지난 6월 20일(화) 국회 정무위원회 소회의실에서 정무위원회 법안심사제1소위원회 회의가 있었다. 이날에 있었던 내용에 대해 국회사무처는 회의록(이하 6월 20일 회의록)을 남겼다. 이 날에 보훈부 남궁선 예우국장(보훈예우정책관)은 “1895년에 을미의병 참가자들 145명은 어떻게 독립유공자로 서훈이 됐느냐”(6월 20일 회의록, 46쪽.)라는 국회의원의 질의를 받고 다음과 같이 답변했다.
 ▲ 전봉준 장군과 동학농민군상(정읍시 구민사 경내에 있음) ⓒ 박용규 2022 1104 |
남궁선 예우국장은 “을미의병은 1962년 독립유공자 포상을 처음 기점으로 할 때부터 독립운동 연결상에 있다고 그때 학계에서 인정을 해서 62년부터 포상을 하고 있다.”라고 답변했다. 계속해서 1962년부터의 을미의병 포상에 대해 남궁선 예우국장은 “62년도에 최초로 세 분을 하면서 계속 을미의병은 포상을 그 이후에 1905년 을사의병, 1907년 정미의병하고 연결선상에 있기 때문에 독립운동으로 보자고 해서 포상을 계속하고 있다.”(6월 20일 회의록, 46쪽.)라고 좀 더 자세히 답변했다.
남궁선 예우국장의 답변을 정리하자면 이렇다. 을미의병은 1962년부터 포상을 하여 왔다. 1962년도부터 을미의병은 이후 1905년 을사의병, 1907년 정미의병하고 독립운동으로 연결되고 있어서 포상을 계속하고 있다는 것이다. 그렇다면 남궁선 예우국장의 답변을 검증하여 보자.
첫째, ‘을미의병은 1962년부터 포상을 하여 왔다.’는 남궁선 예우국장의 답변은 국가보훈부 공훈전자사료관의 ‘독립유공자 공적정보’에, 안승우(1865∼1896)가 1962년 독립장에 아래와 같이 추서되었기에 맞다. ‘독립유공자 공적정보’에 안승우의 공적개요가 다음과 같이 기재되어 있다.
“안승우(1865∼1896): 1894년 의병으로써 지평군수 이영춘과 함께 지평에서 거의하여 제천으로 달려가 왜적과 항전하다가 1896년 순사하였음.(1962 독립장)”
1963년에 이춘영·서상렬·홍사구 등 3명이 독립유공자로 서훈되었다. ‘독립유공자 공적정보’에 이춘영·서상렬·홍사구의 공적개요는 다음과 같이 기록되어 있다.
“이춘영(1868∼1896): 1895년 을미왜변에 분개하여 그의 친구인 안승우와 함께 제천 안창리에서 의병을 일으켜 부하 김백선 등과 더불어 의병 400여명을 얻고 원주를 점령하기 수일에 제천으로 향함.
이곳에서 제천군수 김익진과 단양군수 권숙 청풍군수 서상기, 충주시찰사 김규식 등을 사로 잡으니 권숙의 아들이 왜병 수백을 청하여 단양의 장회에서 싸움을 걸어왔으나 이를 크게 격파함. 맹재영 이민옥 등의 배신으로 한때 곤경에 빠졌으나 이춘영이 다시 이를 수습하고 유인석을 대장으로 추대하고 그는 스스로 중군이 되어 군대는 충주로 옮김.
춘영은 호남과 영남의 요액인 조령을 지키던 중 그의 파수장 홍대석이 조령밑에 있는 안보의 왜참을 습격하여 이를 크게 대파하자 춘영이 이를 쫓아 수백의 의병을 거느리고 달천으로 갔으나 적이 패주하고 없으므로 다시 안보로 와서 왜적과 싸우다가 전사함.(1896년 정월)(1963 독립장)”
“서상렬(1856∼1896): 1895년 이필희, 신지수, 이범목 등과 같이 단양에서 의병을 일으켜 호서, 호남7읍의 도의장 및 중군장으로 토산, 금천 등지에서 활동함. 1896년 6월 영남 일대에서 예천회맹을 조직하여 맹주가 되고 유인석 부대의 서행시 앞질러 랑천에 이르러 적병과 교전 중 전사함(1963 독립장)”
“홍사구(1888∼1896): 1896년 을미왜변에 분개하여 그의 스승인 안승우와 함께 제천에서 의병을 일으켜 제천 남성에서 싸우다가 안승우가 전사하자 그의 뒤를 이어 군사를 지휘하다가 역시 전사함.(1963, 독립장)”
이처럼 안승우·이춘영·서상렬·홍사구 등이 을미사변(을미왜변)에 분개하여 을미의병에만 참여하였음을 확인하였다. 을미의병만의 참여로 독립유공자의 서훈을 받음은 2022년의 아래 박근욱· 박화실의 사례에서도 확인할 수 있다.
“박근욱(朴根郁, 1838∼미상): 1896년 음력 2월 전남 나주군에서 나주의병 우익장으로 활동함.(2022, 건국포장)”
“박화실(朴化實, 1839∼미상, 이명 박찬욱(朴贊郁)): 1896년 음력 2월 이후 전남 나주군에서 김창균 등과 함께 나주의병을 지휘함.(2022, 건국포장)”
을미의병에 참여한 박근욱·박화실은, 이후 을사의병(1905)·정미의병(1907)과 관련이 없었다. 을사의병(1905)·정미의병(1907)과 관련이 없이 을미의병 참여로만 독립유공자 서훈을 받은 인사가 필자가 확인한 바 143명에 해당하였다.(박용규, ｢을미의병 참여자와 서훈｣, 2차 동학농민혁명과 을미의병 서훈 비교 국회 학술 토론회, 김성주 의원 등 공동주최, 2023, 8, 25, 53∼62쪽.)
