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
Achievements
○ Activities to join Shinminhoe(A secret society organized in 1907) in 1908
○ Served as State Minister of the Provisional Government until 1945 in Shanghai.
○ 1930: Organization of the Korean Patriotic Corps and support for patriotic activities
○ 1962 Posthumous award from the Republic of Korea Medal of Merit for National Foundation
Kim Gu :
[1876.7.11~1949.6.26]
Verdicts
On March 8, 1896, Kim Gu murdered Tsuchida Zoryo, a Japanese man he met at an inn in the Chihapo area of Hwanghae Province, thinking that he was the Japanese assassin who murdered Empress Myeongseong.
The court hanged Kim Gu for robbery and murder, but under the law at the time, a death sentence could only be executed after the king's confirmation, and King Gojong postponed the edict on the death penalty, so Kim Gu was able to save his life.
The charge of attempted robbery was a charge created by the Japanese by forcing them to give fictitious testimony through cruel torture. In his memoir, Kim Gu said, “The day An Myeong-geun said he had gathered to attack the wealthy in Anak, I was attending a secret meeting of the Shinminhoe in Seoul. However, the Japanese tortured my student and made him falsely confess that he had seen me and An Myeong-geun together.”
Gang Woo-gyu:
[1855.7.14~1920.11.29]
Achievements
Assassination Attempt on Saitō Makoto
On September 2, 1919, Gang Woo-gyu attempted to assassinate the newly appointed Governor-General of Korea, Saitō Makoto, by throwing a bomb at Namdaemun Station. Although the bomb missed its target, it caused significant damage and injured 37 Japanese officials and supporters.Established Guangdong Middle School
In 1917, Gang founded Guangdong Middle School in Jilin Province, China, dedicated to educating Korean expatriates and promoting the spirit of independence among them.Built Sinheung Village
Gang Woo-gyu led the development of Sinheung Village, a Korean settlement in Liaodong, which later became a key base for independence fighters operating in Russia and northern Manchuria.Support for Independence Activism
Collaborated with Korean independence activists in Manchuria and Vladivostok, providing financial and strategic support for anti-Japanese efforts.Maintained Defiance During Trial
Even after his capture and sentencing to death, Gang stood firm in his beliefs and continued to advocate for Korean independence until his execution.
Verdicts
Assassination Attempt and Trial
Gang was arrested on September 17, 1919, and sentenced to death by the Japanese colonial authorities for his failed assassination attempt on Governor-General Saitō Makoto and for causing civilian injuries.Execution
Gang Woo-gyu was executed by hanging on November 29, 1920, at Seodaemun Prison, remaining defiant in court throughout his trial.
Kim Jwa-jin :
[1889.11.24~1930.1.24]
Achievements
○ 1907: Joined the Shinminhoe, a secret society focused on Korean independence and reform.
○1911-1913: Imprisoned in Seodaemun Prison for efforts to establish a military academy for independence fighters.
○1920: Led the Korean forces to victory in the Battle of Cheongsanri against Japanese forces.
○1921: Organized the Korean Independence Corps to continue resistance efforts against Japanese occupation.
○1928: Founded the Korean United Independence Party to unify nationalist forces.
○1929: Became president of the Korean People's Association, leading nationalist movements.
○1930: Established the Korean Independence Corps to train and organize resistance fighters.
○1962: Posthumously awarded the Republic of Korea Medal of Merit for National Foundation for his contributions to Korean independence.
Verdicts
Kim Jwa-jin was never formally tried or convicted for his activities but faced continuous persecution by Japanese authorities.
He was assassinated on January 24, 1930, by communist operatives due to his nationalist stance.
His death symbolized the internal conflicts among Korean independence activists during that era.
Despite not having a formal trial, his legacy as a key figure in the Korean independence movement is honored posthumously.
Kim Chang-sook:
[1879.7.10~1962.5.10]
Achievements
Paris Peace Conference (1919):
Authored and submitted the Paris Jangseo (Paris Declaration), urging global recognition of Korea's independence based on the principle of self-determination.
