Order of Merit for National Foundation

3rd class

Independence 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.

3rd class:

More than 2 years of activity

Kim Bok han :

[1860.7.24~1924.5.4]

Achievements

  1. Civil Service Career

    • Passed the special literary examination (byeolsi mungwa) in 1892, achieving 9th rank.

    • Held various government posts including:

      • Vice Chief of Hongmungwan (Office of Special Advisors)

      • Teacher for Crown Prince Sunjong at the Royal Academy (Seja Sigangwon)

      • Chief of Sungkyunkwan (National Confucian Academy).

    • Reached the rank of Tongjeong Daebu (3rd rank civil official).

  2. Independence Movement

    • Led the First Hongju Uibyeong (Righteous Army) against the Japanese in 1895, though it failed due to betrayal.

    • Participated indirectly in the Second Hongju Uibyeong (1905), providing support and guidance.

    • Played a key role in drafting the independence petition for the Paris Peace Conference (1919), alongside other Confucian scholars.

  3. Posthumous Recognition

    • Posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Independence Medal) by the Republic of Korea in 1963.

    • His grave and legacy were designated as a Cultural Heritage Site (No. 169) by Chungcheongnam-do in 1984.

    • Honored with the establishment of Chuyang Shrine to preserve his memory and hold annual rites.

  4. Literary Contributions

    • His works were compiled posthumously into a collection titled "Jisanjip" (志山集) by his descendants and disciples.

Verdicts

Imprisonment Following the Hongju Uprising (1895-1896):

  • Arrested and imprisoned multiple times by Japanese-aligned Korean authorities.

  • Suffered permanent physical disability (beriberi) due to poor prison conditions.

  • Initially sentenced to 10 years of exile but released under royal pardon by Emperor Gojong.

  1. Arrest Following Eulsa Treaty Resistance (1905):

    • Detained and interrogated by Japanese authorities for leading anti-treaty movements and submitting a memorial advocating resistance.

    • Released shortly after but remained under surveillance.

  2. Enduring Legacy:

    • Recognized for his unwavering dedication to preserving Korea's sovereignty and Confucian values.

    • His actions inspired subsequent independence movements and earned him posthumous recognition as a national hero.

Kim han jong :

[1883.1.14 ~ 1921.8.11]

Achievements

  • 1906: Fought against Japanese forces as a member of the Hongju Uprising alongside his father.

  • 1917: Appointed head of the Chungcheong Province branch of the Korean Liberation Association (대한광복회).

  • Key Contributions:

    • Organized and expanded the Chungcheong branch of the Korean Liberation Association.

    • Engaged in revolutionary activities, including punishing pro-Japanese collaborators and securing military funds.

    • Planned to assassinate the Governor-General of Korea (1916).

  • Leadership: Played a crucial role in uniting resistance forces from various ideological backgrounds for independence.

Verdicts

  • 1921: Captured by Japanese authorities for his activities and executed by hanging.

  • Legacy: Remembered as a martyr who sacrificed his life for Korea's independence.

Quote from Kim Han-jong's Proclamation
"Our 4,000 years of history has turned to ashes, and our 20 million people have become slaves. The Japanese oppression increases daily, and our tears of blood urge us to reclaim our homeland."