Korean Activist Lee Hoe-yeong that Lived from the Heart
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- Mar 2
- 4 min read
It was only a century ago when severe darkness loomed over our country, the darkness that traumatized and jeopardized every aspect of the Republic of Korea, the darkness that our ancestors have sacrificed to be in and still fight for the future generation. The Japanese colonial period lasted approximately 35 years over our peninsula, a seemingly short period of time that would barely be half of a person’s lifetime, but something that pulled a stop to country development, economy, and something that brutally stripped the freedom and liberty of the citizens of Korea. It’s depressing and sad to a vast majority of Koreans when still, few acknowledge Korea as a weak country that’s not even a republic.
However, gradually, over time our country has become popular for our unique, enjoyable cultural attractions such as Gyeong Bok Gung Palace, entertainment including our iconic K-pop music industry and K-drama productions that are well recognized amongst the internet, often described as indulging and addictive, and our overall security along with vast facilities that many Koreans are proud of. Foreign tourists usually come to Korea and leave with an enjoyed, memorable stay. As March comes around, it kicks off with a day of salute to the people who experienced immense pain and loss, saw things that changed their very lives, profusely suffered, sweated, bled, and even sacrificed their very own lives. Out of all of the many people, there was a person from a noble family of 8 who devoted themselves to their country and has remained immensely loyal to this day that should be given more credit than they have; Lee Hoe-yeong(이회영)
Lee Hoe-yeong was born in 1867 to a wealthy, honorable family as one of six children. As a child, he was adventurous and very open minded. He accepted the nation’s change as a republic as well as became a big supporter of it. He had a different and unique way of thinking than others did at the time, a more modern mind. As a young man, he was known as a generous person to his neighbors, sharing his wealth and giving freedom to slaves. Lee Hoe-yeong, however, was a very hard and honest worker, always studying for his future and deserving it instead of just manipulating his privileged family situation. This moral of an open mindset and generosity that started building up from a young age led to the great man he was slowly becoming.
Lee Hoe-yeong experienced the Japanese colonial period as a middle aged man. Naturally, when Japan started approaching Korea as a potential country to colonize, taking the risk of going into war against two powerful countries to do so, depriving our diplomatic rights of contact with other countries and forcing us to sign an official treaty called Eul Sa Neuk Yak(을사늑약) for it, Lee Hoe-yeong acted right away, doing all he could that would be the best for everyone. He funded the Oh-jeok Assassination Association(오적암살단), a group of people who aimed to assassinate 5 servants that led the Eul Sa Neuk Yak(을사늑약). This association ended up being arrested, however, Lee Hoe-yeong did not stop at this. Instead of cowering in fear, he investigated the situation and found out that the Korean king had not allowed Eul Sa Neuk Yak, so it would not officially count. He avoided Japanese surveillance, traveled all the way to Russia and the Netherlands, and started protesting that the treaty was invalid. Even this attempt failed due to Japan taking over the Korean peninsula in 1910. By now he was tired and nearing old age, but he made efforts to save the country, funding the construction of schools to grow the next generation to become smart, Korean activists as well that make their country proud. Then came the news of the king’s death, and Lee Hoe-yeong, feeling obligated to fight for the country once more, went to Beijing and promoted the liberation of Korea.
Lee Hoe-yeong, hearing help needed back in Korea, tried to travel back. Obstacles led him to China, where he was taken by the Japanese. After a whole life of devotion, Lee Hoe-yeong greeted death in 1932 November, after gruesome and painful torture from the Japanese officers. His loyal attitude towards Korea is something we should all respect Lee Hoe-yeong about and how he acknowledged bigger, crucial issues. Even after liberation, when the Korean president offered to pay back the massive amount Lee Hoe-yeong and his family had contributed to his later generation, they had generously refused, saying getting paid back was not why he had fought for his country.
Now, we honor our ancestors, the people of our country, who fought and invested lives for the freedom we have today. Join our celebratory month in March where our ancestors once marched for independence and wish Lee Hoe-yeong a happy birthday on the 17th as well.
Seoyeon Hong
Works Cited
"Lee Hoe-yeong." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Hoe-yeong.
"이회영, 만주에서 독립군을 길러내다." 우리역사네, contents.history.go.kr/mobile/eh/view.do?levelId=eh_n0690_0010&code=eh_age_40. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.