Actively spread the message to international diplomats and Korean communities abroad.
Provisional Government of Korea (1919-1920):
Participated in establishing the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai.
Served as a member of the Provisional Assembly and Deputy Speaker.
Supported the Yeontongje (liaison system) to enhance communication among independence activists.
Independence Fundraising (1925):
Raised military funds to build bases for Korean independence forces.
Educational Reforms:
Founded Seongmyeong School in Seongju to promote anti-colonial education and national enlightenment.
Advocated for modernized education to instill a sense of nationalism and counter colonial influence.
Anti-Collaboration Movement:
Denounced pro-Japanese collaborators, such as the Iljinhoe (Japan-supporting political group), publicly exposing their betrayal.
Organized the Korean Literati's protests against the 1905 Eulsa Treaty and Japanese annexation plans.
Verdicts
Arrested by Japanese authorities for raising funds for independence.
Sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Held at Daegu Prison, where he endured torture but maintained his resistance, stating:
“As a citizen of Korea, I deny Japanese law. Entrusting my defense to Japanese legal advocates would contradict my beliefs. I will not seek survival by surrendering my integrity.”
Gyu-sik Kim :
[1881.01.29~1950.1.24]
Achievements
Represented Korea at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, submitting petitions and statements advocating for Korean independence.
Delivered speeches to international audiences, including at the Foreign Press Club, exposing Japan’s colonial oppression.
Appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Propaganda, and later Vice President of the Provisional Government.
Lobbied U.S. Congress to discuss Korean independence and led diplomatic missions across America and Europe.
Founded and led unification movements such as the Korean United Front Against Japan (1932) and the Korean National Revolutionary Party (1935).
Taught at the Central Military Academy in Nanjing, helping train officers for Korea's armed resistance.
Delivered compelling speeches in fluent English in the U.S., raising thousands of dollars for the independence cause.
Founded the Sino-Korean Cultural Association and the Korean Christian Welfare Association to support Koreans abroad and maintain momentum for independence.
Younghwan Min:
[1861.08.07~1905.11.30]
Achievements
Promoted Enlightenment and Modernization: Advocated modernization and civil liberties after observing Western advancements during diplomatic missions to Europe and Russia (1896–1897).
Supported the Independence Club: Actively backed the Independence Club and pushed for Korea’s first national assembly through parliamentary reform in 1898.
Resisted the Eulsa Treaty (1905): Condemned Japan’s forced treaty that stripped Korea of its sovereignty and called for the execution of the five pro-Japanese collaborators.
Committed Patriotic Suicide: On November 30, 1905, he took his own life in protest of Japanese aggression, leaving behind a will urging Koreans to rise up and restore independence.
Appealed to the International Community: Sent letters to foreign embassies revealing Japan’s unlawful annexation and seeking global support for Korean independence.
verdicts
Briefly Arrested by Japanese Authorities: After protesting the Eulsa Treaty in 1905, Min Yeong-hwan was detained by Japanese forces along with Jo Byeong-se while petitioning outside Daehan Gate. He was later released.
No Formal Trial or Court Judgment: There are no historical records of a Japanese court trial or official verdict against him during the Japanese occupation.
Jae-pil Seo:
[1864.01.07~1951.01.05]
Achievements
Leader of the Gapsin Coup (1884): Attempted to establish a modern government; fled abroad after the coup failed.
Founder of Korea's First Private Newspaper (1896): Published The Independent in Hangul to enlighten the public and promote independence ideals.
Founder of the Independence Club (1896): Led civil campaigns to construct the Independence Gate, hold mass civic debates, and resist Russian encroachment.
Organizer of the People’s Joint Association (1898): Led Korea’s first modern mass rallies, successfully pressuring the government to block Russian influence.
Deported by Korean Government (1898): Expelled due to his influence and reform efforts; a testament to his political impact.
Diplomatic Leader in Exile (1919–1925): Promoted Korean independence globally through the Korean Commission, Korea Review, and U.S. advocacy.
Met with President Harding (1922): Directly lobbied the U.S. President for Korean independence.
