Hong Gye-hun

Hong Kyehun (; 1842–1895) was a Joseon official of the late 19th century who served as lieutenant-colonel of the Jang Wi-Young, and the Military Training Division during the reign of King Gojong. He was known for his leading role in the Donghak Peasant Revolution and defending Queen Min during the Imo Incident and the Eulmi Incident.

Hong Kyehun's military career spanned several decades, and he played a significant role in the tumultuous period of late 19th-century Korea. He was known for his loyalty, discipline, and dedication to his duties. His rise from a musa to a commander exemplified the possibilities for social advancement and recognition within the military system of the time. Hong Kyehun's legacy as a military leader and his contributions to suppressing the Donghak Peasant Army are still remembered in Korean history, serving as a testament to the power of determination, skill, and strategic thinking in times of crisis that earned him the trust of King Gojong even when he died defending Queen Min during the Eulmi Incident.

Early life and military service His birthplace was Namyang (南陽), and his given name was Hong Chaehŭi . His courtesy name was Sŏngnam , and his art name was Kyusan .

On 1 May, Hong Kyehun began to fire cannons into Jeonju, killing and burning civilians and civilian properties. On 2 May however, King Taejo of Joseon's portrait was burned down by Hong's incessant bombing, ceasing the attack. In the morning of 3 May, Jeon led an attack on Hong's camp, but was defeated by superior firepower. The Jangtae only hindered the rebels in Jeonju's mountainous location. Jeon himself had a shrapnel lodged in his shoulder from this attack.

The Donghak Army suffered significant casualties in several battles with the government forces near Jeonju Castle from April 28 to May 3.

Jeongju Treaty Meanwhile, on 29 April, the administrator of Jeonju, Kim Mun-hyeon, had appeared in Gongju and told the government of the fall of Jeonju. Unable to control the rebellion, the government of Joseon formally requested the military assistance from both Japan and China. On 3 May, 1,500 Qing Dynasty forces appeared in Incheon. The same day, 6,000 Japanese forces also landed in Incheon. The Japanese inquired why Qing had not notified the Japanese government in accordance to the Convention of Tientsin, and soon caused the First Sino-Japanese War.

In the midst of this, the Qing military, which accepted Korea's request for reinforcements, landed in Asan Bay on May 5 and 7 to suppress the Donghak Peasant Army. As the Qing army took action, Japan also landed its troops at Jemulpo on May 6 based on the Treaty of Tianjin.

This came to be called the (全州和約) or Jeonju Truce. Hong accepted twelve of the fourteen rebel requests. The peasant army withdrew without any bloodshed. The Donghak Peasant Army gained control over the Jeolla Province and the surrounding regions. Yamaguchi detoured to the east, and west sides of Gyeongbokgung Palace rendezvoused with the troops who entered through Sinmumun to secure Hamhwadang residence. On arrival, he drew his sword, forcing Gojong to come out whilst claiming to protect him. Gojong commanded his guards to stop fighting. The Mounted Guards Infantry defending Yeongchumun surrendered 30 minutes later while the rest of the Capital Guards Command outside the palace complied in the late afternoon.

End of the Rebellion Hong Kyehun launched a fierce offensive against the Donghak Peasant Army. With his well-trained troops and superior military tactics, he managed to regain control of Jeolla Province and push back the rebellion. The peasant army suffered heavy losses, and their momentum was broken. Hong Kyehun's success in suppressing the Donghak Peasant Army brought him great acclaim and solidified his position as a prominent military commander. He became known for his bravery, leadership, and strategic acumen. His achievements earned him the respect and trust of King Gojong and the royal court.

Eulmi Incident

Convinced that Queen Min was conspiring with the Russians to bring their troops into the country, the Hullyeondae attacked the Imperial Palace on 8 October 1895 alongside 48 Japanese ronin and the Japanese Legation Security Group, in what came to be known as the Eulmi Incident. Hong heard gunshots from Gyeongbokgung Palace in the early morning of that day and realized that the palace had been infiltrated. He arrived at Gwanghwamun, leading 500 Palace Guards. As soon as they arrived, he blocked the gate to prevent the Japanese troops from invading. He drew his sword and scolded at the division, calling them "Traitors" and imploring them to leave immediately. At this shout, the Japanese ronin and division paused for a moment. However, they engaged in a firefight with the Palace Guards and pushed forward. He was shot six times and stabbed with a sword, forcing the Palace Guards to retreat and allow the ronin to push further and kill the Queen at the Okhoru Pavilion.

Burial He was posthumously promoted and given the title of Chujung (忠毅), and in 1900, he was enshrined at Jangchungdan along with Yi Gyeong-jik (李耕稙).

In popular culture Park Hae-sang – 1982 KBS1 drama Hong Soon-chang – 1990 MBC drama Kim Joo-young – 1995 KBS1 drama Oh Jong-hyuk – 1995 The Last Empress Musical Jung Jun-ho – 2001 "When I Go" (music video) Hong Il-kwon – 2001 Empress Myeongseong KBS2 drama Hye Geun Ji – 2007 The Last Empress Musical Cho Seung-woo – 2009The Sword with No Name film Choi Woo-hyuk – 2018 The Last Empress Musical Yoon Seo-hyun – 2019 Nokdu Flower SBS drama Lee Chang-sub – 2021 The Last Empress Musical