1. Overview
Han Ik-su (한익수Korean, 韓益洙Han Ik-suJapanese; October 15, 1912 - September 5, 1978) was a prominent North Korean politician, militarist, guerrilla fighter, and diplomat. He held key positions within the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) government and the Workers' Party of Korea, including Politburo member, Director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, Ambassador to China, and Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee Auditing Committee. A member of the influential Manchurian Faction, he participated extensively in anti-Japanese guerrilla activities, including service in the Korean People's Revolutionary Army and the Battle of Pochonbo. Following Korea's liberation in 1945, he contributed to the establishment of the DPRK government and played a significant role in its military, particularly during the Korean War. Han Ik-su received high honors throughout his career and was posthumously commemorated for his contributions.
2. Early Life and Anti-Japanese Activities
Han Ik-su's early life was marked by his birth into a peasant family and his swift immersion into the anti-Japanese struggle that defined the era, leading to his involvement in significant military engagements.
2.1. Birth and Background
Han Ik-su was born on October 15, 1912, into a poor peasant family in Longjing, Jilin, a city located in Jilin Province, China.
2.2. Korean People's Revolutionary Army and Key Battles
In 1931, Han Ik-su joined the Korean People's Revolutionary Army (KPRA), which served as a crucial predecessor to the later Korean People's Army (KPA). During his service, he took on the role of a bugler. He actively participated in major anti-Japanese armed activities, most notably the Battle of Pochonbo in 1937, where he fought alongside Kim Il Sung and other guerrilla fighters.
3. Post-Liberation Military and Political Career
After Korea's liberation from Japanese rule, Han Ik-su played an instrumental role in the formation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and rose through the ranks of its nascent military and political structures, continuing his service during the Korean War.
3.1. Contribution to Government Founding and Early Military Posts
Following Japan's surrender in 1945 and the subsequent end of World War II, Han Ik-su returned to Korea and actively contributed to the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea government. In the newly formed military, he held initial posts such as a company commander. He was later appointed as the principal of the Kang Kon Military Academy (강건 종합 군관 학교Kang Kon Chonghap Kun'gwan HakkyoKorean). Prior to the outbreak of the Korean War, he had already been promoted to the rank of general.
3.2. Korean War Participation and Key Military Roles
Han Ik-su participated in the Korean War, serving in several key military positions during and after the conflict. These roles included Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army and Vice Minister of People's Armed Forces (民族保衛副相Minzoku Hoei FukushoJapanese), a position also known as Vice Minister of National Defense.
4. Key Party and State Positions
Throughout his career in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Han Ik-su held a series of influential party and state positions, reflecting his growing importance within the nation's political and military leadership.
4.1. Supreme People's Assembly and Diplomatic Activities
In 1962, Han Ik-su was elected as a deputy to the 3rd Supreme People's Assembly, the highest legislative body of the DPRK. During the period from 1962 to 1964, he was dispatched to Beijing to serve as the Ambassador to China, undertaking significant diplomatic activities on behalf of North Korea.
4.2. Core Party and Military Appointments
Han Ik-su's ascent within the Workers' Party of Korea and the military was steady and significant. In 1961, he became a member of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee. In 1968, he was appointed as the Director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, succeeding Oh Jin-woo in this crucial role. He served as Director until 1973, when he was succeeded by Ri Yong-mu. In 1969, he was elected as an Alternate Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and the following year, in 1970, he was elevated to a full Member of the Political Committee (Politburo) after the 5th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. By 1973, he was appointed as a Department Director of the Party Central Committee, and in 1977, he took on the responsibility of Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee Auditing Committee (also referred to as the review committee of the Party Central Committee).
5. Works
Han Ik-su authored a notable work detailing his experiences in the anti-Japanese guerrilla movement, which remains a significant contribution to the historical narrative of the period.
5.1. Reminiscences of the Anti-Japanese Guerrillas
In 1968, Han Ik-su published his memoirs titled Reminiscences of the Anti-Japanese Guerillas. This work was released by the Foreign Languages Publishing House in Pyongyang. A specific chapter within this book is titled "Studying is the First and Foremost Task for the Revolutionaries," reflecting the ideological emphasis on self-improvement and revolutionary study.
6. Death and Posthumous Recognition
Han Ik-su's passing marked the end of a long career dedicated to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and his contributions were recognized through various posthumous honors.
6.1. Death
Han Ik-su died on September 5, 1978.
6.2. Posthumous Honors and Commemoration
In recognition of his long service and contributions, the North Korean government posthumously honored Han Ik-su. He was buried in the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery, specifically the Daesongsan Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery, a significant burial ground for those deemed heroes of the state. A bust of Han Ik-su was also cast in his honor. During his lifetime, he was awarded the prestigious Kim Il Sung Order and the Order of National Flag First Class, which were reaffirmed in his posthumous commemoration.
7. Political Affiliation
Han Ik-su's political career was closely tied to a specific faction within the Workers' Party of Korea, which played a significant role in the party's early history.
7.1. Manchurian Faction Membership
Han Ik-su was a member of the 'Manchurian Faction' within the Workers' Party of Korea. This faction comprised individuals who had participated in the anti-Japanese guerrilla struggle in Manchuria alongside Kim Il Sung and was considered the mainstream or dominant group within the party during the early years of the DPRK.