South Chungcheong Governor urges recognition of Donghak Revolution as independence movement start

South Chungcheong Province Governor Park Soo-hyun is calling for a redefinition of Korea's independence movement, urging the government to recognize the 1894 Donghak Peasant Revolution as its starting point. Park highlighted the discrepancy where the Eulmi Uprising of 1895 is acknowledged as an independence movement, but the Donghak revolution, which occurred months earlier in resistance to Japanese encroachment, remains unrecognized.

"The Donghak Peasant Revolution forms the roots of Korean democracy and the independence movement," Park stated during an 81st Liberation Day ceremony. He pointed out that while the Eulmi Uprising is officially recognized, the Donghak revolution, which fought against Japanese aggression, is not. This call to rectify the historical starting point of the independence movement follows Park's previous legislative efforts as a National Assembly member to designate participants of the second Donghak Peasant Revolution as patriotic individuals.

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The Donghak Peasant Revolution forms the roots of Korean democracy and the independence movement.

The Donghak movement, initially focused on anti-feudal reforms, saw its second phase erupt in June 1894 after news of Japanese military intervention and the formation of a pro-Japanese cabinet. This phase spread nationwide, including to Chungcheong, Gyeongsang, and Gangwon provinces, as a resistance against Japanese forces and their collaborators. Despite its widespread nature, the movement ultimately failed after the Battle of Ugeumchi in South Chungcheong Province.

Park also outlined future provincial projects to support this recognition. These include compiling historical records of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, developing the Ugeumchi battlefield into a space for commemoration and education, and potentially establishing a Donghak library. The province also aims to host national commemorative events for the Donghak Peasant Revolution.

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1895 Eulmi Uprising is recognized as an independence movement, but the second Donghak Peasant Revolution, which occurred just a few months earlier in resistance to Japanese national sovereignty, is not recognized.