그런데 보훈부(차관 윤종진, 국장 남궁선)는 산하 독립유공자 서훈 공적심사위원들의 2차 동학농민혁명 참여자에 대한 서훈 반대 의견 6개(6개 반대 의견은 2021년 6월 25일에 있었던 1심 공적심사위원회 합동회의와 같은 해 9월 9일에 있었던 2심 공적심사위원회 합동회의에서 나왔다.)를 강조하면서, 2차 동학농민혁명 참여자 서훈을 반대하였다.
공적심사위원들(보훈부 서훈심사에 참여한 역사학자들)은 “독립운동은 식민상태 또는 준식민상태에서 국권의 수호 또는 회복하기 위한 활동으로 항일운동이 곧 독립운동은 아님”이라는 의견을 내며, 2차 동학농민혁명 참여자 서훈을 반대하였다. 이 의견을 을미의병(1895)에 적용하여 보자. 이 의견을 을미의병(1895)에 적용하면, 을미의병 143명 서훈을 박탈하여야 한다. 을미의병은 항일운동이어서 서훈하였는가. 아니면 독립운동이어서 서훈하였는가.
보훈부는 왜 을미의병 서훈에만 특혜를 주는가. 2차 항일 동학농민혁명(1894∼1895) 참여자는 왜 서훈에서 차별하는가. 보훈부는 왜 을미의병은 서훈하고 2차 동학농민혁명은 미서훈하는 이중 잣대를 대는가.
공적심사위원들(보훈부 서훈심사에 참여한 역사학자들)은 “학계는 국권침탈의 시기를 1904년 러일전쟁과 1905년 을사조약 전후로 보고 있으며, 동학 2차봉기의 포상은 정부가 국권침탈의 시기를 10여 년이나 앞당기는 것을 공인하는 것”이라는 의견을 내며, 2차 동학농민혁명 참여자 서훈을 반대하였다. 이 의견을 을미의병(1895)에 적용하여 보자. 이 의견을 을미의병(1895)에 적용하면, 을미의병 143명 서훈을 박탈하여야 한다. 보훈부는 왜 1905년 을사조약 체결 이전에 일어난 을미의병(1895) 서훈을 박탈하지 않는가.
공적심사위원들(보훈부 서훈심사에 참여한 역사학자들)은 “조선과 대한제국이 준식민지 상태였다는 것을 인정하는 것으로 대한제국의 자주적 개혁을 부정하는 것”(4쪽)이라는 의견을 내며, 2차 동학농민혁명 참여자 서훈을 반대하였다. 이 의견을 을미의병(1895)에 적용하여 보자. 이 의견을 을미의병에 적용하면, 을미의병 143명 서훈을 박탈하여야 한다. 보훈부는 왜 대한제국(1897∼1910)이 등장하기 이전에 일어난 을미의병(1895) 서훈을 박탈하지 않는가. 보훈부는 왜 을미의병 서훈에만 특혜를 주는가.
참고로 필자는 ｢보훈부 윤종진 차관께 묻습니다! “공적심사위, 2차 동학 서훈 반대 의견 타당합니까?”｣(<브레이크뉴스>, 2023, 9, 14. https://www.breaknews.com/987661 )라는 글을 통해, 보훈부 공적심사위원들의 2차 동학농민혁명 참여자에 대한 서훈 반대 의견 6개가 모두 타당하지 않아서, 6개를 하나하나 반박하였다.
둘째, ‘1962년도부터 을미의병은 이후 1905년 을사의병, 1907년 정미의병하고 독립운동으로 연결되고 있어서 포상을 계속하고 있다.’는 남궁선 예우국장의 답변은 맞지 않다. 남궁선 예우국장의 답변은 독립유공자 포상 사례를 분석해 보면 역사적 사실에 근거하고 있지 않다. 보훈부의 국장급 공무원은 고위 공무원이다. 고위 공무원은 나라의 정책에 책임을 지는 공무원이다. 고위 공무원은 사실에 근거하여 발언하여야 한다.
을미의병 참여자에 대해 국가보훈부는 1962년부터 2022년까지 143명을 독립유공자로 서훈하였다. 143명은 을미의병만의 참여로 독립유공자 서훈을 받은 분들이다. 1962년 독립유공자 서훈이 시작된 시기는 독립운동사 연구가 매우 빈약하였다. 1962년 역사학자 이병도, 신석호, 유홍렬 등이 참여한 공적심사위원회가 “독립운동의 기점은 을미의병이다.”라는 내규를 제정·결정하여, 이 내규를 가지고 공적심사위원들이 독립유공 서훈 심사를 하였다.(윤철상, <일제의 국권침탈에 항거한 갑오동학농민혁명에 대한 학술적·법률적 검토>(2000 정책연구보고서), 갑오동학농민혁명연구회, 2000, 12, 29∼31쪽.; 우윤, ｢항일독립운동의 출발로서 갑오동학농민혁명에 대한 학술적·법률적 검토｣, <갑오동학농민혁명군의 명예회복과 서훈추진을 위한 학술 세미나>(2001 정책연구보고서), 갑오동학농민혁명연구회, 2001, 12, 19쪽.).
이처럼 1962년부터 공적심사위원회가 결정한 “독립운동의 기점은 을미의병이다.”라는 내규를 가지고 공적심사위원들이 독립유공 서훈 심사를 하였다. 따라서 1962년부터 을미의병 참여자는 독립유공자로 서훈되었다. 위에서 필자가 언급한 안승우(1865∼1896)는 을미의병 참여만으로 1962년에 건국훈장 독립장에 추서되었다. 이춘영(1868∼1896)·서상렬(1856∼1896)·홍사구(1888∼1896)는 을미의병 참여만으로 1963년에 각각 건국훈장 독립장에 추서되었다. 이처럼 안승우·이춘영·서상렬·홍사구는 을미의병에만 참여했지, 을사의병(1905)과 정미의병(1907)에 참여하지 않았고, 을사의병(1905)과 정미의병(1907)에 연결되고 있지 않았다.
