Min Young-hwan: Difference between revisions

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'''Min Yeong-hwan''' ({{Korean|hangul=민영환|hanja=閔泳煥}}; 7 August 1861 – 30 November 1905) was a politician, diplomat, and general of the [[Korean Empire]] and known as a conservative proponent for reform. He was born in [[Seoul]] into the powerful [[Yeoheung Min clan]] which [[Heungseon Daewongun]] hated, and committed suicide as an act of resistance against the [[Eulsa Treaty]] imposed by Japan on Korea. He is remembered today for his efforts on behalf of Korean independence in the waning days of the [[Joseon]] period and a statue to his memory now stands on a traffic island near Chungjeongno Intersection,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://place.map.kakao.com/1727205167 |website=Kakao Map |access-date=11 November 2022 |title=민영환선생동상 }}</ref> his namesake, after having previously been located at Anguk Intersection in 1957, before being moved due to road widening to near Donhwa Gate of Changdeok Palace in 1970 where it was criticized for not matching the surroundings, and then near the General Post Office next to Jogye Temple in 2003, where it was reportedly neglected until 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Park |first1=Gyu-ri |title='Chungjeong-gong' Min Yeong-hwan seonsaeng dongsang, chungjeonglo-e jali jabneunda |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20220808150600004 |access-date=11 November 2022 |agency=Yonhap |date=9 August 2022}}</ref>

Min continued to rise through the ranks of Joseon officialdom, holding a succession of posts including a position in the Office of Special Advisors (''Hongmungwan'' 弘文館) and tutor to the [[Sunjong of Korea|Crown Prince]].<ref name=":0" /> Min was one of the favorite officials of the [[Gojong of Korea|King]], and wasbeing posted to manynumerous important posts.{{Sfn|Yi|2014|p=103-106}} However, during the [[Imo Incident]], Min's father was killed by the followers of Daewongun., Asan aevent result,that led Min resignedto hisresign poststo andmourn wentfor intohis mourningloss. HisIn fact, his aversion of the ancient military systems also contributed to the leaving of Min.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |script-title=ko:민영환(閔泳煥)|url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0020206 |access-date=2021-12-13 |website=[[Encyclopedia of Korean Culture]]}}</ref> In 1884, Min reentered public service and was appointed an official of the Board of Personnel (''Ijo'' 吏曹).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |script-title=ko:이호준 등에게 관직을 제수하다 |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_12208008_001 |access-date=2022-08-31}}</ref> In March 1886, Min, who was posted as Hyeoppan Naemubusa, was ordered to secure Korea's independence by borrowing Russia's influence to check Qing's increasing influence. With [[Gaehwa Party]], Min attempted to sign Second Choseon-Russia Secrete Agreement to achieve the King's will; however, this conspiracy was spotted by Min Young-ik, and [[Yuan Shikai]], leading [[Li Hongzhang]] to consider even the abdication of Korean king. Gojong's plan thus failed, and Gaewha politicians, such as [[Gim Ga-jin]] and Gim Hak-wu, were banished. Even still, he did not find himself being punished.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |publisher=[[Independence Museum of Korea]] |script-title=ko:민영환 |url=https://search.i815.or.kr/dictionary/detail.do?searchWord=%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98&reSearchWord=&searchType=all&index=1&id=645}}</ref> AtDespite all, at a young age, Min rose into power as Minister of Yejo in 1887, and Minister of Military in 1888 and 1890 respectively for him enjoying the love of the king.<ref name=":13" />

Over the course of his career, Min actively participated in the modernization of Joseon. In an attempt to build a modernized navy, Min established Choseon navy or Gi Yeon Hae Bang Young, and employed an American navy instructor to modernise the navy.<ref name=":10" /> In 1893, Min became the Justice Minister (刑曹判書),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=1 October 1893 |script-title=ko:민영환을 형조 판서에 임명하다 |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_13011001_002 |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref> and in November of that year, Min was appointed as Mayor of Seoul (漢城府判尹).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=23 November 1893 |script-title=ko:민영환 등에게 관직을 제수하다 |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_13011023_002 |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref> During the [[Donghak Peasant Revolution]], Min was appointed as Byeol Ip-jik on 14 September 1894 (Lunar Calendar).<ref>{{Cite web |last=동학농민혁명자료총서 |date=26 September 1894 |script-title=ko:군국기무처 장정 1894년 6월 26일 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=prd&levelId=prd_024r_0010_0380&types=r |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> Min triedaimed to suppress the revolution by stabilising public, arresting revolutionists, providing enough supplies to the Government army, and protecting government offices. Due to his harsh reactions, Min was hated by the revolutionists. [[Jeon Bongjun]], who was the leader of the Donghak, denounced Min as being one of the most corrupted officials in the government with Min Young-jun,{{Efn|Later Min Young-hwi}} and Go Young-gun.{{Sfn|Yi|2014|p=110}} After the Revolution, in 1895, Min was appointed as ana minister to the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |script-title=ko:민영환을 특명 전권공사에 임명하여 미국에 주재하라고 명하다 |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_13208010_003 |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref> However, the murder of the [[Empress Myeongseong|Queen]], by Japanese troops in October 1895, prevented him from taking the post.<ref name=":0" />

