Order of Merit for National Foundation
2nd Class
Presidential Medal
What is Merit for National Foundation:
A medal awarded to those who have made distinguished contributions to the establishment of the Republic of Korea or those who have made distinguished contributions to the foundation of the nation.
2nd class:
More than 5 years of activity
Gidong Kang :
[1884. 03. 05~1911. 04. 17]
Achievements
While working as a military police assistant in Gorampo, Jangdan, liberated imprisoned uibyeong fighters in 1907, prompting him to join the anti-Japanese armed struggle.
Became an uibyeong commander, operating mainly in Yangju and Pocheon, and coordinating closely with other commanders such as Yeon Gi-u.
Led guerrilla operations across Gyeonggi and Hwanghae provinces, maintaining small elite units to avoid exposure to Japanese informants.
Issued proclamations and recruited fighters in June 1908 to continue armed resistance, despite increasing Japanese pressure.
Engaged in multiple battles with Japanese forces, including confrontations in Pocheon (1910), Yangju (April and May 1910), and attempted infiltration into Seoul.
Commanded a 100-strong force with Kang Du-pil, operating in Gangwon Province.
Continued resistance after the 1910 annexation, moving toward North Manchuria while maintaining armed activity.
Verdicts
Arrested in Wonsan in February 1911 while moving toward North Manchuria, transported to Yongsan, Seoul, and executed by firing squad.
Chun‑seon Gu:
[1860. 02. 20~1944. 03. 20]
Achievements
Born in Onseong, North Hamgyong; initially served in the central royal guard in Seoul before moving to North Manchuria in 1897.
Helped establish protective outposts for Korean settlers in the Yanji region and later contributed to founding key churches in Yongjeong and Hamatang.
Played a central role in Korean self-governing bodies in Manchuria, serving as vice-chairman of the Korean Self-Governing Association in 1913.
Led the March 13, 1919 Yongjeong independence rally with over 30,000 participants and became president of the reorganized Korean National Association (대한국민회), one of the most prominent post–March 1st organizations in North Manchuria.
Organized military fundraising, recruitment, and armed activities in coordination with the Provisional Government and other resistance groups, including setting up 72 branch offices in the Gando region.
Served as regional head of the Total Office (총판부) overseeing Yeongil, Hualong, Dunhua, and Aemok in 1920, coordinating anti-Japanese armed operations.
Participated in forming the Korean Independence Army Corps in 1920, experienced the Free City Incident in 1921, and returned to Eastern Manchuria to plan military school establishment and assassination operations.
Later shifted focus to religious and educational movements, worked on rebuilding the Korean National Association in North Manchuria, and contributed to underground Christian networks in East Manchuria during the 1930s.
Dong-jin Kwon :
[1861. 12. 15~1947. 03. 09]
Achievements
Served as county magistrate of Haman and army lieutenant colonel during the late Joseon period; later joined the Gaehwadang (Enlightenment Party) and engaged in reformist activities.
Lived in exile in Japan after the 1882 Imo Incident, converted to Cheondogyo, and became a dos a (religious leader).
In early 1919, actively supported the drafting of the Korean Declaration of Independence alongside Son Byeong-hui and Oh Se-chang, approving its principles and contributing to petitions criticizing Japanese imperial rule and supporting U.S. President Wilson’s principle of self-determination.
As a Cheondogyo representative, recruited other leaders to sign the Declaration, leading to his role as one of the 33 national representatives at the March 1, 1919 Independence Movement in Seoul.
After shouting Manse at the declaration ceremony in Taehwagwan, was arrested by Japanese police, later joining the Singanhoe as vice president after release to continue promoting national independence and unity.
Verdicts
In 1920, sentenced by the Gyeongseong Appellate Court to three years’ imprisonment under Japan’s Public Order and Publication Laws for his role in the March 1st Movement, serving time at Seodaemun Prison.
Byeong-deok Kwon:
[1868. 04. 25~1943. 07. 13]
Achievements
Born in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do; joined the Donghak movement at age 18 and participated in the 1894 Donghak Peasant Revolution alongside Son Byeong-hui, leading 60,000 followers in resistance against the government army.
After the movement’s suppression, traveled across the country; later joined Cheondogyo in 1908 under Son Byeong-hui, serving in key leadership positions including Director of Jeonje-gwan, Acting Director of Imun-gwan, Director of Finance, and Director of Bomun-gwan.
In February 1919, learned of the March 1st Independence Movement plan from Son Byeong-hui, Kwon Dong-jin, and Oh Se-chang; agreed to sign the Korean Declaration of Independence as one of the 33 national representatives.
Participated in drafting and reviewing the declaration and related documents on February 27, 1919, and publicly proclaimed Korean independence on March 1 at Taehwagwan in Seoul.
After release from prison, held senior positions in the Cheondogyo headquarters, including Head of the Central Church Audit Bureau, Director of the Inspection Bureau, and Seondosa (missionary leader).
Authored works such as Joseon Chongsa (Comprehensive History of Korea), Ijo Jeonrans a (History of Wars of the Joseon Dynasty), and Gungjung Bisa (Secret History of the Royal Court).
Verdicts
In 1920, sentenced by the Gyeongseong Appellate Court to two years’ imprisonment under Japan’s Public Order and Publication Laws for his role in the March 1st Movement, serving his term at Seodaemun Prison.
Gyeong - cheon Kim :
[1888. 06. 05~1942. 01. 02]
Achievements
Graduated from the Japanese Military Academy and served as a Japanese Army officer before defecting to the Korean independence movement after the February 8, 1919 Declaration of Independence in Tokyo.
Escaped to Manchuria in June 1919 with General Yi Cheong-cheon, joining the Korean Independence Youth Corps (대한독립청년단) and later served as an instructor at the Shinheung Military Academy.
Relocated to Vladivostok and formed volunteer militia forces, defending Korean immigrants from bandit attacks and gaining fame as "General Kim (김장군)."
Established self-governance and civil administration in the Sucheong area, issuing travel permits and stabilizing local Korean communities.
Led successful battles against Russian White Army forces and coordinated with Soviet Red Army troops, notably in Imán and Yakgoliga (1922).
Appointed Commander of the Korean Division in the Posyet Military District and helped found the Korean Revolutionary Army (고려혁명군) as Eastern Commander, unifying resistance forces in Siberia and Manchuria.
Participated in the 1923 National Representative Conference in Shanghai, worked to unify Korean independence groups, and later founded the Korean Military Officers’ Club (한족군인구락부) in Vladivostok.
Despite later imprisonment and forced labor under Soviet authorities, he remained a symbol of armed resistance.
Posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Presidential Medal) in 1998 and named Independence Activist of the Month in June 2003.
Verdicts
He was persecuted by Soviet authorities, imprisoned, and sent to labor camps, reflecting the geopolitical struggles of Korean independence fighters in exile.