It took over a century to restore the honor of those who participated in the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Recognizing and remembering the sacrifices made against feudal order and foreign powers is a national responsibility. However, a controversy has erupted since the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province began providing an annual stipend of 1.2 million won to the descendants of participants this year. The issue at hand is not just the value of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, but how to appropriately honor historical contributions.
Jeonbuk Province is providing 723 eligible descendants who have resided in the province for over a year with monthly payments of 100,000 won. The budget for this year is set at 868 million won, shared between the province and local governments. The stipends are available to registered descendants who have undergone government review as per the relevant special law.
The historical significance of the Donghak Peasant Revolution is clear. In 2004, the government enacted a special law aimed at restoring the honor of participants and their descendants, and in 2019, designated May 11, the anniversary of the Hwangtohyeon victory, as a national holiday. This was a measure to correct the long-standing mischaracterization of the event as a 'Donghak Rebellion.'
Remembering and honoring those who sacrificed for the nation and community goes beyond mere compensation for the past. It raises questions about which histories we choose to remember and what values we wish to uphold. Therefore, there must be clear principles guiding such honors.
The first point to address regarding the stipend is residency. Descendants of the same participants receive the stipend only if they have lived in Jeonbuk for over a year; those living in other regions do not qualify. While it is understandable that the Donghak Peasant Revolution is closely tied to regional identity, it is difficult to justify that recognition of historical contributions should vary based on one’s address.
Uncovering and honoring historical figures from the region is different from providing regular cash payments. There needs to be a standard for determining which contributions are recognized, the scope of eligible descendants, and the amount and duration of payments. Online discussions questioning whether descendants of the righteous army from the Imjin War should also receive stipends reflect a broader concern: the lack of consistent criteria linking historical contributions to financial support.
Recognition methods are not limited to stipends. It is also important to uncover records and materials related to participants, preserve historical sites, and convey their significance through research and education. The state should take a more proactive role in restoring honor and evaluating history.
The question remains whether the history that the state should remember and honor can be left to the cash support of individual local governments. The government must examine the recognition system for historical contributors and their descendants, establishing principles for eligibility, support methods, and funding responsibilities. While it is essential to remember history generously, the historical significance does not justify all forms of support. Recognition for the same contributions should not vary based on where one lives.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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