Cheonmasan Army

The Cheonmasan Army was an organization that carried out guerrilla warfare among domestically-based armed struggle groups from the March 1st Movement until the 1924s. The army was led by General Choi Si-heung and his younger brother Choi Si-chan. It is also called Cheonmadae, a name given to it because its base is located on Mt. Chŏnma (Chonma-san) in Goryeongsak-myeon, Uiju-gun, North Pyongan Province. It was also called Cheonmabyeolyeong and Cheolmabyeolyeong. Until the early 1920s, after the March 1st Movement, the Cheonmasan Army was seen as the most revolutionary guerrilla organization based in Korea.

Background
Choi Si-heung and Choi Si-chan were natives of Uiju County. They lost their parents as children and could not pursue their studies. Choi Si-heung and Oh Dong-jin also attended the 1st Cheonmasan Conference of the Danhakhoe held in 1914. The main figures were Choi Si-heung, Oh Dong-jin, Lee Kwan-jip (father of Yi Yu-rip, a pro-independence activist), Kim Hyo-woon, Lee Deok-su, Park Eung-baek, Yang Seung-woo, Lee Yong-dam, Lee Tae-jip, Seo Cheongsan, and Baek Hyeong-gyu. He later moved to Sinpung-ri, Gugok-myeon, Sakju, and became the 3rd president of Danhak.

On March 1, Choi represented the Korean provinces and with a population of 20 million, he declared independence. Along with several others, he organized a gathering, and on a planned day he led a crowd, declared independence at the Goryeong Market in Uiju County, and shouted "Manse" (Hurray) to the Japanese garrison. They stormed into the enemy's garrison using guns and spears, resulting in casualties on both sides. Facing unfavorable circumstances, they decided to rise again and crossed into Manchuria.

Founding
As the March 1st Movement unfolded in 1919, Choi Si-heung went to Harbin with several others from Samwonbo, Ryu Ha-hyeon as a member of the rural farming population where he joined the workers' and peasants' army and worked there until December 12. Choi Si-heung joined the Kwangbokdan (the provisional government at the time) led by Oh Dong-jin. He returned to Korea by crossing the Amnok River, gathered his comrades together with Park Eung-baek and others, organized the Cheonmasan Army, and took office as commander, becoming active in March 1920.

In March 1920, Choi Si-heung, along with comrades Su-in and others, traveled from Yuhahyeon, China, to Harbin, planning to establish diplomatic relations. However, they encountered unfortunate circumstances, and with the intention of returning to their homeland, they faced countless hardships on a journey of ten thousand li. Finally, in December of the same year, they crossed the Yalu River and arrived in Guseong-gun, where Choi Ji-pung (崔志豊) recruited more comrades and prepared military supplies. The assembly reached about 30 people. They decided to establish a base in Cheonma Mountain, organized personnel, recruited comrades, and raised military funds.

Engagements
Choi Si-heung's strategy and the crew's bravery achieved many achievements. However, he is said to have made many sacrifices. This is due to the fact that the crew did not take care of themselves with a strong anti-Japanese awareness and the backwardness of conventional weapons. The area of activity was the western mountains and mines of Uiju, Guseong, Sakju, and Changseong in North Pyongan Province.

Cheonmasan Army was in close contact with each independence group, including the Republic of Korea Independence Group in Namman, and carried out assassinations, arson, declarations of independence, and military fundraising.

In particular, the Cheonmasan Army achieved significant success by conducting guerrilla warfare against the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces and police, and cooperated closely with the Liberation Army headquarters established in Manchuria.

1920
In March 1920, they attacked the Taesan-myeon office in Seoncheon-gun and killed the village head, Kim Byeong-jun, and clerk Kim Eun-gi. On this day, he attacked the house of Detective Joo Kyung-cheol and Kim Myeong-ik and killed them. On May 9, the Yeohan-myeon office in Cheolsan-gun was attacked and set on fire. In the same month, pro-Japanese partisans living in Seoha-dong, Gogwan-myeon, Uiju-gun were executed. On the 18th of the same month, a military police officer was killed in Sedok-dong, Sinchang-myeon, Uichang-gun.

