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
Yoo Gwan sun:
[1902.12.16~1920.9.28]
Achievements
○ Participating in the independence demonstration in Seoul as a student at Ewha Hakdang
○ Leading the independence movement at Aunae Marketplace in Cheonan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
○ Organized an independence squad with Ewha School alumni.
○ Posthumously awarded the National Foundation Medal and Independence Medal in 1962.
Verdicts
On April 1, 1919, she led a demonstration for national independence in Byeongcheon Market in which thousands of people participated. Yu Gwan-sun was arrested as the instigator(for the crime of “Violation of security laws”) and imprisoned in Gongju Prison.
Due to prolonged torture and malnutrition, Yu Gwan-sun died at the age of 18 on September 28, 1920. Ewha Hakdang requested the prison authorities to hand over Yu Gwan-sun's body, but Japan refused. Then, Miss Jeanette Walter, the principal of Ewha School, strongly protested, saying she would report this to American newspapers and appeal to world public opinion. In the end, the Japanese government handed over the body under the condition that the funeral be held extremely quietly and without informing the overseas media.
Kim Bok han :
[1860.7.24~1924.5.4]
Achievements
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."