Kim Yeong-sang (1836–1911) was a Confucian scholar and independence activist from Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do, during the late Joseon period. When the Eulsa Treaty was forcibly signed in 1905, he joined the Taein Uibyeong (righteous army) alongside Choi Ik-hyun and Im Byeong-chan. In 1906, he led the uprising at Museong Seowon, serving as the chief strategist and rallying local Confucian scholars to participate in the movement.
In 1910, after Japan forcibly annexed Korea and offered pension money to elders, Kim Yeong-sang refused, stating, “How can the people of Korea accept money from their enemy?” He repeatedly rejected the offer and tore up the official document with his name on it. In 1911, he was arrested for insulting the Japanese emperor and taken to the military police in Donggok. While being transported to Gunsan, he attempted to commit suicide by jumping into the Mangyeong River but was rescued by military police.
Imprisoned in Gunsan, he went on a hunger strike and died at the age of 76. He was later honored as an independence activist.
Translation:
Ah, how sorrowful it is! Our nation has withered, becoming feeble, and our learning, ideals, and values are cornered. In such a situation, how could one even bear to speak of it? Is this the will of heaven? Or is it the course of fate?
We wish to die, yet there is no place to die, and that is truly lamentable. I humbly inquire, are you in good health? Are you taking care of yourself? Are all things at peace? Are the scholars who follow you faring well? I sincerely wish for your abundant blessings.
On the 9th of the first lunar month, my younger brother passed away, and the funeral was held on the 14th of February. Though my heart still aches, I am grateful that household matters have been relatively uneventful.
On the 13th of this month, Master Myeonam raised an uprising and came to Museong, where he showed us his manifesto. I asked him, “Will the plan to restore our country come from you, Master?” He replied, “Do not concern yourself with victory or defeat; I have resolved to face my end with dignity.”
In response, I felt the same, wishing for a place to die, and now I believe I have found it. Thus, I followed Master Myeonam to Sunchang County.
However, on the way, my son, who was coming to see me, was accosted and humiliated by a group of unrighteous men, and his whereabouts became unknown. This news was hurriedly conveyed by a member of my family who accompanied him. After informing Master Myeonam of this, I returned home, and the day was the 24th.
That afternoon, forty soldiers from Jeonju and twenty Japanese soldiers shouted that they would slaughter the people of Museong. The citizens of Museong came out, acting and speaking as they pleased, while the sound of cannons echoed. Master Myeonam sent a proclamation, saying, “This uprising is to repel the Japanese enemy. How can we wage war against our own country’s soldiers?” With that, he dismissed the soldiers firing cannons and disbanded the troops.
The soldiers from Jeonju then inquired after Master Myeonam’s well-being, to which he replied, “If you wish to kill me, why do you ask after my health and not fire upon me directly?” The soldiers responded, “We dared not enter the military headquarters, and only now have we passed by.”
I have been at home, hearing these stories, and I am filled with unease. I wish for death, but quietly striving for righteousness will lead to a time when we shall meet again. I cannot say more, so I end this letter here.
I send this letter to inquire after your well-being, Master Ganjae.
25th day of the intercalary 4th month, Year of the Fire Horse (1906).
Respectfully, your younger brother, Kim Yeong-sang.