박근욱(朴根郁, 1838∼미상)·박화실(朴化實, 1839∼미상)도 을미의병 참여만으로 2022년에 각각 건국포장에 추서되었다. 을사의병(1905)과 정미의병(1907)에 연결되지 않았다. 다음은 김창균(金蒼均, 미상∼1896)·정석진(鄭錫珍, 미상∼1896)의 공적개요이다.
“김창균(金蒼均, 미상∼1896): 1896년 2월 전남 나주에서 이학상 의진의 좌익장으로 활동하다가 동년 5월 5일 전남 보성에서 피살 순국한 사실이 확인됨.(1995, 애국장)”
“정석진(鄭錫珍, 미상∼1896): 1896년 전남 해남현감으로서 기우만 등과 함께 나주의진의 거의 준비를 주도하다 체포되어 피살된 사실이 확인됨.(2010, 애국장)”
이처럼 김창균·정석진은 을미의병 참여만으로 1995년과 2010년에 각각 건국훈장 애국장에 추서되었다. 을사의병(1905)과 정미의병(1907)에 연결되지 않았다. 필자가 확인한 바 을사의병(1905)·정미의병(1907)과 관련이 없이 을미의병 참여로만 독립유공자 서훈을 받은 인사가 1962년부터 2022년까지 143명에 해당하였다.
물론 을미의병 참여자가 이후 을사의병에 참여한 경우도 있었다. 그러나 그런 사례는 많지 않았다. 오히려 을미의병 참여자가 이후 을사의병, 정미의병으로 연결되지 않고 있는 사례가 더 많았다.
‘1962년도부터 을미의병이 이후 1905년 을사의병, 1907년 정미의병하고 독립운동으로 연결되고 있어서 포상을 계속하고 있다.’고 하면, 필자는 남궁선 예우국장께 질의하겠다. 2차 항일 동학농민혁명 참여자도 이후 삼일운동 등 독립운동으로 연결되고 있었다. 그렇다면 왜 2차 항일 동학농민혁명 참여자는 독립유공자로 포상하지 않는가. 2차 항일 동학농민혁명 참여자도 이후 의병과 독립군, 독립운동으로 연결되었다.
① 1894년 2차 동학농민혁명 봉기에 참여한 지도자 9명(손병희·권병덕·나용환·나인협·박준승·이종훈·임예환·홍기조·홍병기 등)이 1919년 삼일운동의 독립선언서에 민족대표로 9명이 모두 서명하고 투옥되었다.
손병희(1861∼1922)는 2차 동학농민혁명 북접 총사령관으로 전봉준과 논산에서 만나 11월에 공주 우금치 전투에 참여하여 침략자 일본군과 싸웠다. 이후 손병희는 전봉준과 12월 일본군과 금구의 원평 전투와 태인 전투를 치렀다. 손병희는 1919년에 제2의 동학농민혁명이며, 항일 독립운동인 삼일운동을 주도하였다. 삼일운동 민족대표 33인 가운데 대표자로서 서명하였고 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년 건국훈장 대한민국장에 추서되었다. 그러나 손병희의 건국훈장에 그의 2차 항일 동학농민혁명 업적은 반영되지 않았다.
 ▲손병희(1861-1922) 선생. ©브레이크뉴스 |
권병덕(1867∼1944)은 손병희 휘하로 충청도 보은에서 기병하여 2차 동학농민혁명 참가하여 일본군과 싸웠고, 삼일운동 때에 민족대표 33인 가운데 한명으로 참여하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년 건국훈장 대통령장에 추서되었다.
나용환(1864∼1936)은 1894년 동학접주로 평안도에서 2차 동학농민혁명에 참여하였고, 삼일운동에 민족대표 33인 가운데 한 명으로 참여하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년에 건국훈장 대통령장에 추서되었다. 나인협(1872∼1951)은 평안도에서 2차 동학농민혁명에 참여하였고, 삼일운동에 민족대표 33인 가운데 한 명으로 참여하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년 건국훈장 대통령장에 추서되었다.
박준승(1866∼1921)은 전북 임실 출신으로 2차 동학농민혁명에 참가하였고, 삼일운동에 민족대표 33인 가운데 한 명으로 참가하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년 건국훈장 대통령장에 추서되었다.
이종훈(1858∼1931)은 손병희 휘하에서 동학두령으로 경기도 광주에서 2차 동학농민혁명 시기에 기포하여 중군을 담당하여 공주 전투·무주 전투·용산 전투·북실 전투·외서촌 전투에 참여하였고, 삼일운동 때에 민족대표 33인 가운데 한 명으로 참여하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년 건국훈장 대통령장에 추서되었다.
임예환(1865∼1949)은 평남 중화 출신으로 2차 동학농민혁명에 참가하였고, 삼일운동에 민족대표 33인 가운데 한 명으로 참여하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년 건국훈장 대통령장에 추서되었다. 홍기조(1865∼1938)는 평남 용강 출신으로 2차 동학농민혁명에 참여하였고, 삼일운동에 민족대표 33인 가운데 한 명으로 참여하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년 건국훈장 대통령장에 추서되었다.
홍병기(1869∼1949)는 동학접주로 2차 동학농민혁명 시기에 경기도 여주에서 기병하여 참여하였고, 삼일운동 때에 민족대표 33인 가운데 한 명으로 참여하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1962년 건국훈장 대통령장에 추서되었다.
한편 박인호(1855∼1940)는 충남 예산 대접주로 2차 동학농민혁명 시기에 서산에서 기병하여 승전곡 전투에서 일본군과 싸워 승리하였고, 삼일운동에 민족대표 50인 가운데 한 명으로 참여하였으며, 옥고를 치렀다. 1990년에 건국훈장 독립장에 추서되었다.
