Korean History › Opening & Korean Empire › Eulsa Treaty (Japan–Korea Protectorate Treaty)
Hague Secret Emissary Affair
June–July 1907· Event· Rulers & states
Well documentedSolid records, physical evidence or scientific consensus.
In 1907 Emperor Gojong secretly sent three envoys to an international peace conference in The Hague to denounce the Eulsa Treaty.
See it on the Korean History map →What happened
Yi Sang-seol, Yi Jun and Yi Wi-jong (헤이그 특사) carried Gojong's credentials to the Second Hague Peace Conference, which opened June 15, 1907. Because the 1905 treaty had handed Korea's diplomacy to Japan, they were refused seats. They lobbied journalists instead, and Yi Wi-jong's speech 'A Plea for Korea' ran in the press. Yi Jun died in The Hague on July 14. Japan used the affair to force Gojong off the throne on July 20, 1907, in favor of his son Sunjong.
Why it matters
It showed the great powers would not help Korea, and gave Japan the pretext to depose Gojong, take over internal government and disband the Korean army.
How we know
Conference records, the envoys' petition, Yi Wi-jong's published speech, Dutch newspapers, Japanese diplomatic files, and the Yi Jun Peace Museum in the former hotel where they stayed.
Still debated
Korean tradition long said Yi Jun killed himself in protest; records point to illness, though the precise cause is unclear.
Connections (2)
▸Hague Secret Emissary Affair protested Eulsa Treaty (Japan–Korea Protectorate Treaty)Well documented
The connection
Gojong held that the 1905 treaty was void because he had never approved it, and sent envoys to the 1907 peace conference to tell the world. They were barred precisely because, under that treaty, Japan now spoke for Korea abroad.
When and how
The Hague, Netherlands, June 25 – July 1907; envoys Yi Sang-seol, Yi Jun and Yi Wi-jong, helped by American missionary Homer Hulbert.
How we know
Their petition to conference delegates, Gojong's letter of credentials, press coverage including Yi Wi-jong's 'A Plea for Korea', and Japanese diplomatic cables.
Debates and open questions
Gojong at first denied sending them; historians accept that he did, but who planned the mission and what he expected it to achieve remain debated.
▸Hague Secret Emissary Affair led to the forced abdication of King and Emperor GojongWell documented
The connection
Ito Hirobumi called the mission a breach of the protectorate treaty. Pressed by Japan and by pro-Japanese ministers led by Yi Wan-yong, Gojong gave up power to his son Sunjong. Days later a new treaty gave Japan control of internal government, and the Korean army was disbanded on August 1, 1907.
When and how
Seoul, July 19–20, 1907, followed by the Japan–Korea Treaty of July 24, 1907; protests and riots broke out in the capital.
How we know
Residency-General records, Ito's correspondence, the court edicts of July 1907, and the July 1907 treaty text.
Debates and open questions
Gojong's edict named Sunjong only to act for him; whether this was a true abdication or a regency Japan turned into one is debated.