Order of Merit for National Foundation

1st Class

Republic of Korea 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.

1st class:

More than 8 years of activity

Sun Yat-sen(🇨🇳):

[1866. 11. 12 ~ 1925. 03.12]

Achievements

Ideological Ally of Korean Independence: Advocated for the support of weak nations and explicitly endorsed Korean independence and the legitimacy of the Korean Provisional Government.

  1. Approved Diplomatic Recognition (1921): As leader of the Chinese Constitutional Protection Government, approved mutual diplomatic recognition with the Korean Provisional Government, supported Korean student enrollment in Chinese military academies, and cooperated on international propaganda for Korean independence.

  2. Recognized Korea’s Provisional Government as Legitimate: In 1921, formally acknowledged the Provisional Government as the lawful democratic republican government of the Korean people.

  3. Stabilized Korea’s Early Government-in-Exile: His support played a key role in the international legitimacy and internal stability of the early Korean Provisional Government.

Soong May-ling(🇨🇳):

[1897. 03. 05 ~ 2003. 10.23]

Achievements

Financially Supported Korean Independence Movement: Donated 100,000 won in 1932 after hearing of Yi Bong-chang and Yun Bong-gil’s independence actions.

  1. Backed Korean Liberation Army (1940–1942): Contributed a total of 200,000 won to support weapons procurement and provide relief for soldiers’ families.

  2. Advocate for Korean Resistance: As First Lady of the Republic of China, actively supported Korea’s struggle against Japanese colonial rule through high-level advocacy and financial aid.