Kim Ok-gyun

Kim Ok-gyun led a group of progressive reformers in a coup attempt against the conservative Korean government. The coup aimed to modernize Korea by abolishing class distinctions, reforming the government, and reducing Chinese influence. It failed after three days due to Chinese military intervention.

After the failure of the Gapsin Coup, Kim Ok-gyun fled to Japan, where he lived in exile for a decade. During this time, he continued to advocate for Korean modernization and sought Japanese support for reform, though his collaboration with Japan later tarnished his legacy.

Kim Ok-gyun was assassinated in Shanghai by a Korean conservative, Hong Jong-u. His body was mutilated and displayed in Korea as a warning to reformers. The assassination was ordered by the Korean government, which viewed him as a traitor.