Hwang Hyeon (December 11, 1855 – September 7, 1910) was a Confucian scholar, poet, writer, historian, and patriot during the late Joseon Dynasty and Korean Empire. He is also recognized as a national independence activist and was posthumously honored as a contributor to Korean independence. His family origin was Jangsu, and he used the courtesy name Un-gyeong and the pen name Maechon. Born in Gwangyang, Jeollado, he spent his early childhood in Hampyeong and grew up in Gurye, Jeollado.
Hwang passed the state examinations in 1883, achieving second place in the preliminary stage of the **Sangwon-si** in 1885, and taking first place in the **Sangwon-si** main exam in 1888. Despite opportunities to enter officialdom, he chose to retire to his hometown, where he devoted himself to teaching students and pursuing scholarly work.
In 1910, after the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty was signed, Hwang, filled with sorrow over the loss of his nation’s sovereignty, committed suicide by poisoning at his home in Gurye, 16 days after the treaty’s conclusion. Before his death, he left behind a final poem, **”Jeolmyeongsi”** (Poem of Final Farewell), which was later published in the **Gyeongnam Daily** by editor Jang Ji-yeon, leading to a press suppression incident.
Hwang Hyeon’s notable work, **”Maechon Yaarok”** (Maechon’s Unofficial History), is a chronologically organized historical account that provides valuable insight into the political and social circumstances of the time, and it remains highly regarded as a historical source.
After his death, in 1962, Hwang was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation. His former residence in Gurye, Jeollado, is now home to **Maechonsa**, a shrine dedicated to his portrait and spirit tablet, along with a museum exhibiting his personal belongings.
Translation:
**The letter you sent on the 21st was received on the 24th, and after reading it thoroughly, I realized it was written amidst a very busy situation, for which I feel deeply grateful. It would be insufficient to simply express my gratitude in conventional terms. However, I wrote two letters last month in succession, but there was no mention of them in your response. Could it be that, in the midst of your busy affairs, you were unable to notice the details? Or is it that, even in these modern times, there are still many cases like Hong Gyo (referring to messages that may not have been delivered)?
Regarding the matter you mentioned, I have sent Han (whose full name was not specified) to Jo, as you advised. Jo firmly promised that Han is staying in Gwaesan market (槐市) and will catch him and deliver him. There seems to be no issue in this regard. However, how can we expect to complete this deficiency in a few months’ time? In this weary and difficult period, if we cannot show any progress in our plans, it would be too much to burden my personal plans again. I have no other means to express this concern except today. Would you kindly understand this urgent request?
According to the report from Jo Myeonjang, once the tribute is delivered, it will be reported to the county magistrate (令), and the magistrate will inform me. Afterward, they will wait for my messenger, and the delivery will be made accordingly. The natural course of things seems to be as such. However, considering that Jo is bound to his duties in the local administration, I fear the process might be slow. I hope you will be patient, so that the merits you have accumulated do not go to waste.
As the saying goes, ‘The child who strikes another should be severely punished,’ I sincerely and respectfully request that you manage Han well, so that he can cultivate his potential for future endeavors. It would be fortunate if you could help nurture him. I swear not to reveal this matter to anyone else. However, through the numerous exchanges of messages, the thread of the issue might eventually become apparent. Nevertheless, there is nothing that can be done about it.
All the officials who were holding the tribute marker (捧標) are nearing the end of their term, and Han, worried that his actions might hinder the progress, decided to remain seated and observe. Therefore, I did not force him to leave. I hope you will provide a detailed reply with the returning messenger and continue to send updates regularly. I will conclude this letter here.**
28th day of the 3rd month, Year of Gi-yu
Hwang Hyeon bows and replies.
