He lived during the Japanese colonization of Korea, and joined the Korean Provisional Government in their resistance against the Empire of Japan.

During this period, Na was also involved in underground political movements against the Japanese colonial rule of Korea; during the March 1st Movement (1919) in occupied Korea, he helped to organize local protest efforts and raise funds for Korean nationalist militant groups.

While in China Na served as a bodyguard for the Provisional Government of Korea, which had been formed in reaction to Japanese suppression of Korean protesters and activists after the March 1 Movement.

After leaving the second building, Na attempted to escape the premises, killing a Japanese police officer in the process.

In order to avoid being apprehended, Na Seok-ju shot himself three times in the chest, and died later that day after being rushed to hospital.