Queen Min’s True Face?

Former Kun Kook University professor of political science, Kim Joon Hee, displayed a photograph of Queen Min’s face, purchased in Paris, France, on August 10. Professor Kim stated that this photo was in a 1898 French work by Viltal Dragari titled, `Korea, Will It Gain Independence or Go to Russia or Japan`. According to the book, this is not a photograph in the strictest sense but `an illustration based on a photo`. There have been several proposed photos of Queen Min but their genuine nature has been a subject of intense debate, leaving the actual visage behind a veil. Many are wondering whether this most recent photo will be the Rosetta Stone that will put an end to the debate.

Hong Chan-Sik chansik@donga.com