In early May 1920, Park Jeong-hwan (朴貞煥) led a group of five subordinates and organized a base in Subok-myeon (水北面), Sakju County, to raise military funds. However, they were surrounded by the enemy and engaged in a battle. Park Jeong-hwan and Choi Yun-ok (崔允玉) were killed, and three others were captured.

On June 4, they attacked the police station in Shinan-dong, Gugok-myeon, Sakju-gun, and killed one police officer. On June 6, they attacked the Munok-myeon office in Ganggye-gun and stole 700 won in public funds. On the 10th of the same month, Kang Chang-heon, the head of Daechang-myeon, Changseong-gun, who had reported on the independence army's actions, was assassinated. Due to this incident, the Sakju Police Station organized a security investigation unit. The operation team operating in Supung-myeon and Deogyu-dong, Sakju-gun, engaged in combat with the first squad of the border investigation team on the 19th of that month, and also in Anpung-dong on the 21st. On the 28th, 28 Cheonmasan Army members fought with the 2nd squad for about 40 minutes, and 5 people, including Adjutant Heo Gi-ho, were killed.

In June 1920, several hundred enemy soldiers invaded through the Saryo Road and attacked our main base in Dorongsan (頭龍山). A fierce battle ensued, resulting in the immediate death of three enemy soldiers. On our side, Heo Gi-ho (許基浩), Dogo Mu (獨孤武), Lee Chang-geun (李昌根), Ryu Tae-sun (柳泰純), and Oh Won-moon (吳元文) were killed, and three were captured. Upon hearing about the situation, comrades who were stationed in Cheonmasan (천마산) rushed to support, but they were unable to arrive in time. They regrouped in Cheonmasan to seek revenge. Kim Sang-ok (金尙玉) and five others were sent on a mission to gather scattered comrades in Dorongsan. Park Yeong-chan (朴泳燦) and two others were sent to Chaman-myeon (外南面) to assassinate the enemy's chief and burn down the administrative office.

On June 28, Deputy Officer Choi Ji-pung led about ten subordinates and attacked and burned down the enemy's police station and administrative office in Oksang-myeon (玉上面), Uiju County. One enemy soldier was killed. The Japanese attack also intensified, and on the 30th, 3rd Platoon Commanders Han Seong-ho and Kim Ok-seon were arrested at Mt. Cheonmasan in Goryeongsak-myeon by Assistant Inspector Sasako of the Uiju Police Station and others.

On July 26 of the same year, our main base was attacked by about 100 enemy soldiers. While retreating to Chosan (楚山), we burned down the Kabyeon administrative office in Bitong-myeon (加別面) of Bitong County and killed two enemy forest guards in Fusung-dong of Chosan County. We captured one hunting rifle, 20 bullets, one telescope, three military knives, and other items. On September 1, in Hantang, Weiwon County, we were encircled by enemy soldiers and had some personal belongings confiscated. They moved to Manchuria and joined the Kwangbokgun Total Headquarters led by General Oh Dong-jin.

August 12, about 40 members confronted Assistant Inspector Sasako and retreated due to force majeure. On the 18th of that month, in Wonpung-dong, Seosam-myeon, he killed Kawabara [川原英二], the chief of patrol at Wonpung Station, and wounded Fujihara [藤原].

On September 10, Deputy Officer Choi Ji-pung led a group of seven subordinates and killed one enemy soldier in Sajigol (砂器洞), Chosan County.

On October 10, Commander Choi Si-heung crossed over to Manchuria and collaborated with the Gwangbok Army Headquarters.

On December 8, the soldiers returning home after completing the operation engaged in a battle with Assistant Inspector Sasako.

1921
In January 1921, the investigation team tracking the Cheonmadae was strengthened and continued to engage the enemy in areas such as Goryeongsak-myeon and Cheonmasan Mountain.

In March 1921, they were surrounded by about a hundred enemy soldiers and engaged in a fierce battle throughout the day, but there were no casualties. The following day, 33 people cut their fingers and formed a blood covenant, and based on the public recommendation of the assembly, Choi Si-heung became the leader to punish the enemy and destroy their base. The enemy set fire to the entire mountain, so they moved to Dorongsan in Sakju County.

1922
Lieutenant Choi Ji-pung, in February 1922, led three subordinates on a mission to Yungdong in the northern region of Hwacheon County. The enemy attacked them, and Kim Bong-han was killed. Staff Officer Park Eung-baek led eight subordinates and eliminated five enemy soldiers in Daeshang-dong, Gabyeong-myeon, Bichung County.