② 팔봉 동학접주 김구는 2차 동학농민혁명 봉기시기에 황해도 해주성을 공격하여, 일본군과 싸웠고, 이후 1919년 상해의 대한민국임시정부에서 독립운동을 이끌었다.(김구, <백범일지>)
동학농민혁명 참여자와 3·1운동 관련 독립유공자를 전수 조사한 결과, 위의 11명(손병희·권병덕·나용환·나인협·박준승·이종훈·임예환·홍기조·홍병기·박인호·김구)과 이준용(李俊容, 1992 애족장), 김영원(金榮遠, 1991 애국장), 류태홍(柳泰洪, 1990 애족장), 윤도순(尹道淳, 1990 애족장), 한영태(韓榮泰, 1991 애국장), 염현두(廉鉉斗, 2009 대통령표창), 김낙천(金樂天, 2007 애족장), 손두순(孫斗淳, 2006 애족장), 김정석(金鼎錫, 2006 애족장), 박영진(朴永鎭, 1992 대통령표창), 강원보(姜元寶, 2002 애족장), 이병춘(李炳春, 1990 애족장), 박성근(朴成根, 1990 애족장), 오창섭(吳昌燮, 1992 대통령표창), 이유상(李有祥, 2007 대통령표창) 등 15명, 총 26명이 동학농민혁명과 삼일운동의 양 운동에 동시에 참여하였다. 26명은 결코 적은 인원이 아니었다. 오히려 손병희, 김구 등이 3·1운동 및 3·1운동으로 건립한 대한민국 임시정부의 주체가 된 점에서 동학농민혁명-3·1운동-대한민국 임시정부로의 인적 계승은 더욱 확실하였다.(유바다, ｢동학농민혁명의 3·1운동으로의 계승｣, <전북사학>56, 2019, 173∼200쪽.)
③ 2차 동학농민혁명 봉기 참여자(김순여, 황준삼, 백낙중, 이경태)가 1896년 나주을미의병에 참여했고, 이후 전주 진위대에 체포되어 4명 모두 교수형 판결을 선고받고 처형되었다.(｢1896년 나주의병에 참여한 동학농민군｣, <나주의병사>3(자료편), 나주시, 2022, 39쪽.)
④ 충남 태안 출신 문양목은 2차 항일 내포동학농민혁명(태안봉기, 예산 신례원 전투, 홍주성전투 참여)에 참여하였고, 이후 미국으로 건너가 1940년 순국할 때까지 독립운동에 헌신하였다. 그는 독립운동단체 대동보국회를 결성(1907)하였고, 대한인국민회 초대총무(1910)·2대 총회장(1911)·신한민보 주필(1912)을 역임하였으며, 국민회 대표원(1918)로서 맹활약하였다. 1995년 건국훈장 독립장에 추서되었다.(보훈부 공훈록 참조. 조규태, 「동학농민군 문양목의 미주지역에서의 민족운동과 사회·경제적 생활」(<동학학보>48, 2018, 9)을 참조할 것) 그의 건국훈장에 2차 동학농민혁명 업적은 반영되지 않았다.
수많은 학술 논문과 저서에서 이미 2차 동학농민혁명을 항일투쟁 즉 독립운동이라고 논증하였다. 1998년에서 2023년 지금까지 대학의 한국독립운동사 개설서인 <한국독립운동사 강의>(한울)에서는, 한국의 독립운동이 갑오의병(1894)과 2차 동학농민혁명(1894)에서 시작되었다고 가르쳐왔다. 이처럼 역사학계 전문가의 역사적인 평가가 끝났다.
1980년 <고등학교 국사 교과서>에서 2022년 현재 9종 <고등학교 한국사 교과서>까지 2차 동학농민운동을 일본군을 몰아내려고 한 항일 구국 투쟁 즉 독립운동으로 기술하고 있다.
‘1962년도부터 을미의병은 이후 1905년 을사의병, 1907년 정미의병하고 독립운동으로 연결되고 있어서 포상을 계속하고 있다.’고 남궁선 예우국장은 답변했는데, 남 국장은 1962년도부터 을미의병이 이후 을사의병, 정미의병으로 연결되고 있다는 근거를 지상(紙上)에 공개적으로 밝혀주기를 바란다.
 ▲필자/ 박용규 박사. ©브레이크뉴스 |
보훈부 남궁선 예우국장께서는 2차 동학농민혁명 참여자는 서훈에서 배제하고 을미의병 참여자는 서훈하는 이중 잣대에서 벗어나길 바란다. 2차 동학농민혁명과 을미의병은 똑같은 항일무장투쟁이다. 서훈에서도 같은 잣대를 대기를 바란다.
남궁선 예우국장께서는 현재 국회 정무위원회에서 심사 중인 ‘독립유공자예우에 관한 법률 일부개정법률안’(=2차 동학 서훈 일부개정 법률안)과 국회 문화체육관광위원회에서 심사 중인 ‘동학농민명예회복법 일부개정법률안(윤준병의원 대표발의)에 협조하기를 바란다. hispak@hanmail.net
*필자/박용규
민족문제연구소 연구위원. 고려대 사학과 박사. 2차 동학농민혁명 참여자 서훈국민연대 상임대표.
*아래는 위 기사를 '구글 번역'으로 번역한 영문 기사의 [전문]입니다. '구글번역'은 이해도 높이기를 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 영문 번역에 오류가 있을 수 있음을 전제로 합니다.<*The following is [the full text] of the English article translated by 'Google Translate'. 'Google Translate' is working hard to improve understanding. It is assumed that there may be errors in the English translation.>
I have a question for Director Namgung-seon of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs! “Isn’t only the Eulmi Righteous Army connected to the independence movement, and the Second Donghak Peasant Revolution connected to the independence movement?”
