안중근의거 배경과 「동양평화론」의현대사적 의의 －동아시아의 평화와 미래를 전망하며－

Abstract

In the article I examined Ahn Joong-Geun’s family and religious background which could make him bring about his heroic deed, and viewed his writing background of “the Theory of the Peace in the East”, its structure and contents. And then I studied its contemporary historical meaning. Ahn Joong-Geun, who was born as the eldest son of the local gentleman, received a traditional education under his father’s special care, and embraced Western knowledge and thought, and he was of the Roman Catholic persuasion. As he studied human duty and the realization of social justice and established his own values on these bases, he was full of chivalry and a sense of justice. The very chivalry and sense of justice were the internal background of his shooting Ito Hirobumi to death. But he didn’t shoot Ito to death only based on chivalry and the sense of justice. He had far-reaching ideals to build the peace of the East and realize world peace. His plan is well described in “the Theory of the Peace in the East” which was written just before his execution. The concrete way and method to build the peace of the East proposed by Ahn Joong-Geun in “the Theory of the Peace of the East” can be summarized as follows; ① Opening Port Arthur ② Formation of a peace conference between Korea, China and Japan ③ Establishing a bank jointly invested by the three countries ④ Foundation and training of a joint army corps composed of the young men of the three countries ⑤ Commerce and industry development ⑥ The 3 countries’ independence guaranteed by the Pope. In a word, it is very similar to today’s EU. Ahn’s Joong-Geun outstanding aspect appeared in his heroic deed is as follows; ① Thorough patriotism ② Independent self awareness and historical consciousness ③ His view of the world with wide latitude ④ Decision for the peace in the East ⑤ His disposition and spirit as a heroic man to risk his life for great work ⑥ His courage and decision to give up his vested rights ⑦ His resolute attitude in front of death. His heroic deed to kill Ito Hirobumi to death and “the Theory of the Peace in the East” gave us the contemporary historical meaning as follows; His idea included a strong national appearance, however, his idea didn’t pursue the national advantage. He advocated the peace in the East and his logic aimed at world peace based on freedom and peace, the universal value in the end. In this point, his idea showed appearance as the origin of contemporary thought emphasizing breakaway from nationalism.