In 1904, Na Cheol organized a secret society called ‘Yusin Society’ in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do, along with Oh Gi-ho and Lee Gi, among others, to begin anti-Japanese activities. Before the signing of the Eulsa Treaty in 1905, he traveled to Japan and proposed a trilateral alliance between Korea, China, and Japan. However, after the proposal failed, he staged a hunger strike in front of the Imperial Palace, demonstrating his strong commitment to the nationalist movement.
After the signing of the Eulsa Treaty, Na Cheol formed ‘Jasin Society’ with Lee Cheol and Kang Won-sang to assassinate the Five Eulsa Traitors. Although the assassination attempt failed, it showcased his strong resistance against Japanese colonization. Eventually, he surrendered in 1907 and was sentenced to ten years in prison but was released after one year under a special pardon from Emperor Gojong.
After his release, Na Cheol focused on a nationalist religious movement as part of his efforts to save the nation. On February 5, 1909, he founded ‘Dangunism’ in Hanseongbu (modern-day Seoul), which he renamed ‘Daejonggyo’ the following year, establishing it as a base for the independence movement. Despite Japanese repression, Daejonggyo grew and expanded its influence to the Manchurian region, playing a significant role in the independence movement.
Following Korea’s annexation by Japan, Na Cheol moved Daejonggyo’s headquarters to Manchuria to escape Japanese persecution. In 1914, he relocated the headquarters to Manchuria, where Daejonggyo actively supported the independence movement. Many members of Daejonggyo participated in the struggle for independence during this period.
Despite continuous persecution by the Japanese, Na Cheol remained devoted to Korea’s independence. On September 12, 1916, after performing a sacrificial ritual to Dangun at Samseongsa Shrine on Mt. Guwol in Hwanghae-do, he left behind a will known as ‘Sunmyeongsamjo’ and took his own life.
After his death, Na Cheol was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation by the South Korean government in 1962. Today, Daejonggyo commemorates his founding day and martyrdom day as Junggwangjeol and Gagyeongjeol, respectively.
Translation:
I humbly hope that your 道體 (spiritual and physical well-being) remains in peace.
I have just received a letter from Geon Island, and it mentions that the headquarters in the East urgently needs two copies of the Wonyangjip and is asking to have them sent immediately. However, since this book is not for sale and cannot be purchased, what should we do? The two copies that were sent in the spring have already been distributed to our brothers in East and West Gando, and there is currently no way to obtain more. Therefore, I earnestly request that you inquire if it is possible to obtain even one copy specially. How grateful we would be if this could be arranged!
I also hear that the literati on Geon Island are eagerly seeking this book.
Respectfully,
Your younger brother, Cheol.