On 3 April 1896, Min was appointed as special minister to [[Russian Empire|Russia]] to participate in the coronation of [[Czar]] [[Nicholas II]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=조선·대한제국 관보 |date=3 April 1896 |title=赴俄公使閔泳煥隨員尹致昊參書官金得鍊金道一이本月一日上午八時에出發홈 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=345&totalCount=345&itemId=gbdh&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&types=&searchSubjectClass=&position=13&levelId=gbdh_1896_04_03_a00290_00040&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> Min received 20,000 Dollars from the Korean government for journey and embarked on ship named Empress on 11 April in [[Incheon]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=11 April 1896 |title=11th.Saturday. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0040_0040&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> Reason why Min was selected as special minister was because Min wasAs a member of the Jeong-Deong Club, familiarizingMin was himfamiliarized with many foreigners in Korea, andwhile being a moderate and loyal politician in the government; these traits made Min the perfect candidate to be sent to Russia for a diplomatic mission.<ref name=":10" /> ArrivingUpon arriving [[Yokohama]] on 16 April, they visited Korean Legation and sailed to Canada, and<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=17 April 1896 |title=17th.Friday. Empress of China |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0040_0050&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> on 29 April, they arrived at [[Vancouver]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=29 April 1896 |title=29th.Wednesday. Vancouver. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0040_0060&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> On 5 May, they arrived in [[Montreal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=5 May 1896 |title=5th. Tuesday. Pleasant. Montreal |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0050_0020&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> TheyAfterwards, they visited [[New York City]], and embarked [[RMS Lucania]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=9 May 1896 |title=9th.Saturday. N.Y. and S.S. Lucania. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?sort=levelId&dir=ASC&start=1&limit=20&page=1&pre_page=1&setId=434&totalCount=434&prevPage=0&prevLimit=&itemId=sa&types=&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&brokerPagingInfo=&levelId=sa_027r_0020_0050_0040&position=-1 |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> After 7 days of sailing, Min's delegation arrived in [[Liverpool]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=16 May 1896 |title=16th.Saturday.Liverpool London. Queensboro |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0050_0050&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> Next day, they arrived at the [[Berlin Friedrichstraße station]],;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=17 May 1896 |title=17th.Sunday. Holland. Germany |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0050_0060&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> then by 8:00 AM on 18 May, they reached [[Warsaw]]. They were welcomed by military officers in there.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=18 May 1896 |title=18th. Monday. Warsaw, Russian Poland |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0050_0070&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> On 19 May, they got on a train to [[Moscow]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=19 May 1896 |title=19th. Tuesday. On train. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0050_0080&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> and finally arrived at Moscow on 20 May.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=20 May 1896 |title=20th.Wednesday. Moscow. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0050_0090&types=o |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> Next day, Min visited the Palace of the Governor of Moscow.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=21 May 1896 |title=21st.Thursday. Moscow |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0050_0100&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> On 22 May, Min visited the Czar. Min gave the letter of Korean king to the Czar. The Czar answered to Min, "Whenever it shall please your Majesty to inquire into the affairs of Corea, the Envoy extraordinary, is prepared and authorized by his government to present to Your Majesty in full the condition and needs of Corea."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=22 May 1896 |title=22nd.Friday. Moscow. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0050_0110&types=o |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> To contact with Russian politicians, Min visited [[Saint Petersburg]]. There, he met [[Aleksey Lobanov-Rostovsky]], the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and gave the five requests of the Korean government. The five requests were the following:<ref name=":11" />

