S. Koreans mark centennial of independence movement against Japan

Thousands of South Koreans gathered downtown Seoul on Friday to mark the centennial of Korea's Independence Movement against colonial Japan.

Bruce Harrison reports from the capital.

IN: "  A familiar rallying … "

OUT: SOC

DUR: 1:09

SABC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/freedomfights-_bh-SABC.mp3

A familiar rallying cry.

NAT SOUND [Koreans shouting 'manse'!]

On these same streets 100 years ago, Koreans also shouted manse, or long live, as they declared their independence from Japan.

Millions would march and thousands would die as Japan launched a brutal, nationwide-crackdown on the independence movement that began on March first, 1919.

President Moon Jae-in honored the freedom fighters at a speech downtown.

But he also focused on the next one-hundred years.

He said South Korea will take a leading role to secure peace.

Moon said he hopes to resume projects with North Korea, including tourism and a joint light-industry complex just north of the border.

His remarks come just a day after President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong-un failed to reach a deal at their summit in Hanoi.

Ever optimistic, Moon said when there is progress on denuclearization, Seoul will form a committee to create economic achievements that help both Koreas.

SOC