuable lessons and a vision for peace and reconciliation to those grappling with conflicts rooted in race, beliefs, or affiliations. For these reasons, organizations working on Jeju 4·3-related efforts continue to devote significant efforts toward achieving global recognition.

Inauguration of the Jeju 4‧3 UNESCO Memory of the World Inscription Committee (February 20, 2023)

 

“Revealing the Truth: The Archives of Jeju 4‧3”

The UNESCO Memory of the World program has been implemented since 1992 to systematically preserve and utilize globally significant documentary heritage. Items are selected every two years through a rigorous review process, and currently, 496 items from 84 countries are inscribed. Since the registration of the Haerye Edition of Hunminjeongeum and the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty in 1997, South Korea has had a total of 18 items inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World list.

Efforts to register Jeju 4·3 records on the UNESCO Memory of the World list began in 2011, following a proposal from academics and local civic groups inspired by the successful inscription of the May 18 Democratization Movement documents. Since 2019, the Jeju 4‧3 Peace Foundation, in collaboration with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, has spearheaded systematic preparations led by its Research and Investigation Office. These efforts include data compilation, the selection of key materials, and case studies of existing inscriptions. Collected materials encompass village-level documents, records produced by media and civic groups in the 1980s, government documents unearthed during the Jeju 4‧3 Committee investigations, and overseas sources, all of which have been cataloged and selected.

The foundation has sought to deepen understanding and interest in the Memory of the World program by hosting international academic symposiums and special exhibitions such as 《Traces That Became a Document》 and has prepared its application through expert consultations and exchanges with domestic and international organizations. In February 2023, the foundation launched the Jeju 4‧3 UNESCO Memory of the World Inscription Committee in collaboration with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the Jeju Provincial Council, the Jeju Provincial Office of Education, and local civic groups at the Korea Press Center in Seoul. It has also conducted a nationwide campaign to support the inscription.

Thanks to these efforts, in November 2023, the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, which oversees the Memory of the World program operated by the Cultural Heritage Administration, selected “Revealing the Truth: The Archives of Jeju 4‧3” as South Korea’s official nomination for the UNESCO Memory of the World list.

The application includes a total of 14,673 documents, postcards, videos, audio files, and epitaphs related to the April 3 uprising and subsequent massacres, the truth-seeking efforts, and reconciliation and coexistence movements. Among the most notable materials are key documents detailing state violence and civilian massacres caused by Cold War ideological confrontations post-World War II, such as court martial inmate registers and postcards sent from prisons. Also included are records of the truth-seeking movement, which was carried out under harsh repression, the Jeju 4‧3 Incident Investigation Report issued under the Jeju 4‧3 Special Act, and documents detailing the resolution process led by bereaved families, civil society, the provincial council, and the national government. Additionally, materials documenting efforts toward peace and reconciliation reflect the noble spirit of Jeju residents and bereaved families who embraced both perpetrators and victims. These include the 2013 Reconciliation and Coexistence Declaration jointly issued by the Association of the Bereaved Families of Jeju 4‧3 Victims and the Police Veterans Association, as well as the Yeongmowon Memorial Park, established in 2003. The final decision on the inscription will be made by UNESCO headquarters through expert review, deliberation, and resolution, possibly as early as the first half of 2025. The inscription of the Jeju 4‧3 archives is expected not only to raise global awareness of the tragedy that unfolded in Jeju but also to offer hope and courage to global citizens striving for justice and peace.

This October, exhibitions showcasing key records of Jeju 4‧3 will be held in Berlin, Germany, and London, UK, alongside joint symposiums featuring experts in history and human rights. These events aim to enhance local understanding of Jeju 4‧3 and build consensus on the inscription of its archives on the UNESCO Memory of the World list. The Jeju 4‧3 Peace Foundation, together with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and related organizations, will continue its efforts to raise awareness of the truth of Jeju 4‧3 and highlight the significance of its record in human history.

