Hong Gye-hun
Hong Gye-hun (Korean: 홍계훈) was a Joseon official of the late 19th century who served as lieutenant-colonel of the Jang Wi-Young, and the Military Training Division during the reign of King Gojong. He was known for his leading role in the Donghak Peasant Revolution and defending Queen Min during the Imo Incident and the Eulmi Incident.
Hong Gye-hun | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1842 Namyang-eup, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, Joseon |
| Died | 1895 Sejongno, Hanseong, Joseon |
| Allegiance | Joseon Korea |
| Service/ | Joseon Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Commands held | Jang Wi-Young Military Training Division Capital Guards |
| Battles/wars | Imo Incident Donghak Peasant Revolution Japanese occupation of Gyeongbokgung Palace Eulmi Incident |
| Hong Gye-hun | |
| Hangul | 홍계훈 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 洪啓薰 |
| Revised Romanization | Hong Gye-hun |
| McCune–Reischauer | Hong Kye-hoon |
| Art name | |
| Hangul | 규산 |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Gyu-san |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kyu-san |
| Courtesy name | |
| Hangul | 성남 |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Seongnam |
| McCune–Reischauer | Seongnam |
| Posthumous name | |
| Hangul | 충의 |
| Hanja | 忠毅 |
| Revised Romanization | Chungui |
| McCune–Reischauer | Ch'ungui |
Hong Gye-hun's military career spanned several decades, and he played a significant role in the tumultuous period of late 19th-century Korea. He was known for his loyalty, discipline, and dedication to his duties. His rise from a musa to a commander exemplified the possibilities for social advancement and recognition within the military system of the time. Hong Gye-hun's legacy as a military leader and his contributions to suppressing the Donghak Peasant Army are still remembered in Korean history, serving as a testament to the power of determination, skill, and strategic thinking in times of crisis that earned him the trust of King Gojong even when he died defending Queen Min during the Eulmi Incident.