“A single article in a newspaper resonates with Koreans more than one hundred words of Itō. Especially Daehan Maeil Sinbo(The Korea Daily News) published in Korea continuously incites Koreans, which resident-generals must take a great responsibility.”

Who is this person who published Daehan Maeil Sinbo and Itō Hirobumi spoke as a great hindrance to the colonization of Joseon?

He is Ernest Thomas Bethell (1872~1909).

Ernest Thomas Bethell

-November 3rd, 1872 Born in Bristol, United Kingdom

-March 10th, 1904 Came to Korea as a special correspondent of British The Daily Chronicle

-July 18th, 1904 Published the first issue of Daehan Maeil Sinbo.

Daehan Maeil Sinbo was published with Korean and Chinese characters, English, and Korean versions. In September 1907, its size of circulation was over 10 thousand, which was several times higher than all the newspapers published in the same period.

Bethell was both publisher and editor, working together with independence activists including Yang Gi-tak, Park Eun-sik, and Shin Chaeho.

Daehan Maeil Sinbo reported righteous army activity against Japan around the country.

‘Righteous army’ fighting against the Japanese army was rewritten as a mob to censorship of Japan. But Daehan Maeil Sinbo was able to avoid censorship and reported the truth about the righteous army’s activities.

This news gave Koreans a great sense of courage and consolation.

He reported “Silyabangseongdaegok (I Wail Bitterly Today)” of Jang Ji-yeon in English extra news.

On November 27th, 1905, The Korea Daily News reported “Silyabangseongdaegok” of Jang Ji-yeon that reveal the injustice of the Eulsa(Japan-Korea Protectorate) Treaty of 1905 as English extra news. This news was reported by Japan Chronicle in Japan and many Westerners in Japan were able to know about Japan’s invasion of Korea.

He reported the secret letter of Emperor Gojong that documented the unlawfulness of the Eulsa Treaty.

On January 16th, 1907, Daehan Maeil Sinbo gave great coverage to Emperor Gojong’s secret letter to the British The Tribune.

This news directly informed Koreans of the Emperor’s disagreement with the Eulsa Treaty.

Furthermore, Daehan Maeil Sinbo acted as a base for the anti-Japanese movement. It served as the headquarter of the secret anti-Japan society Sinminhoe (New People’s Association) and the head collection center of the National Debt Redemption Movement, a pan-national movement to repay the national debt.

Daehan Maeil Shinbo firmly reported on the anti-Japan issue, Japan relentlessly oppressed the newspaper.

Japan persistently demanded the deportation of Bethell to the British government. Bethell went through two trials and received a punishment of 3 weeks imprisonment. Moreover, Japan imprisoned Secretary Yang Gi-tak to defame Bethell and hinder newspaper publication. Bethell sued false news reports and received compensation, but abruptly passed away on May 1st, 1909.

“I might die but let The Daehan Maeil Sinbo to save Koreans”

– Last Words of Bethell”

Thousands attended Bethell’s funeral and around 1000 people followed the funeral procession. Koreans deeply mourned the passing of Bethell who criticized the Japanese invasion and represented Koreans.

Ernest Thomas Bethell, a journalist who fought against the Japanese invasion for the freedom and independence of Korea, is the true ‘Friend of Korea’!

Let’s carry on the dream of Ernest Thomas Bethell by promoting Korea to the world and changing the global society.

VANK Independence Activists’ Dream kkum.prkorea.com