-Park Yong-gyu (Research Fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies/Ph.D., Department of History, Korea University/
Participant of the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution, Seo Hoon, Standing Representative of the National Solidarity)
On Tuesday, June 20th, a meeting of the 1st Subcommittee on Bill Review of the Political Affairs Committee was held in the small conference room of the National Assembly Political Affairs Committee. The National Assembly Secretariat recorded the minutes of the meeting (hereinafter referred to as the minutes of the June 20 meeting) regarding what happened on that day. On this day, Nam Gung-seon, Director of the Honors Department of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs (Veterans Honors Policy), received a question from a member of the National Assembly asking, “How did the 145 participants in the Eulmi Volunteer Army in 1895 receive honors for their meritorious independence?” (Minutes of the June 20 meeting, p. 46). I answered like this:
Statue of General Jeon Bong-jun and Donghak Peasants (located on the grounds of Guminsa Temple in Jeongeup-si) ⓒ Park Yong-gyu 2022 1104
Director Namgung-seon of the Honors Department responded, “The Eulmi Volunteer Army was recognized by the academic community as having been connected to the independence movement since 1962, when the first awards were given to those who contributed to independence, and we have been awarding them since 1962.” Regarding the awards for the Eulmi Volunteer Army since 1962, Honorary Director Nam Gung-seon said, “In 1962, when it was first divided into three groups, the Eulmi Volunteer Army continued to be rewarded, and since it is on the line with the Eulmi Volunteer Army in 1905 and the Jeongmi Volunteer Army in 1907, it was part of the independence movement. He answered in more detail, saying, “We are continuing to award rewards.” (Minutes of the June 20 meeting, page 46.)
To summarize Director Namgung-seon's response, this is as follows. The Eulmi Volunteer Army has been giving rewards since 1962. Since 1962, the Eulmi Volunteer Army has been linked to the independence movement with the Eulmi Volunteer Army in 1905 and the Jeongmi Volunteer Army in 1907, so the award continues. If so, let’s verify Director Namgung-seon’s answer.
First, Namgung-seon, head of the honorary service bureau, replied that ‘Eulmi Volunteer Army has been awarding rewards since 1962’ in the ‘Public Information on Persons of Meritorious Service to Independence’ in the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Electronic Archives, and in the 1962 Independence Chapter by Ahn Seung-woo (1865-1896) as follows: It is correct because it was posthumously awarded. In the ‘Public Information on Persons of Merit for Independence’, Ahn Seung-woo’s public service is outlined as follows.
“Ahn Seung-woo (1865-1896): In 1894, as a volunteer soldier, he left Jipyeong with Lee Yeong-chun, the governor of Jipyeong-gun, and ran to Jecheon to fight against the Japanese. He died in 1896. (Independence chapter, 1962)”
In 1963, three people, including Lee Chun-yeong, Seo Sang-ryeol, and Hong Sa-gu, were awarded honors for independence. In the ‘Public Information on Persons of Merit for Independence’, the public service outlines of Lee Chun-yeong, Seo Sang-ryeol, and Hong Sa-gu are recorded as follows.
“Lee Chun-yeong (1868-1896): In 1895, indignant at the Eulmi Japanese invasion, he raised a volunteer army in Anchang-ri, Jecheon with his friend Ahn Seung-woo. Together with his subordinate Kim Baek-seon, he obtained about 400 volunteer soldiers and headed to Jecheon within a few days to occupy Wonju.
Here, he captured Jecheon-gun governor Kim Ik-jin, Danyang-gun governor Kwon-suk, Cheongpung-gun governor Seo Sang-gi, and Chungju inspector Kim Gyu-sik. Kwon Suk's son invited hundreds of Japanese soldiers to fight at Janghoe in Danyang, but he was defeated. He was once in trouble due to the betrayal of Maeng Jae-yeong and Lee Min-ok, but Lee Chun-yeong took matters into his own hands and promoted Yoo In-seok to the rank of general. He himself became a general and his army moved to Chungju.
While Chunyoung was protecting Joryeong, the king of Honam and Yeongnam, his watchman Hong Dae-seok attacked the Japanese army of Anbo under Joryeong and greatly destroyed it. Chunyeong followed him and went to Dalcheon with hundreds of volunteer soldiers, but the enemy was not routed, so he came back to Anbo. Killed while fighting against Japanese enemies (January 1896) (Independence Chapter, 1963)”
“Seo Sang-ryeol (1856-1896): In 1895, he raised a volunteer army in Danyang with Lee Pil-hee, Shin Ji-su, Lee Beom-mok, and others, and served as the provincial chairman and central military commander of the seven towns of Hoseo and Honam and was active in Tosan and Geumcheon. In June 1896, he organized the Yecheonhoe Alliance in the Yeongnam area and became its leader. He overtook Yoo In-seok's unit on its slow march, reached Langcheon, and was killed in combat with enemy soldiers (1963 Independence Chapter).
“Hong Sa-gu (1888-1896): In 1896, he was indignant at the Eulmi Japanese invasion, so he raised a volunteer army in Jecheon with his teacher An Seung-woo and fought in Namseong, Jecheon. When An Seung-woo died, he succeeded him and led the army, but was also killed. (1963, Independence) page)"
In this way, it was confirmed that Ahn Seung-woo, Lee Chun-yeong, Seo Sang-ryeol, and Hong Sa-gu were indignant at the Eulmi Incident (Eulmi Japanese Incident) and only participated in the Eulmi Righteous Army. The fact that only those who contributed to independence received awards through the participation of the Eulmi Righteous Army can also be confirmed in the case of Park Geun-wook and Park Hwa-sil in 2022.
“Park Geun-wook (朴根郁, 1838∼unknown): Acted as the right-wing commander of the Naju Army in Naju-gun, Jeollanam-do in February of the lunar calendar in 1896. (2022, Medal for National Foundation)”
“Park Hwa-sil (1839∼unknown, alias Park Chan-wook): Commanded the Naju army with Kim Chang-gyun and others in Naju-gun, Jeollanam-do after February of the lunar calendar in 1896. (2022, Medal for National Foundation).”
