Choi Ik-hyun (崔益鉉, December 5, 1833 – November 21, 1906) was a Confucian scholar and civil official during the late Joseon Dynasty. He served during the reigns of King Cheoljong and King Gojong, and was one of the last prominent Confucian scholars of his time. Born in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, Choi studied Confucianism from an early age and deepened his knowledge under the guidance of Yi Hang-ro, a well-known Confucian scholar. In 1855, during the 6th year of King Cheoljong’s reign, he passed the state civil service exam (mungwa) and was appointed to various official posts, including at the Royal Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel.
Choi Ik-hyun was the first to openly criticize Heungseon Daewongun, the powerful regent of the time. In 1868, he submitted a memorial harshly criticizing the rebuilding of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which had drained the nation’s finances. He opposed Heungseon Daewongun’s policies and continued his efforts, which eventually contributed to the regent’s downfall in 1873.
After this, Choi became a leading figure in the *Wijeong Cheoksa* movement, which opposed modernization and foreign intervention. Following the *Unyo* incident, he spearheaded the anti-foreign and anti-modernization movements, trying to prevent the opening of Korea to foreign powers. However, with mounting pressure from Japan and other Western powers, the Korean government, led by King Gojong, was forced to seek diplomatic relations with these nations, leading to Choi’s exile to Heuksando.
Despite being exiled, Choi continued his opposition to foreign influence and modernization. He actively criticized the Korean government’s diplomatic efforts, which he believed compromised Korea’s sovereignty, and remained committed to the *Wijeong Cheoksa* cause.
In 1905, following the signing of the Eulsa Treaty, which made Korea a protectorate of Japan, Choi was deeply outraged. He raised an army of righteous volunteers (*uibyung*) to resist Japanese encroachment. At the age of 74, he led an armed resistance movement from Namwon, only to be captured by Japanese forces and sent into exile on Tsushima Island.
During his exile, Choi resisted the Japanese authorities’ demands to adopt Western customs and refused to follow their orders, eventually leading him to declare a hunger strike. He refused to eat Japanese food, stating that he could not live on the food of the enemy while his country was being destroyed. Despite receiving medical care, Choi passed away due to illness exacerbated by his advanced age and the hardships of exile.
Choi Ik-hyun’s body was transported back to Korea and buried in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province. His death became a symbol of resistance, and many mourned his passing. The Korean government later honored him with the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Republic of Korea Medal) in recognition of his fight for national independence.
Although a conservative figure with feudal views, Choi Ik-hyun is remembered as a Confucian scholar and righteous leader who dedicated his life to defending his country against foreign domination and fighting for Korea’s independence.
Translation :
The great change in the world, with the sea turning into mulberry fields (滄海桑田), refers to the fact that Joseon has lost its sovereignty to Japan. It is only right to give up one’s life in such a situation, yet I am still alive, and this brings me shame in front of others. I am deeply grateful for your forgiveness, expressed in the two letters you sent. I cannot find words to express my gratitude.
Earlier, I was cautious in my heart, and this year, you have faced the tragic situation of mourning. For such a benevolent and virtuous household to face such adversity is beyond reason. Even the sages would not know how to handle such circumstances. When such events occur, I can only attribute them to fate, so what more can be said?
In this bitter cold, as you continue your practice of the Way, I hope your life is peaceful. I wonder if your relative (*jongshi*) and those around you are also doing well. I felt deep closeness with the two friends who care for you, but the sudden misfortune that befell them has made things extremely difficult. I am deeply concerned about how you will navigate through these challenges. If this situation had nothing to do with me, how could such things happen?
If that person had expressed loyalty, we should have assessed their abilities in detail and prevented any action before it began. Now that things have turned out this way, we can only laugh at ourselves and attribute the blame to the new events.
As for the matter of *Bangjang* (方丈), it is beyond comprehension, so how could anyone have had the courage to make such a judgment? I will relay the rest of the story through the friend traveling to you, and I have not written this letter in full detail. Please reflect on its meaning.
On the 19th day of the 9th month, in the year of Jeongyu (丁酉), your close friend, Choi Ik-hyun, with two bows of respect.
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