tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post1887022488439214395..comments2024-03-16T01:00:19.876-05:00Comments on The Mad Monarchist: Consort Profile: Empress Myeongseong of KoreaMadMonarchisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08083008336883267870noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-46796843835284069952015-06-29T05:48:21.515-05:002015-06-29T05:48:21.515-05:00There was a secret document which is called 'E...There was a secret document which is called 'Ezo Report' by Ezo Ishizuka who was 20s Japanese guy. He was a witness who watched a scene that Queen Min was murdered by Japanese samurais. In that report, he wrote about purpose, plan to kill the queen, people who joined murdering, and counterplan after murdering in that report. <br />He starts with his report with ' All Japanese were thinking of murdering Queen Min'. The report says 'Miura also has been early thinking of a necessity of murdering the queen'. <br /><br />Especially, in his report, he says " The party went to deeply inside, dragged the queen out, inflicted 2 or 3 injuries on her by a sword(處刃傷). Furthermore, after taking her clothes off (裸體), they did examination of private part (局部檢査). [Funny(笑). Also Indignation (怒) happening]. And eventually, put oil on, and destroyed(燒失) and did things that are too hard to write. Murdered(殺害) the rest of palace officers in a cruel way."<br /><br />I did not add any of my opinions about it. It was what a Japanese witness wrote. I used to know that Queen Min was killed by Japanese and rapped after, but according to this document , which is pretty close to the truth, There is a high possibility that Japanese did not kill her right away, instead they did things that are against humanity and she died when she was burning on fire. <br /><br />It was interesting article. Mugoongwhahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13001936921284370347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-28856319217230695372015-05-16T13:11:29.998-05:002015-05-16T13:11:29.998-05:00True. Originally, Korean-Japanese relations were f...True. Originally, Korean-Japanese relations were fairly peaceful but after the much major resistance movement many in Japan felt the Koreans could no longer be trusted to manage their own affairs and, of course, that led to increased tensions. <br /><br />Nobody in that area was an American colony though, defacto or otherwise. Despite what some like to think, the U.S. just wasn't that important at that stage.<br /><br />As for Korean involvement in the murder, it is pretty well established. Aside from the accounts of those directly involved, there had been previous Korean attempts on her life in the past and she had plenty of domestic enemies. Queen Min is one of those figures who became more famous and beloved as an icon after and because of her death. When she was alive she was far from universally popular.MadMonarchisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08083008336883267870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-28431657888903323942015-05-16T02:57:48.860-05:002015-05-16T02:57:48.860-05:00One of the better and more balanced accounts I'...One of the better and more balanced accounts I've read about Queen Min--thank you for writing it!<br /><br />Regarding the comments above, the book _Under the Black Umbrella_ suggests that the Japanese occupation was fairly mild in its first two years until it hit resistance from the Koreans (who had reasons). And yes, I'd say they became an empire because they were tired of being an American de facto colony.<br /><br />I've often thought that Daewongun or some other court member was involved in the Queen's assassination. It seems incredible to me that a couple dozen guys with swords could get from the from of Gyeongbokgung Palace, all the way to the Queen's chambers in the back, without suffering or inflicting any (recorded) casualties. It smells like an inside job to me.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11344488264140157524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-86292639638124530172013-11-20T15:37:59.052-06:002013-11-20T15:37:59.052-06:00Taiwan is a rather unique case. They are eager to ...Taiwan is a rather unique case. They are eager to be somewhat friendly with anyone because they know that every country in the world has chosen to deal with Red China rather than them because of economic reasons. If everyone shunned South Korea in preference of North Korea, they would probably have a different attitude as well. Nonetheless, while relations are certainly better with Taiwan, and some there are supportive of Japan, I would not consider them officially "friendly" until they renounced their claim to the Senkaku Islands at least.<br /><br />I was speaking primarily of the republics that are immediate neighbors of Japan (two Koreas, two Chinas and Russia) and not the whole of Asia. Although, when Japan tried to gain a permanent seat on the Security Council, Singapore was the only Asian power to support Japan and that was not whole-hearted support. Much depends on circumstances. Vietnam and America, for example, are ideological enemies which circumstances have forced to become more friendly. It does not change the fact that both have principles and values that are totally opposed to one another. I think some of the opposition to Japan is deeper than politics. It is in the nature of the liar to hate the honest man and every republic, founded upon a betrayal of a people's culture and traditions, must always try to justify this by making a villain of the idea of monarchy and to belittle