About these requests, Lobanov answered that they will answer as soon as possible.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=5 June 1896 |title=5th.Friday. Beautiful. A shower. |url=http://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0060_0020&types=o |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> On 13 June, Min, gotas promised, received answers, from Lobanov which said that providing guards for the Korean King will not be possible because of predictable conflicts with English or German, but agreed with sending an economy instructor for paying off debt, establishing telephone lines and sending military inspectors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=13 June 1896 |title=13th.Saturday. Pleasant a.m. |url=http://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_027_0020_0060_0080&types=o |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> Even though Russia showed a half-hearted answer to Korea, Min was brought 13 Russian military instructors to Korea.{{Sfn|Yi|2014|p=107}} These instructors were contract workers of the Joseon Government with three years of service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Imperial Russia Foreign Affairs Documents |script-title=ko:교관들과의 계약안 |url=http://contents.nahf.or.kr/id/NAHF.kifr.d_0004_0100_0120 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=contents.nahf.or.kr |language=ko}}</ref> After receiving answer from Lobanov, Min's delegation stayed in Russia until August and inspected Russian facilities, including military bases, courts, prisons, schools, and military bases.<ref>Bella Pak. Russian diplomacy and Korea.1888–1897. Moscow: Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences,2004 . 271 p.</ref>{{Sfn|Yi|2014|p=|pp=107-108}} Then, they returned to Korea through Novgorod, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, and Vladivostok, finally returning on 21 October 1896 and gave the letter of Nicholas II to Gojong in Russian legation.{{Sfn|Yi|2014|p=108}} Soon after his return, Min got interviewed by the [[Tongnip Sinmunsinmun]], in which he said that the trip to Europe made him a new man. He proclaimed thathis hefull woulddevotion doof doing anything for the reform of Korea.{{Sfn|Finch|2002|p=116-117}} RightThe afternewspaper thenoted journeythat Min had three accomplishments: strengthening amicable relationship with Russia, onadvertising 12independence Novemberof 1896Korea, and bringing Russian instructors. Despite all that, Min himself was appointedregretting asfor Lieutenantnot generalcompletely andgetting [[Ministryconsent offor Militarythe other three rejected request (Koreanadvisors, telegraphic connections, and Empireloans)|Minister, ofaccording Military]].<ref>{{Citeto webYun |last=VeritableChi-ho Recordswho ofaccompanied thethrough Joseonall Dynastythe |title=이윤용을journey. 농상공부Even 대신에still, 민영환을Koreans 군부were 대신에happy 임명하다for |url=http://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_13311012_003the |access-date=2022-01-12aforementioned |website=[[Veritableaccomplishments Recordsdone ofby Min not frustrated by the Joseonfailure Dynasty]]of him.{{Sfn|Kim|2017|p=24-25}}</ref>

Right after the journey, on 12 November 1896, Min was appointed as Lieutenant general and [[Ministry of Military (Korean Empire)|Minister of Military]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |script-title=ko:이윤용을 농상공부 대신에, 민영환을 군부 대신에 임명하다 |url=http://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_13311012_003 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref> Min successfully brought the Russian instructors to Korea on 26 October 1896.<ref>{{Cite web |last=French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Document |date=26 October 1896 |title=【114】 러시아 교관들을 지휘할 푸차타 대령의 서울 도착 |url=http://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=hk&levelId=hk_017r_0010_1140&types=r |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> As such, Min was expected to be a great military leader to modernise the Korean army.<ref name=":3" /> These Russian instructors trained about 800 guards, which helped Gojong to return to the [[Deoksugung|palace]] from the Russian legation.{{Sfn|Yi|2014|p=107}}

Other than the military reform, Min was also active in commemoration of Korean Army. Min, as the minister, was active with commemorating the deceased personnels of Korea during various events. On 19 January 1897, Min arranged a traditional memorial ceremony in Cheon Nyeon Jong.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seo |first=Jaepil |date=January 21, 1897 |script-title=ko:군부 대신 민영환씨가,군부대신 민영환씨가 |url=https://nl.go.kr/newspaper/detail.do?content_id=CNTS-00098987917&from=%EC%8B%A0%EB%AC%B8%20%EA%B2%80%EC%83%89 |work=[[Tongnip sinmun]] |pages=2}}</ref>

However, Min's term as the minister of military was ephemeral. He had conflicts with Colonel [[Dmitry Putyata]] (the leader of the Russian instructors):<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Documents |date=17 January 1897 |title=【1】조선 군대 개혁을 위해 초빙된 러시아 군사 교관단 문제 |url=http://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?sort=levelId&dir=ASC&start=1&limit=20&page=1&pre_page=1&setId=-1&totalCount=0&prevPage=0&prevLimit=&itemId=hk&types=r&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&brokerPagingInfo=&levelId=hk_018r_0010_0010&position=-1 |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> Putyata complained Min's incapacity for numerous times.{{Sfn|Finch|2002|p=119}} Furthermore, Min's carrying out tooexcessively radical reforms such as requiring short hairstyle made him haveunpopular some disputes withamong conservatives and the emperor, himself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Records of the Japanese Legation in Korea |date=8 November 1898 |title=(9) 獨立協會의 大臣 排斥에 관한 詳報의 件 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=jh&levelId=jh_012r_0120_0090&types=r |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> whichMin ended up resigning the post on 15 January 1897.

