During the same time period, the local Korean government officials were using their power to collect an enormous amount of taxes and fees from the Korean farmers, increasing the rate of poverty among the farmers and other low-income citizens. These events eventually led a group of farmers to gather to fight against its government by forming its own army, which is now known as the Tonghak Rebellion of 1894. The rebellion, which initially started in one region of Korea, rapidly spread to other parts of the country and grew stronger to even threaten the loyalties of Korea. The members of the rebellion group violently demanded the local governments and the parliament to recognize their rights as citizens of Korea (Robinson …show more content…
Formed in spring of 1896, Independence club was led by Philip Jaesohn, who received medical education in the United States before returning to Korea (Robinson 23). While the loyal family of Korea even including King Kojong fled to Russia for their safety after the assassination of Queen Min by the Japanese samurais, and majority of parliament members of Korea siding with the Japan after the assassination of prominent officials as Kim Hongjip and O Yunjung, Philip Jaesohn and other members formed the private organization with the support from the soviets “to discuss policy issues and reform proposals” (Robinson23). By encouraging ordinary citizens to participate in politics through the establishments of Korean-English bilingual newspaper called the “Independent” (Tongnip Singmun) for public education and the holdings of public forums, Independence club was able to successfully motivate Koreans into the new insight of looking into government policy and governmental decisions at least for a short period of time (Mandela 122). The early 20th century not only exposed Korea into the international community, yet it also allowed Korea to receive influences from the other countries such as the democratic policies introduced by the Independence club. In 1897, Independence club was able to bring