those who have not betrayed but who have always been loyal and faithful to their heritage.MadMonarchisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08083008336883267870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-76563615605271872732013-11-20T14:58:32.599-06:002013-11-20T14:58:32.599-06:00I really respect you for your knowledge. However, ...I really respect you for your knowledge. However, I cannot agree this part "mostly because Japan tried to maintain legitimate, traditional authority in the last century." Because, if this is the reason, it is strange that other Asian countries are friendly to Japan. For instant, Taiwan was also colonized by Japan, but they are very friendly to Japan because things Japan brought into Taiwan during the colonization were not bad always (improving infrastructure, university, and so on). So, Taiwanese government tried to improve anti-Japanese emotion to integrate at once, yet it failed. This suggests Japanese colonization was much better than European one. And other Asian counties have forgiven Japan for our compensation (a lot of money). I think the reason China and Korea hate Japan is not historical one, it is political one. Because they need to criticize Japan to integrate their own people. Their governments are not good for their people at least. <br /><br />Absolutely that's right. I have to contribute to make this situation better. Thank you for chatting and inspiring me truly.<br />I'm glad to see you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09714468160434229927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-22597681049462211632013-11-19T23:54:27.085-06:002013-11-19T23:54:27.085-06:00Japan would likely be blamed in any event simply b...Japan would likely be blamed in any event simply because of "circumstantial evidence", meaning that it benefited the pro-Japanese faction and hurt the pro-Russian faction to see Queen Min gone. And, yes, I am familiar with Ito Hirobumi and Hukuzawa Yukichi as well as the faction in Korea at that time that admired Japan and wanted to emulate Japanese progress in Korea. It is unfortunate that this is no longer the case today but Japan is the only country in northeast Asia that has not completely betrayed its own culture and traditions. It is surrounded by republics that were all founded by traitors and who hate Japan, mostly because Japan tried to maintain legitimate, traditional authority in the last century.<br /><br />Japan really does need to make more of a case abroad, especially the English-speaking countries which are the most widespread. Others are working in these places to denigrate Japan and turn people against Japan and, unfortunately, this is often the only side of the story people here. I try to do what I can here and early next month will be posting an important article on the misinformation most American believe regarding Japan in World War II but, particularly on the disagreements between Korea and Japan, most English-speaking people only ever hear and so only know the Korean point of view and never hear Japan's side of the story.MadMonarchisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08083008336883267870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-13615939079156179572013-11-19T11:11:20.739-06:002013-11-19T11:11:20.739-06:00Thank you for your reply. The lack of English reco...Thank you for your reply. The lack of English records is big problem of Japan, I think so too. I searched Miura Goro, and accept that there is a possibility. However, Miura Goro was released because there was not enough evidence. Even though, if it was true, we do not know how to kill her.<br /><br />And also, In some Japanese records about the colonization suggest that Japan wanted Korea to have progress. Do you know the fact of Ito Hirobumi and Hukuzawa Yukichi?<br />They are very famous people who mentioned about Asian relationships. And, Both people wished that Korea would be bigger to compete with Europe. For it, the queen was very annoying. Because she was into political conflicts against HeungSun-DaeWonGoon and weird religious ceremony while Korean people and economy hit rock bottom. <br /><br />For example, at first, the queen had pro-Japanese position to defeat HeungSun-DaeWonGoon. But, since she escaped from the fist assassin (by HeungSun-DaeWonGoon ) with Chinese connection, she started to support Chine instead of Japan. Then, she cleaned up his supporters and grabbed the politics. Also, she started to support Russia. Such things drove Korean reform group into Donghak Peasant Revolution and caused the Sino-Japanese War.<br />As you can see from this, many people had motives to kill her. <br />Surely there is one possibility Japan related to it, but Japan may not have all blames.<br /><br />May be, my answer is off the point. Sorry.<br />Anyway, it is very shameful that there are few Japanese records in English. If you want to know more, Please ask me. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09714468160434229927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-88165138625847149882013-11-18T21:14:27.528-06:002013-11-18T21:14:27.528-06:00You have hit on a major problem for Japan which is...You have hit on a major problem for Japan which is a lack of Japanese research available in English. Because of this, views hostile to Japan are often the only ones people in the US, UK, Canada, Australia etc ever hear. <br /><br />According to the information I have, which comes from Donald Keene who has written extensively on Japanese literature and history, Miura Goro planned the elimination of Queen Min because of her anti-Japanese attitude and opposition to all efforts toward progress in Korea. Okamoto Ryunosuke, one of his advisors, is also named as being deeply involved and is often named as the one most likely to have killed the queen in the attack on the palace. <br /><br />One thing stated categorically is that no one in the Japanese government knew of this or ordered it and everyone, including HM the Emperor and the Prime Minister were horrified by what happened and the backlash it caused. Miura and Okamoto were brought back to Japan and put on trial but, according to the text of Ryojun gyakusatsu jiken by Inoue Haruki, the government pressed the court to acquit to avoid worsening the international situation.<br /><br />If there are accounts by Japanese research to dispute this, such as concerning the story of the coup attempt by the Korean premier, I would be happy to hear about it and make it known. Again, however, the problem is that most readers do not understand Japanese and will not be able to verify sources not in English, so this will probably not convince them. If, however, those are available, I would be happy to publicize the Japanese side of the story. So far, it remains mostly unavailable outside Japan.MadMonarchisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08083008336883267870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-35879526766190626172013-11-18T18:20:51.759-06:002013-11-18T18:20:51.759-06:00Had you checked Japanese historical records before...Had you checked Japanese historical records before you wrote this article? I am Japanese, and I checked Japanese Wikipedia and English Wikipedia. Also, I read some books about Korea because I study history in my university. The story that the queen was killed by Jpapan brutally is from novels. And, there is no clear evidence to suggest that. Japanese Wikipedia says this, but, English Wikipedia has no idea about this so it sounds real. Of course, I am not sure the trues because I cannot see the scene. However, there is no evidence about it so far. <br /><br />Moreover, I checked the reference of both Wikipedia pages, then I realized that there are Korean, Japanese and English records in Japanese one, meanwhile there are only Korean and English records in English one. <br /><br />If you like history, you should check such points. Some historical article could cause problems.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09714468160434229927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-52351946111764183212012-04-12T18:48:34.360-05:002012-04-12T18:48:34.360-05:00De Maria numquam satis.
The Japanese were indeed ...De Maria numquam satis.<br /><br />The Japanese were indeed very abusive of the Koreans during colonial times. Do bear in mind though that I am Korean myself. They were known to have undertaken human biological experiments and also the problem with the Wartime prostitutes remains very sticky. What I would confess though is that I was constantly fed this idea that the Japanese were not penitent unlike the Germans who have done so much in penance for their war crimes, not much exposure was given to the fact they gave out reparation funds and loans.<br /> <br />Generally I think the article is well written except for one small objection; as a Korean monarchist myself (who would gladly put down his life for the Republic should it be invaded by North Koreans or anyone at all), I personally do not like it when people refer to Her Highness Empress Myoungseong as Queen Min. Whilst everyone knew Chosun was a kingdom of Lees, nobody dared to utter their real names which were considered politically sacred. It was only when Emperor Go Jong (the penultimate emperor of Great Empire of Korea) appeared in world stage (I think it was in Hague, I might be mistaken) that he had to reveal His name. Queen Min was introduced as a way of banalising Her role as am Empress, introduced by the Japanese.<br /><br />Do not get me wrong that I am somewhat hysterical towards the Japanese. But their history cannot possibly be depicted in bright colours when it comes to the colonial times and whilst I would imagine many would have been appalled by the atrocities they committed against Koreans, I still remain unconvinced that there were enough voices of repentance. Like Blessed Cardinal Von Galen during Nazi Germany for example; he remains one of the few compatriots the Germans can present as a vocal conscience against Nazi regime.<br /><br />All aside, it was an enjoyable article and I should thank you.Jimin Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16584534809468125180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-66723704312678788852011-10-27T22:03:54.677-05:002011-10-27T22:03:54.677-05:00Actually, South Korea's economic transformatio...Actually, South Korea's economic transformation would be one of the great success stories of the post-war period. That they did that from the ruins of the Korean War and a constant Communist armed threat was an achievement to say the least.<br /><br />There's a lot to like about Japan and South Korea as countries. They still hold onto traditional values, don't give in to Political Correctness, multiculturalism or the rest of the left agenda, and have much stronger culture and industry than a lot of the West has now, sadly.David Votoupalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10580606716887515975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-52405703967423891862011-10-27T13:26:48.998-05:002011-10-27T13:26:48.998-05:00True, and as I recall not long ago was the anniver...True, and as I recall not long ago was the anniversary of Admiral Yi Sun Shin's great victory. That was what was so shocking when the first Korean envoys went to Japan after the Meiji Restoration and saw how rapidly and drastically things had changed. Korea had been the more advanced country, the country that had defeated Japanese raids in the past, but they learned they had been surpassed. The Queen tried to change that but there just wasn't time.