Gen. Min Keung-ho (1865 presumed ~ 1908. 2. 29.)
In 1897, he enlisted in the military (Jinwi-dae) and served in a unit under the Wonju Division, actively participating as a soldier.
In 1901, he was promoted to a Special Operations Training Officer (non-commissioned officer), demonstrating his capability as a commanding officer.
On July 24, 1907, with the signing of the “Korea-Japan Annexation Treaty,” the military was disbanded, and on August 1, a ceremony for the dissolution of the military was conducted.
When the forced disbandment of the military took place, the Seoul demonstrators and soldiers from local military units refused to comply and engaged in armed struggle.
On August 12, 1907, a significant achievement was made by launching a surprise attack on Yeosu in Gyeonggi Province, resulting in the elimination of Japanese forces. During this time, many residents voluntarily enlisted in the armed resistance forces, and the size of the unit grew to include several thousand members.
On August 22, the Min Keung-ho Unit planned and executed a strategic operation in Chungju.
Although they were not able to occupy the area, they inflicted significant damage on the enemy and even defeated the dispatched Japanese troops, ringing the victory bell in pursuit of justice.
Min Keung-ho participated in the “13-do Changeuigun (a nationwide armed resistance alliance)” formed in December 1907, with leaders such as Yi In-yeong and Heo Wi at its core. He was honored to be appointed as the Commander of the Gwandong Changeuidae.
In January of the following year, they immediately carried out the ‘Seoul Advanced Operation,’ charging through Gyeonggi Province and reaching the outskirts of Seoul.
During this process, we played an active role in numerous battles, including the Battle of Hohyeon-dong and the Battle of Samsan-ri.
When the ‘Seoul Advanced Operation’ was suspended on January 28, 1908, he moved to Gangwon Province, the original operational area, and participated in guerrilla warfare once again.
On February 29, in the Battle of Gangnim on Mt. Chiak, Min Keung-ho passed away and recorded as the last fight.
Subsequently, in 1962, President’s Commendation of the Order of National Foundation was posthumously awarded to Min Keung-ho.
Min Keung-ho, the leader of righteous army, regained fame thanks in part to his descendant, Denis Ten, who is a figure skater and a representative of Kazakhstan.
Denis Ten won the bronze medal in men’s singles figure skating at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, making it Kazakhstan’s first-ever figure skating medal and the only medal they obtained at the Sochi Olympics.
He further gained attention by achieving 3rd place at the 2015 World Championships and 1st place at the Four Continents Championships. In addition, he was selected as a representative for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, further increasing his popularity.
He even appeared in a documentary TV show in Korea due to his high popularity. However, unfortunately, on July 19, 2018, Denis Ten tragically lost his life in an assault by robbers in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The achievements of Min Keung-ho, the leader of the volunteers, and his descendant Denis Ten will be a lasting legacy passed down to future generations.
Min Keung-ho, the general of righteous army in Korea. Now it is your turn to complete what he had dreamed of for the better future!