Statue of Yi Sang-jae

In Jongmyo Shrine stands a statue of a man dressed in a hanbok on a pillar, named Yi Sang-jae. He was an independence activist and civic leader who spearheaded national movements against Japanese colonial rule, championing the Korean spirit. He was born in 1850 as Yi Gye-ho, and later?changed his name to Sang-jae.?Yi served as the second secretary of the U.S. Legacy in Washington for a year. In 1896, he formed an independent civil rights association, along with notable figures such as Rhee Syngman, who became the Republic of Korea's first president. Yi also held the presidency of the Manmin Community, a significant enlightenment group. Furthermore, Yi advocated for universal suffrage and proposed limitations on the absolute monarchy's sovereignty to Emperor Gojong, leading to his imprisonment. Upon release, he engaged with anti-imperialist organizations and endeavored to strengthen political relations with Americans. Yi also became part of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and dedicated himself to educating young individuals. He actively participated in the March 1, 1919, independence movement. In 1922, he founded a domestic education association that aimed to establish a local private university, which unfortunately fell victim to the Japanese colonial rule. His enduring legacy remains symbolized by the statue in Jongmyo.