Yang Han-gyu was a patriot and militia leader during the late Joseon Dynasty who actively fought for the restoration of national sovereignty against Japan’s invasion. He was born in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, in 1844, and his family name was Namwon. He was also known by the courtesy name “Mun-chan” and the pen names “Chik-heon” and “Chogye.” Yang Han-gyu was the son of Yang Maeng-seok, a former Hojo-panseo (Minister of Finance), and was raised with a strong sense of loyalty to the nation.
In 1882, during the Imo Military Revolt, Yang Han-gyu sought to lead 300 troops to Seoul under the support of Namwon Governor Sim Ui-du but was unable to realize this goal. Later, in 1891, he was appointed to the military post of “Seonryak Janggun Bu-sagwa,” and in 1892, he became the commander of the military forces of Chogye-gun, though he declined the promotion to Tongjeong Daebu (higher government position).
Following the forced signing of the Eulsa Treaty in 1905, Yang organized a militia to fight for national independence. He gathered over 1,000 soldiers from the Yeongnam and Honam regions. In February 1907, Yang and his forces planned to occupy Namwon by taking advantage of the absence of the local army on leave during the New Year celebrations. His forces successfully took over the town and seized weapons and supplies. However, during the pursuit of retreating enemies, Yang Han-gyu was killed by a stray bullet.
For his significant contributions to the independence movement, Yang Han-gyu was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1968.
Translation:
It has been a long time since we lost contact, and imagining this brings deep sorrow. I believe we both share the same feelings. I sincerely hope that you have been well and that everything is progressing smoothly for you. Last year and this year, I made several fruitless trips to Seoul, enduring hardships without achieving anything, which fills me with shame and regret. Recently, I suffered from dysentery, had to return immediately, and I still haven’t fully recovered, causing me great worry.
I had planned to visit you once I regained my health, to speak openly, but due to the urgency and difficulty of my current situation, I must humbly ask for your help. If you could lend me one sack of white rice, I promise to repay it with interest right after the autumn harvest. I sincerely hope you won’t refuse me and will kindly consider my request, allowing me to escape this difficult situation.
I have never made such a request in my life, but after spending several years as a stranger in a foreign place, I fell ill and became bedridden, leaving me no choice but to make this shameless plea. Please understand my situation and handle it with care. I apologize for the lack of proper etiquette in this letter.
Last day of August, the Year of the Imjin (Renjin Year)
Yours sincerely,
Yang Han-gyu
(Former name: Jae-yoon)
Sent from Jangsan, at the residence of Yun Saeng-won
With utmost respect, I submit this letter.