Upon his return to Korea, Min became a fervent supporter of the [[Independence Club]] and was interviewed by its newspaper ''The Independent'' (''Dongnip Sinmun'' 獨立新聞). Two diplomatic trips to Europe made Min to be deeply engage in [[Gwangmu Reform]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=우리역사넷 |title=민영환 |url=http://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?levelId=kc_n400900&code=kc_age_40 |access-date=2022-04-22 |website=contents.history.go.kr}}</ref> Despite his numerous request many reforms, only some (mostly about military) were actually executed.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=민영환 - Encyves Wiki |url=http://dh.aks.ac.kr/Encyves/wiki/index.php/%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98 |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=dh.aks.ac.kr}}</ref> After [[Bak Jeongyang]] cabinet was formed, Min returned to the Korean politics as a Special official of Gungnaebu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=한국사 |title=(2) 排日親露政策의 擡頭 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?sort=levelId&dir=ASC&start=1&limit=20&page=1&pre_page=1&setId=18&totalCount=18&prevPage=0&prevLimit=&itemId=oh&types=&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&brokerPagingInfo=&levelId=oh_018_0010_0010_0020&position=2}}</ref> Then, Min rose into the power by being appointed as Minister of Military and Interior on 12 October 1898.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=공훈전자사료관 |title=민영환 |url=https://e-gonghun.mpva.go.kr/user/IndepCrusaderDetail.do?goTocode=20003&mngNo=1991 |access-date= |website=e-gonghun.mpva.go.kr}}</ref> Min initiated military reform, starting with ordering all officers and soldiers to wear military uniforms on 14 October 1898.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 October 1898 |title=새로 피명한 군부대신 민영환씨가 |work=[[Jeguk Sinmun]] |url=https://nl.go.kr/newspaper/detail.do?content_id=CNTS-00068002400&from=%EC%8B%A0%EB%AC%B8%20%EA%B2%80%EC%83%89}}</ref> On 5 November 1898, Min founded Heunghwa School arguing that people should import Western culture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=삼천리 제4권 제9호 |title=自叙傳 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=23&totalCount=23&itemId=ma&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&types=&searchSubjectClass=&position=12&levelId=ma_016_0310_0060&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> On 4 December 1898, Min became Chamjung of [[State Council of Joseon|State Council of Korean Empire]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal of the Royal Secretariat |title=의정부 참정에 민영환을 임용하였다 |url=https://db.itkc.or.kr/dir/item?itemId=ST#dir/node?grpId=&itemId=ST&gubun=book&depth=5&cate1=&cate2=&dataGubun=%EC%B5%9C%EC%A2%85%EC%A0%95%EB%B3%B4&dataId=ITKC_ST_Z0_A35_10A_21A_00090 |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=db.itkc.or.kr}}</ref> and Minister of Economy on 20 December 1898.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal of the Royal Secretariat |title=의정부찬정 학부대신에 의정부찬정 탁지부대신 박정양을 제수하라는 조령 |url=https://db.itkc.or.kr/dir/item?itemId=ST#/dir/node?dataId=ITKC_ST_Z0_A35_11A_08A_00040&solrQ=query%E2%80%A0%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98%20%ED%83%81%EC%A7%80%EB%B6%80$solr_sortField%E2%80%A0$solr_sortOrder%E2%80%A0$solr_secId%E2%80%A0ST_AA$solr_toalCount%E2%80%A061$solr_curPos%E2%80%A024$solr_solrId%E2%80%A0BD_ITKC_ST_Z0_A35_11A_08A_00040 |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=db.itkc.or.kr}}</ref> Min averred the reason why tax was not collected was because local officials are corrupted, and tried to stop the corruption of the local officials.