Park Geun-wook and Park Hwa-sil, who participated in the Eulmi Righteous Army, were not related to the Eulmi Righteous Army (1905) or the Jeongmi Righteous Army (1907). As confirmed by the author, there were 143 people who received awards for independence for their participation in the Eulmi Volunteer Army (1905) and Jeongmi Volunteer Army (1907). (Park Yong-gyu, ｢Eulmi Volunteer Army Participants and Medals｣, 2nd National Assembly Academic Debate on Comparison of the Donghak Peasant Revolution and the Eulmi Volunteer Army , co-hosted by Rep. Kim Seong-ju and others, 2023, 8, 25, pp. 53-62.)
However, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Vice Minister Yoon Jong-jin, Director Nam Gung-seon) received 6 opposing opinions on the awards for participants in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution from its independent meritorious meritorious merit review committee (the 6 opposing opinions were submitted to the 1st trial public review committee held on June 25, 2021). It came out at the joint meeting and the joint meeting of the 2nd Public Review Committee held on September 9 of the same year.), and opposed Seo Hoon, a participant in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution.
Public reviewers (historians who participated in the review of awards from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs) expressed the opinion that “the independence movement is an activity to protect or restore national sovereignty in a colonial or semi-colonial state, and the anti-Japanese movement is not an independence movement.” 2 Cha opposed Seo Hoon, a participant in the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Let us apply this opinion to the Eulmi Righteous Army (1895). If this opinion is applied to the Eulmi Volunteer Army (1895), 143 members of the Eulmi Volunteer Army should be stripped of their honors. Was the Eulmi Righteous Army awarded honors because it was an anti-Japanese movement? Or was it because it was an independence movement?
Why does the Ministry of Veterans Affairs give preferential treatment only to the Eulmi Volunteer Army? Why are participants in the 2nd anti-Japanese Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894-1895) discriminated against in the Order of Merit? Why does the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs have a double standard in awarding honors to the Eulmi Volunteer Army and honoring the Second Donghak Peasant Revolution?
The public review committee members (historians who participated in the Ministry of Veterans Affairs awards review) said, “Academics view the period of the invasion of national sovereignty as before and after the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 and the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905, and the award for the Second Donghak Uprising is based on the government’s recognition of the period of the invasion of national sovereignty. Opposing Seo Hoon, a participant in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution, expressing the opinion that “it is an official recognition of moving forward by 10 years.” Let us apply this opinion to the Eulmi Righteous Army (1895). If this opinion is applied to the Eulmi Volunteer Army (1895), 143 members of the Eulmi Volunteer Army should be stripped of their honors. Why does the Ministry of Veterans Affairs not revoke the honors of the Eulmi Volunteer Army (1895) that occurred before the signing of the Eulsa Treaty of 1905?
Public reviewers (historians who participated in the review of awards from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs) expressed the opinion that “acknowledging that Joseon and the Korean Empire were quasi-colonial states is denying the independent reform of the Korean Empire” (page 4), and the second Opposed to Seohoon, a participant in the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Let us apply this opinion to the Eulmi Righteous Army (1895). If this opinion is applied to the Eulmi Volunteer Army, 143 members of the Eulmi Volunteer Army should be stripped of their honors. Why does the Ministry of Veterans Affairs not revoke the honors of the Eulmi Volunteer Army (1895), which took place before the emergence of the Korean Empire (1897-1910)? Why does the Ministry of Veterans Affairs give preferential treatment only to the Eulmi Volunteer Army?
For reference, the author asks “Vice Minister of Veterans Affairs Yoon Jong-jin!” Through the article “Public Review Committee, is the opinion against the 2nd Donghak Distinguished Service Order valid?” (<Break News>, 2023, 9, 14. https://www.breaknews.com/987661), 2 of the public review committee members of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs Since all six of the opposing opinions against Seo Hoon regarding participants in the Donghak Peasant Revolution were not valid, I refuted each of them one by one.
Second, the answer of Honorary Director Namgung-seon, who said, ‘Since 1962, the Eulmi Volunteer Army has been linked to the independence movement with the Eulmi Volunteer Army in 1905 and the Jeongmi Volunteer Army in 1907, that awards have continued,’ is not correct. Director Namgung-seon's answer is not based on historical facts when analyzing cases of awards to those who contributed to independence. Director-level officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs are high-ranking officials. Senior civil servants are public officials responsible for the country's policies. High-ranking public officials must make statements based on facts.
Regarding those who participated in the Eulmi Volunteer Army, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs awarded 143 people honors for independence from 1962 to 2022. 143 people received awards for independence thanks to their participation in the Eulmi Righteous Army. In 1962, when the awards for meritorious independence began, research on the history of the independence movement was very poor. In 1962, the public review committee, in which historians Lee Byeong-do, Shin Seok-ho, and Yoo Hong-ryeol participated, established and decided on the internal regulations stating, “The starting point of the independence movement is the Eulmi Volunteer Army,” and with this internal regulations, the public review committee reviewed the awards for meritorious independence. (Cheol-sang Yoon, <Academic and Legal Review of the Gabo Donghak Peasant Revolution Against Japanese Imperialism's Encroachment on National Sovereignty> (2000 Policy Research Report), Gabo Donghak Peasant Revolution Research Society, 2000, 12, pp. 29-31.; Woo Yoon, “Anti-Japanese “Academic and Legal Review of the Gabo Donghak Peasant Revolution as the Beginning of the Independence Movement”, <Academic Seminar for Restoration of Honor and Promotion of Honors for the Gabo Donghak Peasant Revolutionary Army> (2001 Policy Research Report), Gabo Donghak Peasant Revolution Research Group, 2001, 12 , page 19.).