In August, Major Choi Ui-jip, who had been on a mission to Gwiju County, recommended Sim Yong-jun as a major after he was killed by the enemy. In March of the third year, they dug snow and established a camp in Deiryong Pass, Hwagyeong-myeon, Kanggye County.

In March of the same year, Major Sim led 11 subordinates and went on a mission to the western region of Hwacheon County. They clashed with the enemy in Chosan County, Taewon-myeon, and Kim Myung-jun was killed. On May 4, the sentry repelled six enemy infiltrators. On the 15th of the same month, Staff Officer Park led 12 men and went on a mission to Gu-myeon, Namyang County, where they killed one enemy soldier.

In late September of the same year, the battalion established a camp in the mountains of Anta-ri, Kanggye County, to spend the winter and prepared for the transportation of winter provisions. However, they abandoned the military provisions and moved to the ○○ region due to enemy attacks. They rebuilt the camp by digging through accumulated snow of more than 3 meters and spent the winter there.

1923
In early March 1923, the battalion collectively reorganized their weaponry, divided their units, and prepared to mobilize. Platoon Leader Kim Sang-ok attacked the Wenjing garrison in Unsan County with three subordinates. Major Shim Yong-jun clashed with the enemy in Hwacheon, engaging in battle for about two hours with five subordinates. Assistant Officer Kim Joon-won fought against the enemy in Chosan with seven subordinates. Afterwards, they attacked the Dongcang garrison in Hwacheon but suffered losses due to the terrain. Staff Officer Park Eung-baek engaged in a battle with the enemy, killing five soldiers and injuring seven, with four subordinates in Chenggok Valley, Guyeong-myeon, Namyang County.

In early August, Platoon Leader Kim Sang-ok led five subordinates and engaged in a day-long battle with more than 100 enemy soldiers near Wenjing in Unsan County. Assistant Officer Choi Jae-kyung led four subordinates and killed one enemy in Handang-myeon, Wiryuan County, acquiring one pistol, ammunition, and other items. Staff Officer Park Eung-baek led four subordinates and dealt with public sentiment and raised military funds in the Kanggye region. They engaged in a battle with the enemy for about two hours in Masa-ri, Dongmyeon.

In late August, the entire army concentrated on the Kanggye region, awaiting the return of Choi. They received urgent news from Special Envoy Lee Han-jun of the Daehan Gwangbok Army Headquarters, prompting immediate planning for support. Platoon Leader Kim Joon-won and his unit remained stationed at the main camp, while two platoons under Major Lee engaged in a battle with 35 enemy pursuers for about an hour before finally defeating them and establishing communication with the Unification Government.

On September 15, in a battle with the investigation team of the Bukjin Police Station in North Pyongan Province that took place in Cheonan, Goseong, several people, including Takamura, were killed.

Later, in order to secure an advantageous base, he moved to South Manchuria and infiltrated the country based on Guanzhen and Ji'an.

General Choi Si-heung contacted the Liberation Army Commander-in-Chief directly or sent Choi Ji-poong and others to receive weapons and orders. For this reason, it was also called Cheonma Byeolyeong, meaning a separate unit of the Liberation Army General Headquarters.

Organization
In March 1920, the commander of the army was General Choi Si-heung, adjutant Choi Ji-poong, staff members Park Eung-baek, Park Young-chan, Choi Yun-hee, inspector Kim Se-jin, company commander Choi Eui-jip, and platoon commanders consisting of captains Kim Sang-ok (金尙玉) and Kim Yong-taek (金龍澤). Choi Si-chan, the younger brother of Commander Choi Si-heung, served in the army as an unranked member and focused on providing financial assistance to Danhoe.

On June 16, 1920, about 130 members gathered for the Cheonmasan Corps' military agreement (Independence Newspaper, March 14, 1923). The size of the corps was around 200 members (up to 500) young and middle-aged men, many of whom were former soldiers of the Imperial Korean Armed Forces, which was disbanded in 1907 after the Battle of Namdaemun. The disbanded Korean Empire Army also joined the Righteous armies nationwide, and these militias spread out in various directions as independent forces.and they engaged in activities such as fundraising, sabotage of Japanese colonial institutions, execution of Japanese military police and pro-Japanese collaborators, and armed clashes with the Japanese.