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 1899 |title=탁지대신 민영환씨가 |work=[[Jeguk Sinmun]] |url=https://nl.go.kr/newspaper/detail.do?content_id=CNTS-00048154892&from=%EC%8B%A0%EB%AC%B8%20%EA%B2%80%EC%83%89 |access-date=2022-08-14}}</ref> However, as the emperor started to oppress the liberal faction of Korea, Min, as a liberal politician, saw his positioned being threatened. Min lost his fell from the power and was replaced by conservative politicians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=신편한국사 |title=2) 독립협회·만민공동회의 강제 해산 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?sort=levelId&dir=ASC&start=1&limit=20&page=1&pre_page=1&setId=38&totalCount=38&prevPage=0&prevLimit=&itemId=nh&types=&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&brokerPagingInfo=&levelId=nh_041_0060_0020_0020&position=19}}</ref> On 15 March 1899, Min was appointed as envoy reside in America.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Records of the Japanese Legation in Korea |title=(14) [韓國의 現況報告] |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=jh&levelId=jh_013r_0100_0140&types=r}}</ref> On 19 February 1900, Min became head of accounting of the Board of Marshals,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=19 February 1900 |title=김규홍 등에게 관직을 제수하다 |url=http://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_13702019_007 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}</ref> and for his service as the head of accounting of the Board of Marshals, Min received 1st Class of the [[Order of the Taegeuk]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=사료 고종시대사 |date=22 April 1900 |title=광무 황제, 청안군 이재순 등에게 서훈할 것을 명함 |url=http://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=165&totalCount=165&itemId=sk&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&position=150&levelId=sk_023r_0020_0040_0160_0030&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-05-07 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> He was posted as the military police commander from 2 August 1900,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |title=원수부 회계국 총장 육군 부장 민영환에게 헌병대 사령관을 겸임하게 하다 |url=http://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_13708002_001 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}</ref> and on 9 August Min was appointed as President of the AwardingPyeo-hun sectionWon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |title=농상공부 대신 민병석에게 궁내부 대신의 사무를 임시로 서리하게 하다 |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_13708009_002 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}</ref> In 1902, Min established Reform party with [[Yi Dong-hwi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=근대사연표 |title=李東輝. 민영환, 改革黨 조직. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?sort=levelId&dir=ASC&start=1&limit=10&page=1&pre_page=1&setId=2&totalCount=2&prevPage=0&prevLimit=&itemId=tcmd&types=&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&brokerPagingInfo=&levelId=tcmd_1902_99_99_0080&position=-1 |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> The party succeeded the [[Independence Club]] as the reforming fraction of Imperial Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |last=국사관논총 |title=I. 成長過程과 初期活動(1871~1904) |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=2&totalCount=2&itemId=kn&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&types=&searchSubjectClass=&position=0&levelId=kn_010_0080_0020&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98+%EA%B0%9C%ED%98%81%EB%8B%B9&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=한민족독립운동사 |title=2) 애국계몽운동에 대한 연구 동향과 과제 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=2&totalCount=2&itemId=hdsr&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&types=&searchSubjectClass=&position=1&levelId=hdsr_012_0010_0020&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EA%B0%9C%ED%98%81%EB%8B%B9&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref>