In this way, since 1962, public review committee members have reviewed awards for meritorious service to independence based on the internal rule that “the starting point of the independence movement is the Eulmi Volunteer Army,” which was decided by the public review committee. Therefore, starting in 1962, participants in the Eulmi Volunteer Army were decorated as those who contributed to independence. Ahn Seung-woo (1865-1896), whom the author mentioned above, was posthumously awarded the Independence Medal of the National Foundation Medal in 1962 solely for his participation in the Eulmi Volunteer Army. Lee Chun-yeong (1868-1896), Seo Sang-ryeol (1856-1896), and Hong Sa-gu (1888-1896) were each posthumously awarded the National Foundation Medal of Independence Medal in 1963 solely for their participation in the Eulmi Volunteer Army. In this way, Ahn Seung-woo, Lee Chun-yeong, Seo Sang-ryeol, and Hong Sa-gu only participated in the Eulmi Volunteer Army, and did not participate in the Eulmi Volunteer Army (1905) and the Jeongmi Volunteer Army (1907), and were not connected to the Eulmi Volunteer Army (1905) and the Jeongmi Volunteer Army (1907).
Park Geun-wook (朴根郁, 1838∼unknown) and Park Hwasil (朴化實, 1839∼unknown) were each posthumously awarded the National Foundation Medal in 2022 solely for their participation in the Eulmi Righteous Army. It was not connected to the Eulsauibyeong (1905) and the Jeongmiuibyeong (1907). The following is an overview of the public works of Kim Chang-gyun (金蒼均, unknown ∼ 1896) and Jeong Seok-jin (鄭錫珍, unknown ∼ 1896).
“Kim Chang-gyun (金蒼均, unknown ~ 1896): It has been confirmed that he served as the left wing leader of Lee Hak-sang’s army in Naju, Jeollanam-do in February 1896, and was killed in Boseong, Jeollanam-do on May 5 of the same year. (1995, Patriot Medal)”
“Jeong Seok-jin (鄭錫珍, unknown ~ 1896): As the governor of Haenam, Jeollanam-do, in 1896, it was confirmed that he was arrested and killed while leading the preparations for the Naju Jinjin together with Ki Woo-man and others. (2010, Patriotic Medal)”
Likewise, Kim Chang-gyun and Jeong Seok-jin were posthumously awarded the National Foundation Medal of Patriotic Merit in 1995 and 2010, respectively, solely for their participation in the Eulmi Volunteer Army. It was not connected to the Eulsauibyeong (1905) and the Jeongmiuibyeong (1907). As confirmed by the author, there were 143 people who received awards for independence from 1962 to 2022 solely for their participation in the Eulmi Volunteer Army (1905) and the Jeongmi Volunteer Army (1907).
Of course, there were cases where participants in the Eulmi Righteous Army later participated in the Eulmi Righteous Army. However, there were not many such cases. Rather, there were more cases where participants in the Eulmi Righteous Army were not later connected to the Eulmi Righteous Army or the Jeongmi Righteous Army.
‘Since 1962, the Eulmi Volunteer Army has been linked to the independence movement with the Eulmi Volunteer Army in 1905 and the Jeongmi Volunteer Army in 1907, so the award continues.’ I would like to ask Namgung-seon, Director of the Honors Bureau. Participants in the second anti-Japanese Donghak Peasant Revolution were also later connected to independence movements such as the March 1st Movement. Then, why are the participants in the second anti-Japanese Donghak Peasant Revolution not rewarded as contributors to independence? Participants in the second anti-Japanese Donghak Peasant Revolution also later became connected to the volunteer army, independence army, and independence movement.
① Nine leaders who participated in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution Uprising in 1894 (Son Byeong-hee, Kwon Byeong-deok, Na Yong-hwan, Na In-hyeop, Park Jun-seung, Lee Jong-hoon, Lim Ye-hwan, Hong Ki-jo, Hong Byeong-gi, etc.) were named as national representatives in the Declaration of Independence of the March 1st Movement in 1919. Everyone signed and was imprisoned.
Son Byeong-hee (1861-1922), the commander-in-chief of the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution, met with Jeon Bong-jun in Nonsan and participated in the Battle of Gongju Ugeumchi in November, fighting against the invading Japanese army. Afterwards, Son Byeong-hee and Jeon Bong-jun fought the Battle of Wonpyeong and the Battle of Taein against the Japanese army in December. Son Byeong-hee led the March 1st Movement, the second Donghak Peasant Revolution and an anti-Japanese independence movement in 1919. He signed as a representative among the 33 national representatives of the March 1st Movement and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Republic of Korea Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1962. However, Son Byeong-hee's National Foundation Medal did not reflect his achievements in the second anti-Japanese Donghak Peasant Revolution.
Teacher Son Byeong-hee (1861-1922)
Kwon Byeong-deok (1867-1944) joined the cavalry in Boeun, Chungcheong Province under Son Byeong-hee and participated in the Second Donghak Peasant Revolution, fighting against the Japanese army. He participated as one of the 33 national representatives during the March 1st Movement and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1962.
Na Yong-hwan (1864-1936) participated in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution in Pyeongan-do in 1894, participated in the March 1st Movement as one of the 33 national representatives, and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1962. Na In-hyeop (1872-1951) participated in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution in Pyeongan-do, participated in the March 1st Movement as one of the 33 national representatives, and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1962.
Park Jun-seung (1866-1921) was from Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, participated in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution, participated in the March 1st Movement as one of 33 national representatives, and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1962.
Lee Jong-hoon (1858-1931) served as Donghak leader under Son Byeong-hee in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do during the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution, and took charge of the central army, participating in the Battle of Gongju, Battle of Muju, Battle of Yongsan, Battle of Buksil, and Battle of Oeseochon, and participated in the March 1st Movement. He participated as one of the 33 national representatives and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1962.
Lim Ye-hwan (1865-1949) was from Junghwa, Pyeongnam Province, participated in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution, participated in the March 1st Movement as one of 33 national representatives, and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1962. Hong Ki-jo (1865-1938) was from Yonggang, South Pyeongnam and participated in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution. He participated in the March 1st Movement as one of the 33 national representatives and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1962.
Hong Byeong-gi (1869-1949) was a member of the Donghak movement and participated in the cavalry in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do during the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution. He participated as one of the 33 national representatives during the March 1st Movement and was imprisoned. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor in 1962.
