Kim Ga-jin

Kim Ga-jin (1846 – 4 July 1923) was an Imperial Korean politician, diplomat and an independence activist during Korea under Japanese rule.

Biography
Kim was born in 1846. His father was Kim Ung-gyun, who was a member of Andong Kim clan. His father was a Yejo Minister; however, he was an illegitimate child from a Kisaeng. Hwang Hyeon himself did not positively write about Kim. He wrote that Kim was pretending to be a nobility with his shallow knowledge. Despite being an illegitimate child, he started his career as Chamseogwan of Royal library. In 1886, Kim passed Gwageo literary examination. On 16 May 1887 (Lunar Calendar), Kim was appointed as minister sent to Tokyo and returned to Korea on 21 September 1891 (Lunar Calendar).

Kim was an ardent supporter of reform. When the Japanese forces stationed in Seoul, Gim was part of the plot of bringing back Heungseon Daewongun into power as a prime minister, embarking the age without Yeoheung Min clan. Daewongun also wanted to use Kim in the new government as a member of progressive fraction.

As his clique gaining power, Kim found his way towards prominency. Kim was appointed as Minister of agriculture, Industry and Commerce on 1 April 1895 (Lunar Calendar). Kim resigned his position on 17 August 1895 (Lunar Calendar). In August 1895, Kim was appointed as 1st Class member of Junchuwon. On 27 August 1895, Kim was appointed as the Korean envoy sent to Japan. Kim resigned from his office on 1 February 1896. He was appointed as 1st class member of the Junchuwon. In July 1896, Kim registered in the newly formed Independence Club.

Kim served the Korean Empire in various posts such as Speaker of the Jungchuwon, and Special Official of Gungnaebu. After the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905 was signed, Kim showed his disapproval. On 8 May 1906, Kim was demoted to the Observer of the South Chungcheong Province. To fend off the Japanese colonization, Kim became the president of Daehan Organizations. In 1907, he was appointed as Gyujanggak Jaehak and retired from the officialdom same year.

After the annexation of Korea, Kim was ennobled as Baron. Yet his pro-Japanese collaboration did not last long. During the March 1st Movement, Kim participated as one of the representatives of Korea. After the March 1st Movement, Kim became the president of Daedongdan (1919). On 19 October 1919, Kim fled to Shanghai with Yi Jong-uk, an agent from the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea to Seoul. These two secretly arrived at Shanghai with Kim disguising himself as a man living in countryside. Kim's refuge was successful, helped the Daedongdan to act in Shanghai. After Daedongdan was dissolved, Kim joined the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. He died in Shanghai on 4 July 1922.

Honors
Korean Empire


 * Order of the Palgwae 2nd Class on 11 April 1905