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.”