If you have to name a person who stood up for Korea against the Meiji Japanese territorial expansion, who would you I would name EMPRESS MYEONGSEONG as the first one on the list. 

 

The first official empress of Korea Empire, Empress Myeongseong (1851-1895 – a.k.a. Queen Min) was the first wife of Emperor Gojong. Instead of fulfilling her role as a queen and a model for Joseon women, Empress Myeongseong rejected her duties to host tea parties and participate in festivals. Rather, she took her time to read books reserved for noblemen. Just only a few years after her marriage, Empress Myeongseong gained absolute control over the court and played a more politically active role in discussing and deciding the country’s matters.  

 

After the Japanese took control over Korea, Empress Myeongsong still fought against the Japanese by joining forces with Western powers. As she became a major obstacle for the Japanese, their leader ordered her assassination. Betrayed by her own people, the Korean soldiers who were loyal to Empress Myeongsong’s father-in-law, Daewongun, cleared the path for the Japanese ronins not only to murder her, but also to harass and burn her body. Following the assassination, Emperor Gojong and his son fled to the Russian legation. Empress Myeongseong’s death ignited the anti-Japanese in Korea and a series of ‘righteous’ protests. 

 

 

Recommended movies and books: 

🎞 The Sword with No Name (2009) 

🎞 Empress Myeongseong (2001-2002)