Kim Ga-jin (金嘉鎭, January 29, 1846 – July 4, 1922) was a civil official, politician, and independence activist during the late Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. His courtesy name was Deokgyeong (德卿), and his pen name was Dongnong (東農). He was from the Sin Andong Kim clan. Kim Ga-jin was the 11th generation descendant of Kim Sang-yong, who died in battle during the Second Manchu Invasion of Korea, and the son of Kim Eung-gyun, who served as Minister of Rites.
Kim began his government service in 1877 as a junior official in the Gyujanggak Library. During the Gabo Reform period, he participated in internal reforms as a member of the Gunguk Gimucheo (Office for State Affairs) and served as Minister to Japan. He was involved in founding the Independence Club and, as president of the Daehan Association, opposed the pro-Japanese Iljinhoe, which advocated for Korea’s annexation by Japan.
After the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1910, he was given the title of baron under the Japanese colonial government’s “Korean Nobility Ordinance.” However, in 1919, he participated in the failed plot to help Prince Uichin escape and later joined the independence movement. Kim, along with his son Kim Ui-han, fled to Shanghai and joined the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Kim also served as an advisor to General Kim Jwa-jin’s Northern Military Administration Office.
Kim Ga-jin was appointed as the leader of the independence organization Daedongdan. Although they attempted to smuggle Prince Uichin into exile, the plan was discovered by Japanese authorities and failed. Despite this, Kim continued his efforts from Shanghai, where he released various proclamations and appeals for national independence. The Japanese government tried to persuade him to return by sending agents to Shanghai, but he refused.
Kim Gaj-in passed away on July 4, 1922, at the age of 77 in Shanghai. His funeral was conducted by the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea with great ceremony. He was well-versed in classical Chinese literature and renowned for his calligraphy, excelling in the styles of Mi Fu and Dong Qichang.
Translation:
This saying of Confucius means: “If wealth could be obtained through pursuit, I would even take on the humble work of holding a whip, but if it cannot be obtained this way, I will follow what I love.” (The original Chinese: “富而可求也, 雖執鞭之士, 吾亦爲之; 如不可求, 從吾所好.” Confucius said, “If wealth could be pursued and obtained, I would even become one who holds a whip and works, but if it cannot be pursued, I will follow what I love.”)
.