The Spirit of Independence: A Primer of Korean Modernization and Reform

35. Events of the Kapsin Coup (1884)

35. Events of the Kapsin Coup (1884) It was in 1884 [sic; 1882] that trade with the United States was opened. Since this country has had, from the beginning, specially close relations with Korea’s independence and progress, we are particularly interested in the United States. In that year, the American plenipotentiary, [Robert W.] Shufeldt, entered the capital of Korea via Japan. On a previous occasion, [he] had come to Kanghwa [Island], but the entire country had been alarmed and had tried to stop his visit. At the same spot, coming aboard the same ship as before, he landed safely and entered the city [of Chemulp’o?] in peace, signed a trade agreement,53 set up a legation , and the flag representing the government of the United States was hoisted within the walls of Seoul. The United States gave up the claim arising from the murder of several of its people inside Korea and, instead, tried to develop a new friendship; it was particularly cooperative in helping develop the full independence [of Korea]. The government of Korea had previously suspected that the arrival of the westerners meant a wholesale conquest of the country [by the West], but that suspicion was abandoned overnight and [Korea] has maintained contacts [with the West] to this day. There were [Western] countries that had been greedily waiting for some excuse. But [Korea] has survived so far because the foreign powers were diplomatically interrelated. Had [Korea] remained without trade relations, there is no telling how greedy a powerful nation could have become [at Korea’s expense]. As we analyze the situation today, it looks absurd indeed that the foreigners were, in the past, the objects of [Korea’s] suspicion without just cause. At this time, Min Yŏng-ik54 led eleven scions of noble families across the Pacific to the United States, where he toured for three months before 171 returning to Seoul via the Atlantic and Europe. This was the first time that a Korean saw Western countries with his own eyes and also that a Korean went around the globe. [He] must have been excited and dazzled beyond measure. The United States chose to forget the past when its people had been murdered without cause and [Korea] had resisted, by all available means, opening relations with it. Moreover, it provided cordial hospitality to the first guest from Korea as an honored visitor from an independent nation of equal status. The expenses for the [American] sojourn were paid in full by the United States. It greeted [Korea’s] new awakening and willingness to open relations with foreign countries, and the [American] government and people gave [Korea] warm encouragement . Even the most unfeeling would have been impressed by the sights he saw and by the kindness he felt. Therefore, he [Min] returned home full of determination to introduce reforms. He submitted a report detailing what he heard and saw, and he was about to experiment in the more urgent among the enlightenment projects. The influential members of the nobility and the royal household were opposed, however, to enlightenment; they were of one mind in considering dependence on the Chinese to be the best option. It was difficult to break out of such mentality suddenly. Within a short while after his return, MinYŏng-ik was pressured by China to change his views, champion conservatism, and oppose and abandon enlightenment. There were a few individuals, however, who secretly planned to oust the pro-China faction. They bided their time until a telegraph office was newly established and a banquet to celebrate its opening was held. By prearrangement, as various officials were assembled, a fire was set creating a commotion. MinYŏng-ik was cut by a sword, causing injury to his ear. Immediately afterward, the enlightenment party members rushed into the palace and reported imminent danger. Japanese legation guards were asked to come and guard the palace. There must have been a prior agreement with the Japanese troops;55 they rushed through the palace gate and surrounded the inner sanctuary . Conservative ministers were summoned by royal command and as they entered through the palace gate, they were murdered. The people were unaware of what was going on as the disturbance had erupted so suddenly, and the entire city was thrown into chaos; the rest of the country was experiencing uneasiness due to the suspicion and fear engendered by rumors. Royal edicts purporting to bring about reform and change in political 172 The...