이회영(李會榮)과 이상설(李相卨)의 독립운동론과 독립운동 비교

Abstract

Hoeyeong Lee and Sangseol Lee are related, and they are also friends who have significance in the history of Korean independence movement. This research examines and compares the independence movement theory and independence movement of these two figures to identify the common grounds and differences. Their initial directions for the independence movement coincided as they both emphasized the importance of establishing a foundation for the independence movement. First, Sangseol Lee disposed of his family’s fortune and fled the country in 1906 to establish the foundation for armed struggle. Sangseol Lee sold his land and house in Jincheon and Seoul to fund the independence movement. Disposition of Hoeyeong Lee’s properties is one of the most famous stories in the history of the independence movement. This was a result of directions given by Sinminhoe and his agreement with Sangseol Lee. Hoeyeong Lee and Sangseol Lee not only provided tremendous amount of funds to the movement, but also engaged themselves in the independence movement. They are representative examples of noblesse oblige . The gathering of Hoeyeong Lee and Sangseol Lee in 1908 at Vladivostok was important as it determined the future directions of the independence movement. However, the time and locational differences in their activities caused discordance in their approaches. Hoeyeong Lee accepted anarchism and became an anarchist because of the periodical and locational conditions that he encountered at the time. Hoeyeong Lee and Sangseol Lee had special relationships with Gojong (高宗). Since both planned and attempted Gojong’s asylum, it is difficult to assume that their identities were free from the idea of protection of and loyalty to the king. The fact that Sangseol Lee was chosen as the president of the Korean Liberation Army Government should be not interpreted that he repudiated his relationship with Gojong. However, Hoeyeong Lee’s recognition and identities regarding Gojong should be understood in a sense that he accepted anarchism and changed his thoughts after the death of Gojong and exile to Beijing. That is, Sangseol Lee had not deviated significantly from the identity around Gojong whereas Hoeyeong Lee had developed a new identity instead of being fixated by his initial ideas.