Meanwhile, Park In-ho (1855-1940), a governor of Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do, joined the cavalry in Seosan during the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution and won the Battle of Seungjeongok against the Japanese army. He participated in the March 1st Movement as one of the 50 national representatives and was imprisoned. . He was posthumously awarded the Independence Medal of the National Order of Merit in 1990.
② Palbong Donghak Jeopju Kim Gu attacked Haeju Castle in Hwanghae Province during the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolutionary Uprising, fought against the Japanese army, and later led the independence movement under the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai in 1919. (Kim Gu, <Baekbeom Journal>)
As a result of a thorough investigation of participants in the Donghak Peasant Revolution and independence activists related to the March 1st Movement, the above 11 people (Son Byeong-hee, Kwon Byeong-deok, Na Yong-hwan, Na In-hyeop, Park Jun-seung, Lee Jong-hoon, Lim Ye-hwan, Hong Ki-jo, Hong Byeong-gi, Park In-ho, and Kim Gu) and Lee Jun-yong (李俊容) , 1992 Aejok Chief), Kim Young-won (金榮遠, 1991 Patriot Medal), Ryu Tae-hong (柳泰洪, 1990 Aejok Chief), Yoon Do-sun (尹道淳, 1990 Aejok Chief), Han Yeong-tae (韓榮泰, 1991 Patriotic Medal), Yeom Hyeon-du (廉鉉斗, 2009 President Award), Kim Nak -cheon (金 樂 天, 2007 Aejang), Son Doo -soon (2006 Aejang), Kim Jung -seok (金 鼎 錫, 2006 Aejang), Park Young -jin (朴 鎭 鎭, 1992 Presidential Citation) ), Lee Byeong-chun (李炳春, 1990 Aejok chief), Park Seong-geun (朴成根, 1990 Aejok chief), Oh Chang-seop (吳昌燮, 1992 Presidential Citation), Lee Yu-sang (李有祥, 2007 Presidential Citation), and 15 others, a total of 26 people participated in the Donghak Peasant Revolution and the March 1st. Participated in both movements simultaneously. 26 people was by no means a small number of people. Rather, the personal succession from the Donghak Peasant Revolution-March 1st Movement to the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was more certain in that Son Byeong-hee, Kim Gu, and others became subjects of the March 1st Movement and the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea established through the March 1st Movement. (Yoo) Bada, “The Succession of the Donghak Peasant Revolution to the March 1st Movement”, <Jeonbuk History> 56, 2019, pp. 173-200.)
③ Participants in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution Uprising (Kim Soon-yeo, Hwang Jun-sam, Baek Nak-jung, and Lee Gyeong-tae) participated in the Naju Eulmi Volunteer Army in 1896, and were later arrested by the Jeonju Jin Guard, and all four were sentenced to death by hanging and executed. (Naju in 1896) Donghak Peasant Army Participating in the Volunteer Army”, <Soldiers of Naju> 3 (data edition), Naju City, 2022, p. 39.)
④ Moon Yang-mok, from Taean, South Chungcheong Province, participated in the second anti-Japanese Naepo Donghak Peasant Revolution (Taean Uprising, Yesan Silryewon Battle, and Hongjuseong Battle), and later moved to the United States and devoted himself to the independence movement until his death in 1940. He formed the independence movement group Daedong Bogukhoe (1907), served as the first general secretary of the Korean National Association (1910), the second president of the Korean National Association (1911), and the editor-in-chief of Shinhan Minbo (1912), and played an active role as a representative of the National Association (1918). In 1995, he was posthumously awarded the Independence Medal of the Order of Merit for National Foundation. (Refer to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs log. See Gyu-tae Cho, “National Movement and Social and Economic Life of Donghak Peasant Army Mun Yang-mok in the Americas” (<Donghak Journal> 48, 2018, 9). ) His accomplishments in the Second Donghak Peasant Revolution were not reflected in his National Foundation Medal.
Numerous academic papers and books have already argued that the Second Donghak Peasant Revolution was an anti-Japanese struggle, or an independence movement. From 1998 to 2023, <Lectures on the History of the Korean Independence Movement> (Hanul), the university's introductory book on the history of the Korean Independence Movement, taught that the Korean independence movement began with the Gabo Righteous Army (1894) and the Second Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894). In this way, the historical evaluation by historical experts has concluded.
From <High School Korean History Textbook> in 1980 to 9 types of <High School Korean History Textbook> as of 2022, the 2nd Donghak Peasant Movement is described as an anti-Japanese national salvation struggle to drive out the Japanese army, or an independence movement.
'Since 1962, the Eulmi Volunteer Army is connected to the independence movement with the Eulmi Volunteer Army in 1905 and the Jeongmi Volunteer Army in 1907, so we continue to reward them,' Nam Gung-seon, director of the courtesy bureau, responded. I hope that the evidence that it is connected to the righteous army and the righteous army will be revealed publicly on paper.
Nam Gung-seon, director of the Honors Department at the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, hopes to break away from the double standard of excluding those who participated in the 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution from receiving awards while awarding honors to those who participated in the Eulmi Volunteer Army. The 2nd Donghak Peasant Revolution and the Eulmi Righteous Army are the same anti-Japanese armed struggle. I hope that the same standards will be applied to Seohoon as well.
Namgung-seon, Director of the Honors Department, is currently reviewing the 'Partial Amendment Bill on the Treaty of Persons of Independence Meritorious Service' (= the 2nd Donghak Award Ceremony Partial Amendment Bill) currently being reviewed by the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee and the 'Partial Amendment Bill of the Donghak Farmers' Honor Restoration Act (= Bill of Partial Amendments to the Donghak Farmers' Honor Restoration Act) being reviewed by the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. I hope you will cooperate with the representative proposal of Representative Yoon Jun-byeong. hispak@hanmail.net
Dr. Yonggyu Park
