"Should We Also Compensate Righteous Armies from the Imjin War?" 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 1.2 million won per person annually to 723 bereaved family members of 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 during the Joseon Dynasty, demanding the eradication of corruption in feudal society and opposing foreign intervention.

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

However, opposing opinions have emerged from some quarters, arguing that if this criterion is applied, descendants of the Righteous Armies from the Imjin War should also be tracked down and given allowances, and that if funds are available, it would be more appropriate to support bereaved families of victims from 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 down their spirit to future generations," adding, "We will continue to make efforts so that they receive due national recognition."

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