Pan-Pacific Conference Delegate (1925): Delivered powerful anti-Japanese speeches, representing Korea on an international stage.
Donated Entire Fortune: Sacrificed his medical practice and wealth (~$76,000) for Korea’s independence cause.
Verdicts
Deported by Korean Government (May 14, 1898): There is official historical documentation that the conservative Korean government, in cooperation with Russian and American powers, forcibly expelled Seo Jae-pil (Philip Jaisohn) due to his political activism.
No Japanese Trial or Court Judgment: Despite his extensive anti-Japanese activities abroad, there are no records of him being tried or judged in a Japanese court during colonial rule.
Byeong-hee son:
[1861.04.08~1922.05.19]
Achievements
Leader of the Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894): United northern and southern Donghak forces and led military resistance against government and Japanese forces.
Revived and Modernized Donghak as Cheondogyo (1905): Became the third leader, established schools and a publishing house, and contributed to religious and educational reform.
Principal Organizer of the March 1st Movement (1919): Initiated the plan to declare independence, unified religious leaders across denominations, and led the ceremony at Taehwagwan.
Signed the Korean Declaration of Independence: As one of the 33 national representatives, he led the symbolic act that triggered the nationwide movement for independence.
verdicts
Arrested and Tried by Japanese Authorities (1919–1920): Following the March 1st Independence Movement, Son Byeong-hui was arrested by Japanese police, and in 1920, the Gyeongseong Court of Appeals sentenced him to 3 years in prison for violating the Security Law and Publication Law.
Served 2 Years in Seodaemun Prison: Released before completing his sentence due to illness; he died shortly after his release during recovery.
Ik-hui shin:
[1894.06.09~1956.05.05]
Achievements
Founding Member of the Provisional Government of Korea (1919): Played a central role in its formation, legislative framework, and constitutional development.
Held Multiple Key Ministerial Posts: Served as Vice Minister of Justice, Minister of Justice, Foreign Affairs, Education, Interior, and Secretary-General of the State Council throughout the independence movement.
Led Government Reform and Party Unity Movements: Helped form the Korean National Revolutionary Party (1935) and Korean National Struggle Alliance (1937), seeking unification of independence forces.
Helped Establish Korean Liberation Army (1940): Contributed to organizing the Liberation Army under the Provisional Government.
Shaped Public Diplomacy and Propaganda: Directed communication strategy as part of the Ministry of Propaganda during WWII.
Served in Post-Liberation Korea: After 1945, held senior positions in government including Speaker of the National Assembly.
Jung-geun Ahn:
[1879.09.02~1910.03.26]
Achievements
Educator and Patriot: Founded schools in Jinnampo to foster national consciousness through education.
Righteous Army Commander (1908): Led armed resistance against Japanese forces in northern Korea.
Severed Finger Alliance (1909): Formed a blood oath with fellow patriots to fight for Korea’s independence.
Assassinated Itō Hirobumi (1909): Carried out the assassination at Harbin Station, a historic act of resistance against Japanese imperialism.
Symbol of Korean Resistance: His final act and patriotic words became a rallying cry for independence activists across East Asia.
verdicts
Tried and Executed by Japanese Authorities (1910):
Arrested by Russian forces and extradited to Japan’s Lushun Prison.
Subjected to six court hearings from February 7 to 14, 1910.
Sentenced to death for the assassination of Itō Hirobumi.
Executed on March 26, 1910.
At trial, he refused to acknowledge Japanese legal authority, asserting that his act was part of a just war for national independence.
Chang-ho Ahn:
[1878.11.09~1938.03.10]
Achievements
Leader in Enlightenment and Education Movements: Founded schools and cultural institutions in Korea and the U.S., such as Daeseong School, Dongmyeong Academy, and Kongnip Sinbo.
Organizer of Key Independence Groups: Co-founded Sinminhoe, led the Korean National Association, and organized Heungsadan, fostering civic training and unity.
Provisional Government Leader: Served as Minister of Interior, Acting Prime Minister, Chief of Labor, and led the Yeontongje communication system, playing a vital role in early administrative development.
