[Exclusive] Movement to Repatriate the Remains of Nacheol, Kim Gyoheon, and Seo Il, the 'Three Great Leaders of Daejonggyo,' Gains Momentum

Officials from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Recently Met with High-ranking Daejonggyo Officials for Consultation

The tomb of the 'Three Great Masters of Daejonggyo' in Hualong City, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, China. From left to right: Seoil Master, Nacheol Great Master, Kim Gyoheon Master. Photo by Daejonggyo

[Asia Economy, So Jong-seop, Political and Social Editor] The repatriation of the remains of the 'Three Daejonggyo Martyrs' is expected to gain momentum. The 'Three Daejonggyo Martyrs' refer to Na Cheol, the founder of Daejonggyo, Kim Gyoheon, and Seo Il. In early October, officials from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs visited the Daejonggyo headquarters and met with Park Min-ja, the Daejonggyo Chief Preacher, to discuss the repatriation of their remains. Park Min-ja told reporters, "The officials from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs came recently, listened to various stories, and said they would make efforts regarding the repatriation." This indicates the special interest the Ministry, which is about to be promoted to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, has in this matter.

The 'Three Daejonggyo Martyrs' are all independence patriots who received the Order of Merit for National Foundation for their contributions to the anti-Japanese struggle. They died while fighting for independence in China and are currently buried in Hualong City, Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, Jilin Province, China. However, it is known that their graves have been poorly maintained, with some damage to the burial mounds and overgrown grass.

Daejonggyo is a national religion founded by Hongam Na Cheol in 1909. It established branches in Northern Gando, Manchuria, and in 1911, even moved its headquarters to Manchuria. During the Japanese colonial period, Daejonggyo stood at the forefront of the anti-Japanese struggle. After Na Cheol's death in 1916, Kim Gyoheon took over as the leader. Many members of the Northern Military Administration Office who participated in the Battle of Cheongsanri in 1920 were Daejonggyo followers. Prominent independence activists such as Shin Chae-ho and Kim Jwa-jin were also members of Daejonggyo. Seo Il, who served as the president of the Northern Military Administration Office, was posthumously honored as a martyr.

The Daejonggyo side is reportedly hoping to enshrine them at Seoul National Cemetery and have their award ranks upgraded. Although these 'Three Martyrs' received the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Independence Medal (3rd class), there have been ongoing calls to elevate their honors. Once the repatriation process gains traction, this issue is also expected to progress. The repatriation of independence patriots buried overseas has occurred several times in the past. Most recently, during the Moon Jae-in administration, the remains of General Hong Beom-do, who was in Kazakhstan, were repatriated.