The UN Symposium on Jeju 4‧3 and Human Rights held at UN Headquarters, New York (June 20, 2019)

 

Demanding the Role and Responsibility of the United States in Jeju 4‧3 Truth-Seeking Efforts

The question of U.S. responsibility is unavoidable in seeking the truth about Jeju 4‧3 and restoring its proper name. Jeju 4‧3 began under the U.S. military government and resulted in a brutal suppression operation guided by U.S. military advisors, leading to the tragic deaths of countless Jeju residents. This is why persistent calls for addressing U.S. responsibility remain essential to achieving a comprehensive truth-seeking process and a just resolution.

Following the President’s formal apology, which marked progress in domestic truth-seeking efforts, bereaved families and civic groups began demanding acknowledgment of responsibility and an official apology from the United States through various channels. However, awareness of this incident and its connection to the U.S. government remains limited within the United States. To address this, the Jeju 4‧3 Peace Foundation has held international academic symposiums in collaboration with various organizations to draw global attention to the issue.

Since 2019, these symposiums have been held at venues such as the UN Headquarters, the Woodrow Wilson Center, and the Goethe-Institut in Seoul, engaging prominent international figures and scholars in discussions on Jeju 4‧3 and the role of the United States.

The 2019 symposium held at the UN Headquarters in New York featured notable participants, including John Merrill, former head of the Northeast Asia Bureau at the U.S. Department of State; Bruce Cumings, Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago; and Charles Hanley, Pulitzer Prize-winning former AP editor. At the time, Charles Rangel, former U.S. Congressman from New York, garnered significant attention by stating that for a strong U.S.-Korea alliance, past issues such as Jeju 4‧3 must be addressed honestly. Bruce Cumings and John Merrill emphasized that the U.S. bears significant responsibility for the massacre of approximately 30,000 people, amounting to one-tenth of Jeju’s population.

At the 2022 symposium in Washington, D.C., Professor Sung Yoon Lee from Tufts University argued that the role of the United States in Jeju 4‧3 must be clarified since it occurred under its military governance. He suggested President Biden visit the Jeju 4‧3 Peace Park to offer condolences to the victims and their families. Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens emphasized that the U.S. must confront the issue of Jeju 4‧3 directly. She also highlighted the need for joint efforts by Korea and the United States, supported by persistent efforts for change and diverse public advocacy urging the U.S. government to take responsibility. At the 2023 symposium in Seoul, participants reaffirmed the importance of raising international awareness of U.S. responsibility, demanding an official stance from the U.S. government, and collaborating with global human rights organizations to achieve this goal.

The 5th Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize Ceremony (May 30, 2023): Gareth Evans wins main prize; special prize awarded to Kang Yo-bae

 

 

The Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize: Spreading Awareness of Human Rights Protection

The Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize was established to commemorate the pain of Jeju 4‧3 and to honor global efforts for peace and human rights. The prize recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to uncovering the truth about Jeju 4‧3, advancing peace in war-torn or conflict regions, or bravely combating human rights violations. By highlighting these contributions, the prize inspires and amplifies global awareness of these critical issues.

The inaugural Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize was awarded in 2014. Author Kim Sok-pom received the main prize for his novels The Death of a Crow (1957) and Volcano Island (1976–1998), which played a pivotal role in raising awareness of Jeju 4‧3’s history. Indonesian human rights activist Muhammad Imam Aziz was honored with the special prize.

The special prize for the second Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize went to historian Bruce Cumings, whose Origins of the Korean War series significantly increased international understanding of the Korean War and Jeju 4‧3.

The third Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize’s main award was presented to author Hyun Ki-young for his groundbreaking novel Sun-i Samch’on, the first South Korean literary work to address the tragedy of Jeju 4‧3. Hyun also served as the first director of the Jeju 4‧3 Research Institute, leading truth-seeking efforts and research on Jeju 4‧3. The special prize was jointly awarded to two Vietnamese women, both named Nguyễn Thị Thanh, for their advocacy in uncovering civilian massacres committed by South Korean troops during the Vietnam War.

