Yi Jong-geon (Korean: 이종건; Hanja: 李鍾健; 1843–1930) was a lieutenant-general of the Imperial Korean Army. He was ennobled as Baron of Japan during the Korea under Japanese rule. After March 1st Movement, Yi tried to return his title but he failed.
Lee Jong-geon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1843 Joseon |
| Died | 1930 (aged 86–87) Korea, Empire of Japan |
| Allegiance |  Joseon Korean Empire Japanese Empire |
| Service | Army |
| Years of service | 1897–1907 |
| Rank | Lieutenant general |
| Commands |
|
Biography
editHe was born in 1843 as the son of Yi Gue-jeong and was adopted to Yi Gue-cheol. In 1859, Yi passed the military examination Gwageo.[1] During the Imo Incident, Yi executed some culprits related to the coup. For this merit, Yi rose his rank under the reign of Yeoheung Min clan during 1880s. As a member of Gaewha clique, Yi cooperated with Bak Jeongyang and Kim Hong-jip but ended up having struggles.[2]
Upon Gojong's return from the Russian legation, Yi rose into power as commander of police, and Mayor of Seoul.[2][3] On 1 October 1897, Yi was promoted to Lieutenant general, and appointed as minister of military of Shim Soon-taek cabinet.[4] In 1901, Yi was commissioned as the director of Military affair section of Board of Marshals,[5] and wrote a guide about Army Ceremony.[6] About the Korean invasion of Manchuria, Yi justified the deployment Korean forces in Manchuria is for being a solution for continuous Chinese banditry.[7]
In 1903, Yi was appointed as special officer of Gungnaebu.[8] He was also appointed as minister of military in 1905.[9] On 29 July 1906, Yi was appointed as Vice Speaker of Junchuwon.[10] On 31 May 1907, Yi was appointed as chief of equerry replacing Cho Tong-yun.[11] On 13 September 1907, Yi retired from the army.[12]
In 1910, Yi received the title of baron from the Empire of Japan.[2][13] After March 1st Movement, Yi felt guilty about owning a title, and attempted to return it. However, his attempt failed; he lived until 1930 and died in Korea under Japanese rule.
For his attempt to return the title, Yi is not considered as Korean collaborators to Imperial Japanese rule, despite receiving a title after annexation.
Honours
edit- Order of the Palgwae 3rd Class in 1901[14]
References
edit- ^ "한국역대인물 종합정보 시스템 - 한국학중앙연구원 [이종건(李鍾健) 인물 정보]". people.aks.ac.kr. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ^ a b c "이종건(李鍾健)". Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ "이종건". terms.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ "조선왕조실록". Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ "조선왕조실록". Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ "육군예식(이종건, 1901) - e뮤지엄 소장품검색". www.emuseum.go.kr. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
- ^ "한국사데이터베이스". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "조선왕조실록". Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ "조선왕조실록". Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ "한국고전종합DB". db.itkc.or.kr. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "한국고전종합DB". db.itkc.or.kr. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "한국고전종합DB". db.itkc.or.kr. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
- ^ "조선왕조실록". Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
- ^ "조선왕조실록". Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 2022-04-23.