Yi Yong-ik
Yi Yong-ik (6 January 1854 - 1907 Korean: 이용익) was an official, and politician of the Korean Empire. As an official, Yi was very interested in education. He established Bosung College, which later becomes Korea University. As an officer he was also a lieutenant general of the Imperial Korean Army. Life. On 6 January 1854, Yi was born in Hamgyong Province, which is nowadays part of North Korea. His father, Yi Hak-shin was an official too. However, his family was a poor peasant family. Almost nothing is acknowledged about his family. He was not able to  get a good education but he learned Chinese Characters from school. Yi became friends with Min Young-ik. In 1882, during Imo Incident he used his fast walk to contact with Empress Myeongseong. Gojong appointed him as Busa of Tanchon. Yi had an ability to find where the golds are located. These golds found from Tanchon helped developing the country a lot. For these accomplishments, Yi became a high ranked financial officer of the Royal family. But in 1888, Yi was indict for the rebellion in his land, Bukcheong. Yi got his wealth from people by making them pay too  much tax. For this, he was exiled to what is now South Jeolla Province. After two months of exile, he was forgiven and brought back. Yi started to play a big role in politics after he was appointed as the Nae Jang Won which is part of Gungnaebu in 1897. In 1899, as Minister of National Defense, he participated in establishment of Daehan Cheonil Bank. In 1900, Yi was appointed as Hyeopan of Minister of Currency. On 8 January 1901, Yi was appointed as Major of the Army. In 1902, he became the minister of currency. As the minister, Yi  leaded the reform of currency as part of Gabo Reform. He prevented the foreigners mining golds to strengthen the Imperial family. He ordered a lot of coins to be made which Independence Club denounced. In 1903, Yi became the supreme commander of the military police and appointed as Major General of the Imperial Korean Army. Before the Russo-Japanese War broke out, YI always prepared for war by preparing various equipments. In 1904, when the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1904 was signed, Yi showed his disagreement. Japanese kidnapped Yi for various reasons including his disagreement. Even being kidnapped, Yi learned  about new technology and experienced them. He bought a printer, which help the establishments of schools. In May 1905, Yi established the Bosung College by being supported from the country. In May 1905, Yi was appointed as the minister of Military, and Lieutenant General proceeding Min Young-Cheol. As a military minister, Yi got 1st class of Order of the Taegeuk. After Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905 was signed, Yi was sent to France by orders of Gojong. However, he was found in China by Japanese. Han Kyu-seol indicted him of being not present when he was the Minister  of Military. As a result, he got punishment. His Order of Taegeuk was taken away for this punishment. In 1907, he died in Russian Empire by disease. After his death, Gojong was sad of his death and regret about giving heavy punishments to him. Gojong helped Yi's funeral. Yi's final words to Gojong was an advice about concentration to education, and recovering the national sovereignty. Gojong pardoned every punshiments done to Yi. Gojong gave Yi posthumous name of Choung Suk (Korean: 충숙, Chinese Character: 忠肅). Political Tendency. As a politician, Yi was always pro-Russian and anti-Japanese . He made Korean Empire to remain neutral during the Russo-Japanese War with Yi Hak-gyun and some other pro-Russian politicians.