During that time, Min continued on to support the reform-favoring faction. For instance, in 1902, Min established Reform party with [[Yi Dong-hwi]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=근대사연표 |title=李東輝. 민영환, 改革黨 조직. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?sort=levelId&dir=ASC&start=1&limit=10&page=1&pre_page=1&setId=2&totalCount=2&prevPage=0&prevLimit=&itemId=tcmd&types=&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&brokerPagingInfo=&levelId=tcmd_1902_99_99_0080&position=-1 |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> The party succeeded the [[Independence Club]] as the reforming fraction of Imperial Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |last=국사관논총 |title=I. 成長過程과 初期活動(1871~1904) |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=2&totalCount=2&itemId=kn&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&types=&searchSubjectClass=&position=0&levelId=kn_010_0080_0020&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98+%EA%B0%9C%ED%98%81%EB%8B%B9&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=한민족독립운동사 |title=2) 애국계몽운동에 대한 연구 동향과 과제 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=2&totalCount=2&itemId=hdsr&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&types=&searchSubjectClass=&position=1&levelId=hdsr_012_0010_0020&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EA%B0%9C%ED%98%81%EB%8B%B9&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref>

Min became the Minister of Education on 8 March 1904.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=8 March 1904 |script-title=ko:민영환을 학부대신으로, 김가진을 농상공부대신에 임명하다 |url=http://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_14103008_002 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=sillok.history.go.kr[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref> As the Minister of Education, Min criticized the neglected ministry,. andHe triedstarted his efforts to appointrevolutionize the Korean officialdom from education, suggesting the appointment of government officials among the graduates of public schools, and graduates of private school should enter the officialdom with an exam. The reform that Min desired to bring was planned to be a gradual change in 3 or 4 years. Moreover, he advised every children to attend school.{{Sfn|Hulbert|1904|p=122}} OnHowever, on May 25, Min resigned from his post of Minister of Education<ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal of the Royal Secretariat |date=25 May 1904 |script-title=ko:적임이 아니므로 체차해 주기를 청하는 학부 대신 민영환의 사직 상소 |url=https://db.itkc.or.kr/dir/item?itemId=ST#dir/node?grpId=&itemId=ST&gubun=book&depth=5&cate1=&cate2=&dataGubun=%EC%B5%9C%EC%A2%85%EC%A0%95%EB%B3%B4&dataId=ITKC_ST_Z0_A41_04A_11A_00040 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=db.itkc.or.kr}}</ref> and was appointed as head of accounting of the Board of Marshals on 26 May 1904.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal of the Royal Secretariat |date=26 May 1904 |script-title=ko:학부 대신에 의정부 찬정 이재극을 제수하라는 조령 |url=https://db.itkc.or.kr/dir/item?itemId=ST#dir/node?grpId=&itemId=ST&gubun=book&depth=5&cate1=&cate2=&dataGubun=%EC%B5%9C%EC%A2%85%EC%A0%95%EB%B3%B4&dataId=ITKC_ST_Z0_A41_04A_12A_00040 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=db.itkc.or.kr}}</ref> His opposition against the [[Japan–Korea Treaty of 1904]] made Min to be posted as the chief of equerry, which was a comparablecomparably unimportantless-significant one.<ref name=":9" /> Opposing the pro-Japanese cabinet, Min continued to serve as leisurely posts;<ref name=":0" /> moreover, Min experienced conflict with the pro-Japanese organization [[Iljinhoe]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Records of Japanese Legation in Korea |title=(34) [一進會 현황에 관한 조사보고] |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=190&totalCount=190&itemId=jh&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&types=r&searchSubjectClass=&position=109&levelId=jh_021r_0070_0340&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> On 26 March 1905, Min was appointed as the prime minister following the resignation of Cho Byeong-shik.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=고종시대사 |title=侍從武官長 閔泳煥을 議政府參政大臣 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?setId=8&totalCount=8&itemId=gj&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&page=1&pre_page=1&brokerPagingInfo=&types=o&searchSubjectClass=&position=0&levelId=gj_006_c09_030_240_010&searchKeywordType=BI&searchKeywordMethod=EQ&searchKeyword=%EB%AF%BC%EC%98%81%ED%99%98+%EC%B0%B8%EC%A0%95%EB%8C%80%EC%8B%A0&searchKeywordConjunction=AND |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=ko:[참정대신 조병식이 재차 사직상소하여 민영환이 참정대신에 새로이 임명됨] |work=[[Jeguk Sinmun]] |url=https://nl.go.kr/newspaper/detail.do?content_id=CNTS-00069064703&from=%EC%8B%A0%EB%AC%B8%20%EA%B2%80%EC%83%89}}</ref> As the prime minister, Min restrict the prevalent usage of illegal shamanism by implementing police forces to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal of the Royal Secretariat |date=17 April 1905 |script-title=ko:법부 등에서 무당이나 점쟁이를 붙잡아 조율할 것을 청하는 참정대신 민영환의 계 |url=https://db.itkc.or.kr/dir/item?itemId=ST#dir/node?grpId=&itemId=ST&gubun=book&depth=5&cate1=&cate2=&dataGubun=%EC%B5%9C%EC%A2%85%EC%A0%95%EB%B3%B4&dataId=ITKC_ST_Z0_A42_03A_13A_00100 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=db.itkc.or.kr}}</ref> However, he was removed from his post on 4 April 1905<ref>{{Cite web |last=조선·대한제국 관보 |title=3月10日, 3月23日, 4月2日, 4月4日 |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?sort=levelId&dir=ASC&start=1&limit=20&page=1&pre_page=1&setId=3&totalCount=3&prevPage=0&prevLimit=&itemId=gbdh&types=&synonym=off&chinessChar=on&brokerPagingInfo=&levelId=gbdh_1905_04_06_a03106_00030&position=-1 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> and became chief of equerry on June 24.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal of the Royal Secretariat |date=24 June 1905 |script-title=ko:법부 대신에 농상공부 대신 박제순을 제수하라는 조령 |url=https://db.itkc.or.kr/dir/item?itemId=ST#dir/node?grpId=&itemId=ST&gubun=book&depth=5&cate1=&cate2=&dataGubun=%EC%B5%9C%EC%A2%85%EC%A0%95%EB%B3%B4&dataId=ITKC_ST_Z0_A42_05A_22A_00030 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=db.itkc.or.kr}}</ref> Despite being politically oppressed by the Pro-Japanese cabinet, Min reiterated the message of Korean independence. Min recommended [[Han Kyu-seol]] as the next prime minister in order to prevent Korea being Japanese protectorship.<ref name=":0" /> As a response, Min and [[Han Kyu-seol|Han]] sent [[Syngman Rhee]] to America to claim the independence of Korea.<ref name=":6" />

