Lee Sang-jae (October 26, 1850 – March 29, 1927) was a statesman of the Korean Empire and a prominent independence activist during the Japanese colonial period. He played a crucial role in Korea’s independence movement, as well as in education and youth movements during the late Joseon Dynasty, the Korean Empire, and the Japanese occupation. He was born in Seocheon County, Chungcheongnam-do, and was a descendant of Yi Saek, a scholar and politician from the Goryeo period. His courtesy name was Gyeho (季皓), and his pen name was Wollam (月南). His family origin (bon-gwan) was Hansan.
Lee Sang-jae was born on October 26, 1850, in Seocheon County, Chungcheongnam-do. From a young age, he was dedicated to his studies and took the state examination, but failed. Afterward, he was influenced by the ideas of enlightenment and began his career as a private secretary to his political mentor, Park Jung-yang. During a visit to Japan, he embraced enlightenment ideas and became active in the reformist movement. He was later involved in the Gapsin Coup, which led to his resignation from government office and his return to his hometown. However, he was later appointed as a secretary to the Korean Legation in the United States, where he participated in diplomatic activities.
In 1896, he became involved in the Independence Club and the All-People’s Congress, leading public enlightenment efforts alongside figures like Seo Jae-pil and Syngman Rhee. However, after the forced dissolution of the Independence Club and the All-People’s Congress in 1899, he was imprisoned for his involvement in the Reform Party incident and subsequently resigned from public office under Japanese rule.
After 1905, Lee Sang-jae, along with Yun Chi-ho, led the YMCA and focused on educating and enlightening the youth. Although he did not directly participate in the March 1st Movement, he was arrested as a suspect and later became the president of the *Chosun Ilbo* and engaged in activities with the New Korea Society (Shinganhoe), continuing his commitment to youth and independence movements. Throughout his life, he lived frugally, without seeking wealth, often moving from one rented house to another.
Lee Sang-jae was also a political mentor to Syngman Rhee, significantly influencing Rhee’s political development. He served as the inaugural president of the New Korea Society, contributing to the awakening of national consciousness in opposition to Japanese rule.
Lee Sang-jae passed away on March 29, 1927, in Gyeongseong (now Seoul) due to illness. His funeral was held as a state funeral, attended by many who gathered to honor his contributions. In 1962, the South Korean government posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Presidential Medal.
Throughout his life, Lee Sang-jae dedicated himself to the independence movement, education, and youth activism, leaving a lasting legacy of patriotism and service to his country. He remains a respected figure, symbolizing the noble spirit of dedication to Korea’s independence, and continues to inspire future generations
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