Kim Gae-nam

Kim Gae-nam (; 1853–1895) was a prominent figure in the Donghak Peasant Revolution in the late 19th century, and he served as the head of the Honam Changwi Office and other positions within the Donghak religious sect. He converted to Donghak around 1890 and played a significant role during the Samrye and Boeun gatherings, which led to his recognition as a leader. When the Donghak Peasant Revolution broke out in 1894, he assumed the position of the overall commander and became the central figure of the Donghak Peasant Army. During the northward advance after the Second Uprising, the Battle of Cheongju took place, and Kim Gaenam suffered a major defeat there. He was subsequently arrested and executed in January 1895.

Early life Kim Gae-nam was born in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, Joseon. His family's ancestral home was Dogang. His given name was Kim Youngju (金永疇), and he used the courtesy names Giseon (箕先) and Gibum (箕範).

Converting to Donghak In 1889, he officially joined Donghak and became an active member of the Donghak community. The egalitarian belief in equal rights for all, the concept of "people are heaven," which emphasizes human rights, and the vision of overturning the corrupt world attracted Kim Gae-nam to Donghak.

After staying in Namwon, he led 50,000 troops and entered Jeonju Castle on 16 October. He executed Namwon Busa Yi Yong-heon, who was designated as a pro-Japanese figure, and punished Gobu Gunsu Yang Pil-hwan and Suncheon Busa Lee Su-hong.

Betrayal and death Kim Gae-nam returned to Jeollado and was no longer able to maintain the momentum of his army. The exact details of how the army disbanded remain unclear. On 3 December 1894, Kim went into hiding, just as Jeon Bong-jun did, evaded government troops and took refuge in a wheat mill at Chorokbawi, near Jeonju South Gate.

On 8 January 1895, Kim had been betrayed by a friend named Yim Byeongchan and captured by 80 governmental soldiers who surrounded the house of Kim's brother-in-law with many people watching. Kim was dragged to Naju. On 13 December, he was put to death by beheading, and his corpse was ripped apart in five. The magistrate of Naju ate Kim's intestines and liver.