Letter Links Japan to Death of Empress

Evidence which implies that the Japanese government gave orders in the murder of Empress Myeongseong on October 8, 1895, also known as the “Eulmi Incident,” has been revealed.

After searching the Tribute Archive of the Japanese National Diet Library, Choi Mun-hyeong, an emeritus professor of historical science at Hanyang University, found a letter written by a general named Arimoto Yamagata (1838~1922) on July 8, 1895, and sent to the Foreign Minister Mutsu Munemitsu (1844~1897) and brought it to the public’s attention.

In the letter, Yamagata wrote, “I was astounded by what you wrote in the postscript. As you mentioned, it is out of question that we should send the count of the outer world to Korea immediately. I totally agree with your instruction that it is unbearable both for ourselves and to others to just watch the situation with our arms folded. I hope you take actions as soon as decisions are made in the Cabinet meeting.”

“It is important to read between the lines of this letter, which is written in Chinese characters and cursive Japanese,” argues Professor Choi. “The letter reflects how the context and atmosphere then affected the core members of the Japanese Cabinet in their decision to give up appeasing Empress Myeongseong and purge her instead,” he added.

The author of the letter, General Yamagata, had once served as Prime Minister and led his country to victory in the Sino-Japanese War. After retiring from the post, he became a genro, an informal senior advisor who responded to the Emperor’s inquiries. Written while he was recuperating from tuberculosis in a rural retreat, the letter demonstrates that Yamagata was discussing with the Foreign Minister Mutsu about getting rid of the Empress.

The count of the outer world that appears in the letter refers to Inoue Kaoru (1836-1915), who was a Japanese Minister to Korea and had been entrusted with full authority to deal with matters concerning Joseon. Right after this letter was written, around July 10, Inoue recommended Miura Koro (1846~1926), a former warrior who was indifferent in diplomacy, as his successor. The Eulmi Incident occurred only 37 days after Miura took the post on September 1.

“This letter is a decisive proof that refutes Japan’s denial of the Japanese government’s involvement in the incident and their assertion that it was conspired by Miura and Daewon-gun (the regent of Joseon) on their own,” said Professor Choi.

Han Yeong-u, a distinguished professor in Korean History at Hallym University, also appreciated the value of the letter. “Concerning that they have destroyed all of the record files related to the incident, it would be very difficult to find better evidence that implicates the Japanese Government.”

Chae-Hyun Kwon confetti@donga.com