<br /><br />As for reunification, I've never heard anything about it one way or the other from Japan. It would be funny though as there are now even elements in the PRC that are tired of playing sugar-daddy to the embarassing DPRK and are readly to ditch them. Sooner or later there will have to be one Korea again and restoring the monarchy would be the ideal way (the only real way I think) to truly unite north and south based on their common history and traditions before the war, division etc.MadMonarchisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08083008336883267870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-58255033259665714352011-10-27T13:16:48.488-05:002011-10-27T13:16:48.488-05:00That's very interesting and I will take note o...That's very interesting and I will take note of that. Going back to what you said, there is that factor regarding resources. From what I have learned, Japan coveted the abundant resources that were in Josun (Korea) and thought the people there were not using them efficiently. But then again Japan-Korea conflicts were around for a long time, as one of our national heroes, Admiral Yi Sun Shin, successfully defended Korea against Japanese invaders with turtle ships. <br /><br />Too bad Korea is at a state of ruin now; the north was actually where a lot of the good stuff were in... and I hope one day the Korean monarchy is restored, because a divided Korea is weak. Speaking of which, I found it funny that Japan is against the union of Korea.Le Petit Princehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13396710488106186707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-89154481157159741952011-10-27T12:47:03.837-05:002011-10-27T12:47:03.837-05:00It varied from place to place. Formosa, for exampl...It varied from place to place. Formosa, for example, did quite well under Japanese rule and the native inhabitants actually thought things were better under Japan than China. As harsh as they could be, the Japanese, for reasons of effeciency, set up first level industry in their colonies to refine raw materials somewhat so as to make them easier to ship to Japan for finishing up the final product. This gave the Japanese colonies a big leg up when it came to industrialization compared to European colonies.MadMonarchisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08083008336883267870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-71943242171291156612011-10-27T02:55:14.163-05:002011-10-27T02:55:14.163-05:00I heard Japan was rather too harsh on her colonies...I heard Japan was rather too harsh on her colonies. They would try to make every one of them "Japan", not like how others like the British were with their colonies. It was forced assimilation and they would try destroying cultures, particularly Korean's as they would ban any sort of national identification and looted a lot of valuable Korean artifacts and whatnot. Ironically the Korean national anthem composed by the German Franz Eckert would be banned in favour of the Japanese one he made earlier. This is why Korea has quite a lot of animosity towards Japan, even in present (such as the Dokdo dispute... I believe the West calls it Liancourt Rocks).<br /><br />But then again, Japan does not seem like many other nations; they have a lot of national pride and even had kamikaze pilots during WWII: people who would intentionally crash into enemy pilots for their nation. I suppose that somewhat explains why they would attempt coerced assimilation, but I still don't know why they were very cruel...Le Petit Princehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13396710488106186707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-55622803491915327392011-10-27T02:49:29.209-05:002011-10-27T02:49:29.209-05:00I like your articles a lot! Nice to read abt the l...I like your articles a lot! Nice to read abt the lesser known royals, like the Asians & those from Monaco!Joan Boshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01055926341623988772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-63986424234864502532011-10-27T02:31:27.785-05:002011-10-27T02:31:27.785-05:00Sad indeed, but that is all too often the fate of ...Sad indeed, but that is all too often the fate of weaker powers in the game of geopolitics. It ain't for sissies, that's for sure. Korea was badly treated -no doubt about it, but it is hard to see how they could have avoided being badly treated by someone. All that can be said of Japan is that their motivation was to avoid having anyone do to them what they did to Korea.MadMonarchisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08083008336883267870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783969302315257415.post-3453619524592540112011-10-27T02:03:42.346-05:002011-10-27T02:03:42.346-05:00Haven't signed on for a long time since I'...Haven't signed on for a long time since I'm awfully busy, but I was surprised to find this article when I did. Great article! The queen did play a lot more of an active role than the king did while she was alive. It was rather sad when the Japanese brutally murdered her though :/Le Petit Princehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13396710488106186707noreply@blogger.com