On November 17, 1905, Japan succeeded in foisting upon Korea the [[Eulsa Treaty]] making Korea a Japanese protectorship. It is said that upon hearing of the treaty three days after it had been concluded, Min "fainted several times and vomited blood".{{Sfn|Finch|2002|p=24}} Min pleaded with Emperor [[Gojong of the Korean Empire|Gojong]] to annul the treaty and execute the five Korean officials who had signed it, now widely referred to as the "[[Five Eulsa Traitors|Five Traitors of Eulsa]]" (''Eulsa ojeok'').<ref>{{Cite web |last=Journal of the Royal Secretariat |date=28 November 1905 |title=매국한 역적을 주벌할 것을 청하는 시종부 무관장 민영환 등의 상소 |url=https://db.itkc.or.kr/dir/item?itemId=ST#dir/node?grpId=&itemId=ST&gubun=book&depth=5&cate1=&cate2=&dataGubun=%EC%B5%9C%EC%A2%85%EC%A0%95%EB%B3%B4&dataId=ITKC_ST_Z0_A42_11A_02A_00050 |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=db.itkc.or.kr}}</ref> Even though the emperor illegalisedmade the appealing the punishments for the five traitors illegal, Min did not followedfollow the order and asked again on 29 November 1905.<ref name=":7" /> He and [[Jo Byeong-se]], who asked the Emperor with Min, waited for the Emperor's answers in Dae Ahan gate of the [[Deoksugung]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=두산백과 |title=민영환 |url=https://terms.naver.com/entry.naver?cid=59011&docId=3571938&categoryId=59011 |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=terms.naver.com |language=ko}}</ref> The Japanese military police imprisoned Min and Jo in Pyeong-li won, the supreme court of Imperial Korea.<ref name=":0" /> After being released, Min realised that he should commit suicide.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=한국학진흥사업성과포털 [한국학중앙연구원] |title=민영환 |url=http://waks.aks.ac.kr/dir/achieveView.aspx?dataID=AKS-2007-HZ-2002_DIC@FND_DIC_OKY_GOKS_0075 |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=waks.aks.ac.kr}}</ref> He returned to house of Yi Won-sik, and committed suicide there with a small knife.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Records of the Japanese Legation in Korea |date=30 November 1905 |title=(336) [韓日協約을 반대한 閔泳煥 自殺 件] |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=jh&levelId=jh_026r_0010_3350&types=r |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> That night, Min attempted twice to commit suicide: first trial, however, was unsuccessful because the knife was too short to kill him.{{Sfn|Yi|2014|p=121}} It was his second trial that was actually successful. After this death, in his pockets were found five identical messages on the back of his calling cards to the representatives of China, Great Britain, the United States, France, and Germany in which he pleaded with those powers to recognize the true situation within Korea. He also left a final message directed towards the people of Korea (see below), in which he promised to help his fellow countrymen "from the nether world" if they would strengthen their collective will and spirit and exercise their learning in an all out effort to "restore our [Korean] freedom and independence."{{Sfn|Finch|2002|p=175}} Min received a state funeral from the government, in which about 6,000 to 7,000 people attended his funeral,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Records of the Japanese Legation in Korea |date=1905-12-18 |title=(217) 故 閔泳煥 장례식의 件 |url=http://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=jh&levelId=jh_024r_0110_2170&types=r |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref> and thousands of people mourned for his death.{{Sfn|Yi|2014|pp=117-121}} [[Yun Chi-ho]] wrote the following about Min's death: "Min Yong Whan committed suicide. I wish he had died fighting, if he had decided to die. All honors to his calm courage. All honors to his patriotism. All honors to his heroic death. His death will do more good than his life."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yun |first=Chi-ho |date=30 November 1905 |title=30th. Thursday. |url=https://db.history.go.kr/item/level.do?itemId=sa&levelId=sa_029_0030_0110_0150&types=o |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=db.history.go.kr}}</ref>

