Son Byung-hee (April 8, 1861 – May 19, 1922) was a leader of Cheondogyo (formerly Donghak) and a Korean independence activist, who was one of the 33 national representatives during the March 1st Movement in 1919. He served as the third leader of Donghak, later renaming it to Cheondogyo and restructuring the organization.
In 1894, Son Byung-hee participated in the Donghak Peasant Movement as part of the Northern Faction, fighting alongside Jeon Bong-jun of the Southern Faction against the government and Japanese forces. After the movement’s failure, he played a crucial role in rebuilding Donghak and expanding its teachings, eventually rising to become its leader.
In 1901, to escape Japanese repression, Son went into exile in Japan, where he interacted with members of the enlightenment faction and adopted ideas of modernization and reform.
Upon his return to Korea in 1905, Son renamed Donghak to Cheondogyo and focused on education and publishing efforts. In 1919, he played a leading role in the March 1st Movement, signing the Declaration of Independence as one of the 33 national representatives. Following the declaration, he was arrested by Japanese authorities and sentenced to three years in prison.
After being released on medical parole, Son passed away on May 19, 1922, surrounded by his family. In recognition of his contributions, the South Korean government posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1962.
Translation:
龍過江 必風有 信鳳人 : When a dragon crosses the river, there is always wind, and when extraordinary people emerge, greatness follows.
