Kim Dong-sin (1871-1933) was a Righteous Army leader who played a key role as a vanguard in Min Jong-sik’s militia after the signing of the Eulsa Treaty.
On March 26, 1906, Kim Dong-sin joined Min Jong-sik’s militia and was appointed as a vanguard.
He then moved to Jawonam in Deogyusan, Muju County, Jeollabuk-do, to organize the militia and prepare weapons.
In 1907, after Emperor Gojong was forcibly dethroned and the Korean army was disbanded, nationwide Righteous Army movements erupted. Kim Dong-sin, along with Gi U-man and Go Gwang-sun, gathered the militia at Naejangsan in Jeongeup County, Jeollabuk-do, and led anti-Japanese resistance.
Kim Dong-sin conducted raids on the post office and police advisory branch in Sunchang, and he achieved victories in battles against the Japanese army in Namwon.
In February 1908, he inflicted heavy damage on the Japanese forces during a battle in Gurang, Yongdam County. He continued his militia activities, engaging in further battles in Geochang County, Gyeongsangnam-do.
However, later that year, Kim fell ill and returned to his hometown for treatment, but he was arrested by Japanese police in June 1908.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Gongju District Court and served a lengthy prison sentence.
In recognition of Kim Dong-sin’s contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1977.