Min was posthumously appointed as Dae-Gwang-Bo-Guk-Seung-Rok Dae-bu(大匡輔國崇祿大夫), the highest rank in the Korean officialdom.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=30 November 1905 |script-title=ko:죽은 민영환과 이한응에게 벼슬을 추증하다 |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_14211030_003 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref> Gojong gave him posthumous name "Chung mun",<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=30 November 1905 |script-title=ko:민영환에게 충문공이라는 시호를 주다 |url=http://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_14211030_004 |access-date=2022-01-12 |website=[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref> and [[Order of the Golden Ruler]] for his honour to the country.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=1 December 1905 |script-title=ko:죽은 민영환에게 대훈위 금척 대수훈장을 주다 |url=http://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_14212001_004 |access-date=2021-12-15 |website=[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref> His posthumous name was revised to "Chung jeong" on 3 December 1905.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=3 December 1905 |script-title=ko:민영환의 시호를 충정공으로 고치다 |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_14212003_001 |access-date=2022-07-18}}</ref> He was buried in [[Yongin]].<ref name=":0" /> Min was enshrined in the [[Jongmyo (Seoul)|Jongmyo]] on 16 February 1921.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |author-link=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |script-title=ko:이왕직 장관 이재극이 종묘의 방의 개수와 의식 절차에 대해 문의하다 |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/wzc_11402016_003}}</ref>

His journey to Europe made him to have a great desire of reforming his country.{{Sfn|Finch|2002|p=116-117}} For this reason, Min was supported by Independence Club and acted as one of the key ministers of [[Gwangmu Reform]].<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ko:광무개혁(光武改革)|url=http://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Contents/Item/E0005118 |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=[[Encyclopedia of Korean Culture]]}}</ref>

[[Horace Newton Allen]] wrote, "Min Yong Whan. Formerly known as the Good Min, latterly somewhat disappointing. Good intentions but feeble and vacillating. Ostensibly the present head of the Min clan," about Min.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Horace Newton |script-title=ko:알렌이 스티븐스에게 주기 위하여 한국 주요 인물들의 명단을 작성한 건 |url=http://waks.aks.ac.kr/rsh/dir/rview.aspx?rshID=AKS-2016-KFR-1230009&callType=srch&dataID=AKS-2016-KFR-1230009_DES@3077 |archive-url= |access-date=2022-09-14 |website=}}</ref>

** Biological - Min Gyeom-ho ({{Korean|hangul=민겸호|hanja=閔謙鎬|labels=no}}; 1838 – 10 June 1882)

** Biological - Lady Seo ({{Korean|hangul=서씨|hanja=徐氏|labels=no}});of ({{Korean|hangul=서경순의the 딸|labels=no}}) daughter ofDalseong Seo Gyeong-sunclan ({{Korean|hangul=서경순정경부인 달성 서씨|hanja=徐庚淳氏|labels=no}}; 1837–1885)

** Younger brother: - [[Min Yeong-chan]] ({{Korean|hangul=민영찬|hanja=閔泳瓚|labels=no}}; 1873–1948)

* WifeWives and their children

****Grandson:Son - Min ByeongBeom-ilsik ({{Korean|hangul=민병일민범식|hanja=閔丙逸範植|labels=no}}; 1899–1934)

***Son: Daughter - Min JangGye-sik ({{Korean|hangul=민장식|hanja=閔章植민계식|labels=no}}), Lady Min of the Yeoheung Min clan (여흥 민씨; 1902–3 August 1938)

****Grandson: Son - Min ByeongJang-deoksik ({{Korean|hangul=민병덕민장식|hanja=閔丙德章植|labels=no}}; 1904–1961)

****Grandson:Son - Min ByeongGwang-jinsik ({{Korean|hangul=민병진민광식|hanja=閔丙鎭光植|labels=no}}; 1905–1961)

***Son: MinYi GwangJa-sikseong ({{Korean|hangul=민광식이자성|hanja=閔光植李自成|labels=no}}), Lady Yi of the Gwangju Yi clan (광주 이씨; 廣州 李氏; 1877–?); daughter of Yi Eun-hui (이은희; 1839–1913)

* [[Order of the Plum Blossom]] on 16 September 1904<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty |date=16 September 1904 |script-title=ko:이승응에게 금척 훈장을 수여하고, 윤용선 등에게 이화장을 수여하다 |url=http://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kza_14109016_001 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=[[Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty]]}}</ref>

* {{Cite journal |last=Yi |first=Seoung-hyeon |date=2014 |script-title=ko:민영환의 '殉國' 담론에 대한 고찰 |url=https://www.kci.go.kr/kciportal/ci/sereArticleSearch/ciSereArtiView.kci?sereArticleSearchBean.artiId=ART002455239 |journal=江原史學 |volume=26 |pages=99–146}}

* {{Cite journal |last=Kim |first=Won-Mo |date=2002 |script-title=ko:한국의 영국 축하사절단 파견과 한·영 외교관계 |url=https://www.kci.go.kr/kciportal/ci/sereArticleSearch/ciSereArtiView.kci?sereArticleSearchBean.artiId=ART000883054 |journal=The Oriental Studies |issue=32 |pages=87–126 |via=KCI}}

[[Category:PoliticiansPolitical office-holders of the Korean Empire]]