Min Yong-hwan (August 7, 1861 – November 30, 1905) was a statesman of the Korean Empire and an independence activist who opposed the signing of the Eulsa Treaty in 1905, ultimately committing suicide in protest. His family origin was Yeoheung, and he was a cousin of Emperor Gojong. His courtesy name was Munyak, and his pen name was Gyejeong.
In 1896, he attended the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia as a special envoy, during which he was exposed to Western civilization. After returning to Korea, he proposed political reforms and the expansion of civil rights, but his efforts were rejected by Emperor Gojong. Min supported the Independence Club and pursued reforms, though he faced opposition from conservative forces.
In November 1905, when the Eulsa Treaty was signed, Min repeatedly submitted petitions opposing the treaty but failed to stop it. On November 30, he left a will titled “A Final Appeal to My Twenty Million Fellow Koreans” before taking his own life. His death became a symbolic event in the history of the Korean independence movement. In 1962, Min was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation (Republic of Korea Medal).
Translation:
As the sun sets, my longing deepens with each passing day. Upon receiving your letter, I am relieved to learn that despite the cold of the twelfth lunar month, you are managing state affairs in peace. However, I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely loss (the passing of a descendant before their elders).
I, your humble servant, am enduring difficult circumstances both in public and private matters as the year comes to an end. Fortunately, the task of caring for our elders remains peaceful. I hope this message reaches you through Cheongyang, and as we welcome the new year, I wish you good health and happiness. Please accept my humble response without formalities.
On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month in the year of Byeongsul,
Respectfully, Yong-hwan.
