Lee Jong-hyuk (1892 – 1935) was a Korean independence activist
He entered the Korean Empire Military Academy in 1908, beginning his military career. After studying at the Japanese Army Academy and becoming an officer in the Japanese military, Lee left the Japanese army in 1921 with a desire to join the independence movement and fled to Manchuria.
In Manchuria, he became disillusioned with the internal conflicts among Korean independence organizations and decided to join the Chinese warlord Feng Yuxiang’s National Army, where he became chief of staff in 1924. Later, he actively participated in independence activities through organizations such as the Justice Party and the Shinminbu, and as an instructor at a military academy, he disseminated military knowledge he had acquired from the Japanese army to train independence forces. He devoted himself to the anti-Japanese struggle and the eradication of pro-Japanese organizations.
In 1928, he was arrested by the Japanese police in the Fengzhen region after being betrayed by an informant, and was sentenced to five years in prison under the Public Order Maintenance Law. He served his sentence at Seodaemun Prison. Even while imprisoned, he did not lose his passion for the independence movement, writing letters to his friend Yu Bong-yeong, saying, “I wonder if we will ever have the chance to be free again and enjoy a drink of Korean soju together, haha.” After his release, Lee suffered from pleurisy due to the torture he endured and passed away on December 14, 1935.
In recognition of his contributions, the South Korean government posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1980.
Letters from prison to independence activist Yu Bong-yeong:
“As you know, I was sentenced to seven years in prison in Sinuiju and have since appealed. Rest assured, I am doing my best to stay strong in this cold and lonely cell. Please send me some books if possible—I’d be grateful if you could send me *National Leader* Vol. 1 and two volumes of *Kim Taeksa’s* writings. Apologies for the trouble.”
“I hope this letter finds you well. As for me, things are much the same. Please don’t worry about me. Regarding the *Hanwha Dictionary* I asked for earlier, if you haven’t purchased it yet, you can hold off. I may be getting a copy from elsewhere. Will we ever be free again, to share a drink of Korean soju together? Haha. That’s all for now.”
