The Independence Club

The history of Korea in the late nineteenth century encompasses new social, political, theological, and economical ideas that led to modernization and new personal ideology that was apportioned to citizens of all classes in Korea. In the late nineteenth century, there were massive political and social changes that led to a more modern Korea. Many of this political and social changes came from theological-based societal implications that were progressed by Protestant activists in the region. A political activist organization that perpetuated Methodist beliefs and ideologies was the Tongnip hyŏphoe, or the Independence Club. The Independence Club was an organization that helped progress Korea into a westernized, independent nation. From 1882
Previously, because of Korea’s strict inegalitarian society, the rich, men controlled government and politics. However, with the social shift pushed forth by the Independence Club, Korea shifted from Chinese influence to western beliefs that allowed women and the poor to have active participation in government. Because the Protestant church was deeply involved in this transformation, commoners, outcasts, and butchers were all actively involved in westernization. People who were previously insubordinate in Korean hierarchal Confucian society preached equality amongst all. While westernization was present, the Club also believed that there should be no reliance on other countries for domestic and foreign affairs, “Their goals included protection of the country’s independence from foreign aggression, revocation of all economic concessions, and adoption of a foreign policy that favored none of the rival powers trying to advance their interests on the peninsula”. Often, politicians would be bribed by countries such as China who wished to subjugate Korea. The Independence Club urged that this type of relationship must stop. Individuality, both at a nation and individual level was extremely emphasized by the Independence