"Will You Also Pay Descendants of Imjin War Righteous Armies?" Controversy Arises Over Donghak Revolution Bereaved Family Allowances

Jeonbuk State's decision to provide allowances to the bereaved families of participants in the Donghak Peasant Revolution has sparked debate.

Jeonbuk State announced yesterday (the 25th) that, in accordance with the ordinance on supporting commemorative projects for the Donghak Peasant Revolution, it will provide an annual allowance of 1.2 million won per person to 723 bereaved family members of revolution participants who have resided in the province for one year or more.

The Donghak Peasant Revolution was an uprising launched by the common people in 1894 to eradicate corruption in the feudal society of the Joseon Dynasty and uphold anti-foreign sentiments.

Jeonbuk State maintains that it is necessary to honor the bereaved families, given that Jeonbuk is the birthplace of the Donghak Peasant Revolution.

However, opposition voices are emerging from some quarters, arguing that under this standard, descendants of the Righteous Armies from the Imjin War would also need to be tracked down and given allowances, and that if funds are available, it would be more appropriate to support the bereaved families of victims of the Korean War or the Vietnam War.

Jeonbuk Governor Lee Won-taek stated, "The payment of allowances to bereaved families is a meaningful starting point to elevate the honor of the participants of the Donghak Peasant Revolution and pass their spirit down to descendants," adding, "We will continue our efforts so that they can receive appropriate national recognition."

(Source: Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Foundation)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.