For the fourth Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize, Dan Smith, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, was awarded the main prize for his contributions to global peace research and conflict resolution. The special prize went to the Jeju 4‧3 Hallasan Mountain Society, an Okinawa-based organization that has worked tirelessly to educate on and raise awareness of Jeju 4‧3 in Japan.

In 2003, the fifth Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize’s main award was presented to Gareth Evans, former Australian Foreign Minister and co-chair of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, in recognition of his leadership in international human rights and nuclear disarmament efforts. Artist Kang Yo-bae received the special prize for his profound artistic expressions depicting the pain and history of Jeju 4‧3, which have brought the tragedy to wider audiences.

The Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize not only remembers the pain of Jeju 4‧3 but also spreads the spirit of reconciliation and coexistence on a global scale. The prize will continue to support those dedicated to peace and human rights while playing a crucial role in spreading the spirit of solidarity and human rights protection embodied in Jeju 4‧3.

 

At the invitation of Mongolia’s State Commission on Rehabilitation, the Special Exhibition “The History of the Republic of Korea: Jeju 4‧3” running from September to October 2023 at the National Museum of Mongolia.

 

 

International Exchange and Solidarity for Resolving Historical Issues

The Jeju 4‧3 Peace Foundation actively collaborates with various countries to share the historical truth of Jeju 4‧3 and to strengthen international solidarity and cooperation in addressing historical injustices.

The special exhibition “The History of the Republic of Korea: Jeju 4‧3,” first presented at the National Museum of Mongolia in 2023 at the invitation of Mongolia’s State Commission on Rehabilitation, is a notable outcome of these exchanges and collaborations. Through panels and video materials, the exhibition introduced Mongolian audiences to the truth about Jeju 4‧3 and its journey toward restoring honor.

Since 2012, the foundation has also worked closely with Taiwan’s 228 Memorial Foundation, Taiwan’s National Human Rights Museum Preparatory Office, and Japan’s Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. These partnerships aim to share experiences and knowledge in addressing historical injustices while promoting international awareness.

Through such international exchanges and collaborations, the Jeju 4‧3 Peace Foundation strives to share the truth about historical injustices and to advance the values of peace and human rights worldwide. Its partnerships with Mongolia, Taiwan, Japan, and other nations go beyond simple exchanges, demonstrating the critical role of international solidarity in resolving historical issues. The foundation remains committed to expanding its efforts to share the historical significance of Jeju 4‧3 with the global community.

 

The Path Forward for Gaining Global Recognition for Jeju 4‧3

Efforts to gain global recognition for Jeju 4‧3 focus on highlighting its historical lessons as a case of state violence and human rights suppression, while also presenting it as an exemplary model for overcoming historical injustices and fostering societal change. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the dangers of human rights abuses and to provide solutions for addressing historical issues. Key initiatives include the inscription of Jeju 4‧3 archives on UNESCO’s Memory of the World list, the hosting of international human rights symposiums on Jeju 4‧3, the presentation of the Jeju 4‧3 Peace Prize, and collaborations with Mongolia, Taiwan, and Japan. Together, these efforts help share the truth of Jeju 4‧3 with the world and advance the values of peace and human rights globally.

Moving forward, the foundation will continue to strengthen international solidarity and exchanges, focusing on achieving genuine restoration of honor and promoting reconciliation and coexistence for the victims and their families. Just as the truth-seeking movement by bereaved families and civic groups led to the enactment of the Jeju 4‧3 Special Act, the foundation aims to reveal and share the truth of Jeju 4‧3 on a new level through solidarity with the international community. Furthermore, the foundation seeks to assist in addressing human rights violations faced by other countries and communities, ensuring that such tragic histories are never repeated anywhere in the world, and to spread the spirit of peace and reconciliation globally.