Bak Jungyang, Korean politician

Bak Jungyang (Korean: 박중양, Hanja: 朴重陽; born on May 3, 1874, or possibly 1872, and passing away on April 23, 1959) was a prominent figure whose career spanned both the late Joseon dynasty and the period of Japanese colonial rule over Korea. He wore many hats during his lifetime, serving as a bureaucrat, a politician, and notably, a social activist and self-proclaimed liberal, though his complex legacy is largely defined by his unwavering support for Japanese colonial policies.

Early Life, Education, and Entry into Public Service

Born into a rapidly changing Korea, Bak Jungyang sought educational opportunities abroad, traveling to Japan to study. This experience undoubtedly shaped his worldview and his belief in modernization, often aligning with the Japanese model of progress. Upon his return to Korea, he embarked on a bureaucratic career, ascending through various administrative ranks during a time of immense political upheaval and foreign influence. His early appointments were significant, serving as the Mayor of Daegu and concurrently as the Deputy Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do from 1906 to 1907. These roles placed him at the heart of local administration just as the Japanese Protectorate was solidifying its control over Korea.

Contributions to Urban Development and Administrative Career

Throughout his career, Bak Jungyang played a notable role in urban development and infrastructure. In Daegu, he spearheaded projects that dramatically reshaped the city's landscape, including the controversial demolition of the historic Daegueup castle and the Old Gyungsangdo Provincial Office. While these actions were seen by some as a destruction of heritage, they were part of broader "modernization" efforts that often prioritized new city planning and road maintenance, areas to which Bak significantly contributed. His involvement extended beyond Daegu, as he also participated in the destruction of the Castle of Jinju, another symbol of traditional Korean heritage. His administrative prowess led him to a series of high-level gubernatorial positions across various provinces. He served sequentially as Governor of Phyeongannam-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Phyeonganpuk-do, and Chungcheongnam-do, demonstrating a wide-ranging influence over Korean provincial administration under Japanese rule.

Political Stance and Controversial Ideology

Bak Jungyang's political alignment was unequivocally pro-Japanese, a stance that has made him a highly controversial figure in Korean history. He was actively involved in the events leading up to the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1910, which formally annexed Korea into the Japanese Empire. His support for the colonial government was evident in his strong opposition to the March 1st Movement of 1919, a nationwide non-violent demonstration demanding Korean independence. He viewed such movements as detrimental to the stability and modernization he believed Japanese rule could bring. To further his pro-Japanese agenda, he co-founded the Refrain Club (자제단, Jajaedan), an organization that advocated for cooperation with the colonial administration rather than resistance. He was often described as a "conscientious Japanese colonial supporter," indicating a deeply held belief in the benefits of Japanese governance for Korea's development, even if it came at the cost of national sovereignty. Paradoxically, he was also noted as an advocate for civil rights, a position that, in his view, may have been reconciled with his belief in colonial rule as a path to a more "enlightened" society.

Later Career and Enduring Legacy

His administrative career continued well into the Japanese colonial period, reflecting the trust placed in him by the Japanese authorities. He served as Governor of Hwanghae-do from 1921 to 1923, and then of Chungcheongbuk-do Provinces from 1923 to 1925. His expertise and loyalty were such that he was reappointed Governor of Hwanghae-do province in 1928. After World War II and Korea's liberation from Japanese rule, Bak Jungyang's pro-Japanese activities led to his designation as a "collaborator" (친일파, Chinilpa), a term carrying profound negative connotations in modern Korean society. His legacy remains a subject of intense debate, embodying the complex and often tragic choices made by individuals during the colonial era. Bak Jungyang was known by several nicknames, including Haeak (해악), Ilso (일소), and Wongeun (원근). Reflecting the pressures and realities of the colonial period, he also adopted Japanese names such as Shigeyō Hōchū (朴忠重陽), Jūyō Boku (朴 重陽), and Shin Yamamoto (山本 信).

FAQs

What was Bak Jungyang's primary role in Korean history?

Bak Jungyang was a prominent Korean bureaucrat, politician, and social activist who served during both the late Joseon dynasty and the period of Japanese colonial rule. He is primarily known for his administrative contributions and his controversial support for Japanese colonial policies.

Why is Bak Jungyang considered a controversial figure?

He is controversial due to his staunch pro-Japanese stance, his involvement in the 1910 Japan–Korea Treaty (annexation), his opposition to the Korean independence movements like the March 1st Movement, and his later designation as a "collaborator" after Korea's liberation from Japanese rule.

What were Bak Jungyang's significant contributions to urban development?

In Daegu, he was instrumental in city planning and road maintenance, which included the demolition of the historic Daegueup castle and the Old Gyungsangdo Provincial Office. He also participated in the destruction of the Castle of Jinju, actions often linked to Japanese-led modernization efforts.

What was the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1910 and Bak Jungyang's involvement?

The Japan–Korea Treaty of 1910 formally annexed Korea into the Japanese Empire, ending Korea's sovereignty. Bak Jungyang was involved in the political processes surrounding this treaty and supported the annexation, aligning with his pro-Japanese ideology.

What was the Refrain Club?

The Refrain Club (자제단, Jajaedan) was a pro-Japanese political organization co-founded by Bak Jungyang. Its purpose was to advocate for cooperation with the Japanese colonial administration, rather than resistance, during the period of Japanese rule in Korea.