Activities
The Cheonmasan Corps achieved significant accomplishments by conducting fierce guerrilla warfare against the Japanese military and police. It closely cooperated with the independent military headquarters established in Manchuria.

For example, on August 7, 1920, Cheonmasan Corps members Kim Hyo-jun, Kim Bong-han, and Han Chi-bong, together with Kang Se-heung, Kang Moon-seop, and Kang Byeong-jeong from Yongam-dong, Cheongsan-myeon, Changseong-gun, and Yang Se-bong carried out attacks on the border of Uiju, Sakju, and Gwiseong counties, and attacked the Yudong Police Station, Geumgwang Office, and Yeongrimchang of Changseong County. They stole military supplies and gold bars and used them as military funds. They delivered them to Kim Bong-han, who then delivered them to the Kwangbokgun Total Headquarters in Guanjunhyeon.

Afterwards, the Cheonmasan Corps participated as a part of various armed independence movements such as the Seorogunjeongseo (Western Route Military Government Office), Uimin Society, Byakpadae, and Giwon Independence Group. When their domestic activities became difficult, they moved to Manchuria and joined the Korean Provisional Government.

Equipment
At the time of the establishment, the weapons were mainly conventional weapons such as 20 matchlocks.

On July 19, Major Shim led 19 subordinates and attacked the enemy garrison in Daeyu-dong, Changseong County, acquiring 16 rifles, 300 rounds of ammunition, 10 grenades, and numerous other items. On September 9, Platoon Leader Kim Sang-ok and Clerk Park Young-chan led 16 subordinates and attacked the enemy police station in Taewon-myeon, Chosan County, killing four enemy soldiers and acquiring 100 won in pension, 3 rifles, 300 rounds of ammunition, military maps, and uniforms.

Joining the Unification Government
In early 1923, the so-called subjugation plan of the Japanese Empire against Cheonmasandae resulted in all kinds of atrocities being committed, including attacking and setting fire to Koreans living in the area as well as the base of the independence army. As a result, it was no longer possible to operate in the country, so Choi Siheung led the Cheonmasandae and moved to Yuhahyeon in Manchuria. Afterwards, Cheonmasandae joined with the General Command of the Liberation Army, which was carrying out armed activities there, and was expanded and reorganized into the Cheolmabyeolyeong of the Liberation Army. They establish military discipline by guiding delinquent soldiers, while strengthening training to raise the volunteer army to the level of the regular army, earning great trust from General Oh Dong-jin, the commander-in-chief. The General Directorate of the Liberation Army was an armed group launched in Anzi District, Guanzhen County, China in September 1920. It was an army unit under the direct control of the Provisional Government and had jurisdiction over North Korea. Afterward, Cheonmasan Headquarters merged with the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. The Cheonmasan Army's also incorporated into the Unification Government. Accordingly, Cheonmasan Army took the lead in participating in the General Administration of the Liberation Army, Korean Unification Government, and the General Staff Headquarters. When they reorganized into the Korean Unification Government, they were organized into the 3rd Company of the Volunteer Army.

In August 1920, when the Korean Liberation Army Headquarters was established, Choi Si-heung joined the Kwangbokgun Total Headquarters and was appointed as the commander of the 4th Battalion. He also served as the commander of the 3rd Company of the Volunteer Military of the Korean Provisional Government. On August 15, after the capture and execution of the 2nd Danhakhoe Chairman Kye Yeon-su in Hongseong, Gwangju Province, Choi Si-heung became the 3rd Danhakhoe Chairman. When Choi Si-heung, for whom the Japanese had placed a bounty of 5,000 won, was arrested by Chinese officials in the winter of 1922, Choi Ji-poong was appointed company commander. 26 people, including "Park Ki-sun, Lim Seong-seop, Jo Seong-ryong, Kim Jung-bo, Lee Chan-ji, Maeng Hee-jun, Lee Ji-seon, Lee Eung-rin, and Jang Ki-sun" were arrested and died in Buk-myeon, Huicheon-gun, Pyeongguk in September 1923. Choe died in Pyongyang Prison in December 1924. When the conflict between the Unification Government and the Righteous Army Command reached a serious level, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th companies organized the General Staff Headquarters.