Advocate of National Unity and Economic Self-Reliance: Promoted cooperative movements (Tongin Mutual Aid, Gongpyeongsa) and worked to unify independence forces through initiatives like the Only-One National Party.
Resistance to Japanese Rule: Continued public lectures even under surveillance, and worked tirelessly for national consciousness and moral reform.
Verdicts
Imprisoned by Japanese Authorities (1932):
Arrested in April 1932 in Shanghai following Yun Bong-gil’s bombing.
Extradited to Korea and sentenced to 4 years in prison by the Gyeongseong District Court on December 19, 1932.
Released in 1935, then re-arrested in 1937 for connections to Suyangdonguhoe.
Granted bail due to serious illness and died in March 1938.
Woon-hyung Lyuh:
[1885.04.24~1947.07.19]
Achievements
Catalyst of the March 1st Movement: Strategically organized Korean nationalist actions across Asia, including the 2.8 Declaration in Japan and demonstrations in Manchuria and Siberia.
Founding Member of Key Independence Organizations: Helped establish the Provisional Government, New Korea Youth Party, Korean Laborers and Soldiers Association, and the Shanghai branch of the Korean Communist Party.
Advocate for Korean–Chinese–Soviet Unity: Played a liaison role between the Chinese Nationalists, Communists, and Soviet advisors, advocating support for Korean liberation.
Military and Political Organizer: Planned military training (via Whampoa Academy), promoted the June 10th Movement, and sought unified fronts through socialism and nationalism.
Journalist and Educator: Founded the Inseong School, led the Chosun JoongAng Ilbo, and emphasized education and press as tools of resistance.
Visionary of Post-Liberation Korea: Founded the Korea Reconstruction League (1944) to prepare for post-Japanese governance.
verdicts
Arrested and Imprisoned by Colonial Authorities:
1929: Arrested by British police in Shanghai for anti-colonial speech; extradited to Korea and imprisoned for 3 years.
1940s: Arrested twice by Japanese police for underground independence activities.
Received 3-year prison sentence in one case.
Received 1-year sentence with 3 years suspended in the other.
Dong-jin Oh :
[1889.08.14~1944.12.01]
Achievements
Early Involvement in Education and Resistance: Founded Ilshin School in Uiju after graduating from Daeseong School in Pyongyang; participated in the March 1st Movement (1919) and fled to Manchuria.
Organized Youth Militias in Manchuria: Co-founded the Gwangje Youth Corps and Greater Korean Youth Federation, contributing to resistance planning and support logistics.
Key Member of Korean Independence Military Units: Served as Second Company Commander in the Liberation Army Command (1920), organizing and dispatching agents into Korea for sabotage missions.
Led Armed Raids on Japanese Facilities (1920): Coordinated attacks including:
Assassination of a Japanese officer in Anju,
Bombings of police stations in Pyongyang, Sinuiju, and Sunchon.
Administrative and Military Leader in Provisional Structures:
Held positions such as Finance Chief, Transport Chief, and Commander-in-Chief across the Tongui-bu, Uigun-bu, and Jeongui-bu.
Instrumental in forming a united front among the three major Korean independence armies (Jeongui-bu, Shinmin-bu, Chamui-bu).
Established the Goryeo Revolutionary Party (1926) and led the military wing of Jeongui-bu.
Social Reformer: Co-founded Agricultural Mutual Aid Society in 1927 to uplift 2 million Korean expatriates through farming, education, and public health.
Appointed to the Provisional Government's State Council in 1925 and reappointed in 1926, though remained active in Manchuria.
Verdicts
1920: Tried in absentia by Japanese colonial court for organizing and dispatching sabotage units; sentenced to 10 years in prison.
1927: Betrayed by an informant and arrested by Japanese forces at Heungdo Station on the Giljang Line.
1932: After a 6-year trial, sentenced to life imprisonment by Pyongyang Court of Appeals.
1934: Sentence commuted to 20 years, but he died in prison due to harsh conditions.