Min Geung-ho (閔肯鎬, 1865–1908) was a military officer of the Wonju Jinwi Unit during the Korean Empire period, who later became a leader of the Righteous Army after resisting Japan’s attempt to disband the Korean military. He was born in Seoul, and his family origin was Yeoheung (modern-day Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province). In 1897, he served as a commanding officer (Jeonggyo) in the Goseong Detachment of the Wonju Jinwi Unit and later transferred to the Chuncheon Detachment. In 1901, he was promoted to Special Commanding Officer and returned to the Wonju Jinwi Unit.
In August 1907, when Japan sought to disband the Wonju Garrison, Min led around 300 soldiers to attack the Wonju Post Office and Japanese police, engaging in a fierce battle for three hours. Afterward, he reorganized his troops into smaller units and conducted guerrilla warfare across Jecheon, Juksan, Janghowon, Yeoju, and Hongcheon, inflicting significant damage on the enemy. He closely cooperated with other Righteous Army leaders, including Yi Gang-nyeon, Heo Jun, Kim Gun-pil, and others, achieving notable victories, especially in the Gangwon-do and Chungcheong-do regions.
Min Geung-ho’s army grew in strength, becoming one of the most powerful forces in Gangwon-do, and they fought over 100 battles against the Japanese forces across Gangwon-do, Chungcheong-do, and Gyeongsang-do. However, in February 1908, during a battle with the Japanese army, he was captured and transported to Gangnim. His men attempted to rescue him but were unsuccessful, and he was killed in the ensuing struggle.
For his contributions, Min Geung-ho was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Presidential Medal) by the South Korean government in 1962.
Translation:
I bow my head and respectfully write this letter. My sins have deeply violated reason, and as a result, misfortune has reached my late mother. I grieve, beating my chest, rolling on the ground, and crying out in sorrow, but even when I raise my voice to the heavens, there is no relief. It feels as though the sun and moon are further darkened, like trees swaying in the wind. Time has passed since the *Sosang* (small mourning period) ended, yet the endless pain resurfaces, as if renewed each time I call out. Your kind letter of condolence has deeply moved me, and my grief becomes even more unbearable.
I ask after your well-being again, praying with folded hands that your health remains strong during this cold season at the end of the year. I, Keungho, humbly follow the funeral rites and struggle to carry on this fragile life. Misfortune has struck my family heavily— in the first month, I lost my elder brother, and in the third month, I lost my wife, suffering one calamity after another. How could such harshness befall me? The grief and sorrow are truly unbearable, though, fortunately, there have been no further troubles.
In your letter, you mentioned that this year I may lose my dignity. Although I do not fully understand this, the future frightens and worries me, beyond what words can express. Even though we are far apart, my thoughts are always with you, and yet, not being able to meet in person brings me constant sorrow. The thought that you may come next spring fills me with joy and comfort, even in advance. Humbly, I send you this letter.
On the 26th day of the 12th month of the Imshin year, sincerely, Min Geung-ho.
