1901, Gando
The era of imperialism—when the modernized great powers, eager to flaunt their strength, were wildly expanding their colonies, oppressing other nations, and exploiting them without mercy.
Amidst this ruthless age, there was one nation that, despite lacking the scale or strength to compete, attempted to follow the path of imperialism.
Yes. That nation was the Korean Empire, a country so feeble that even calling it an empire felt embarrassing.
Unprepared for modernization and plagued by an incompetent government, the Korean Empire was destined to be devoured by Japan, which was constantly eyeing it like a hungry predator.
Even as its own homeland was being swallowed piece by piece by those island pirates, it still wanted to make a move.
China, which had long played the role of the “big brother” in East Asia, had been beaten like a dog in the summer heat by the combined forces of nine nations during the Boxer Rebellion.
Korea, a typical tributary state that had always clung to China’s side for protection, had once bowed its head in submission.
But after gaining independence through the First Sino-Japanese War and proclaiming its own era name, the Korean Empire now wanted to test its strength against China.
Emperor Yi Hyeong of the Korean Empire sought to fully occupy Gando, a territory long disputed between Korea and China.
To accomplish this, he dispatched General Lee hakgyun to Gando.
Alongside him were Victor Collin de Plancy, the French envoy, as well as foreign diplomats Sands and Captain Feilieu, accompanied by a contingent of French officers who had come to observe the situation.
***
“How does Your Excellency, the French envoy, view this land of Gando?”
Korean Empire General Lee hakgyun carefully asked Victor Collin de Plancy as they observed the region together.
“The land is small. However, the population seems considerable. With this number of residents, the Korean Empire could impose taxes and supplement its insufficient revenue.”
“Is that so?”
“The Qing Dynasty is already a walking corpse. To them, Gando is nothing more than a remote frontier, too burdensome to manage. However, for the Korean Empire, this land lies directly along its border. If you can claim it, it would not be a bad acquisition.”
China was now little more than a giant cake waiting to be carved up.
Although Manchuria was the birthplace and sacred land of the Manchu people, the current state of the Qing Dynasty made it difficult for them to even concern themselves with their own northern frontier.
Yet, the Korean Empire was merely a small peninsula compared to the vast Qing territory, and Gando was land that bordered China directly.
Even in Plancy’s eyes, taking Gando was not an impossibility.
***
“If we end up clashing with Qing forces, what do you think will happen?”
At Lee hakgyun’s cautious question, Plancy stroked his beard and opened his mouth to speak.
“The Korean Empire may be a nation lagging behind in modernization compared to our France, but didn’t Your Majesty at least invest heavily in your military? After the Boxer Rebellion, China was beaten by the allied forces of nine nations. In Korean terms, you could say they were thrashed like a dog on Boknal.”
“Of course, if the Korean Empire’s army were to march deep into China, it would be difficult. However, at the very least, the Qing provincial forces in Manchuria would not be a match for your military. That said…”
“That said? What’s the problem? The emperor’s will to seize Gando was already firm. There was no turning back now.”
“Russia has its eyes on Manchuria. They might not take kindly to this, but as long as you don’t take too large a bite, they won’t be foaming at the mouth over it.”
“Russia’s goal was to devour all of Manchuria, but if a small, weaker nation were to nibble away a tiny portion, it would likely go unnoticed.”
“Thank you, envoy. Your insight is of great help to our empire.”
Lee hakgyun expressed his gratitude to Plancy for his advice.
“Tsk. Japan is eyeing their home, yet their emperor is thinking about invading another country?”
Plancy, who had been staying in Korea as the French minister, had developed some attachment to the Korean Empire after introducing it at the Exposition Universelle.
Still, this country frustrated him.
The emperor was too preoccupied with maintaining his own power.
The road ahead was still long, yet Japan was waiting for the right moment to pounce.
And now, rather than preparing for that, they insisted on standing against the great powers.
What more was there to say?
The Frenchmen who had come to Gando with Plancy held their tongues.
“If France says we can defeat the Qing, then they are truly our friends. We cannot sit still. Now that China has become a semi-colony of the great powers, this is the perfect time to act!”
The Russian legation expressed concerns over the Korean Empire’s invasion of Gando, but Gojong’s determination remained unshaken.
In 1901, while the Qing were still in turmoil from the Boxer Rebellion, the Korean Empire established a police station in Gando.
In 1902, to further strengthen control over the region, they dispatched Lee Beomyun.
With the groundwork laid, the Korean Empire sent Lee Beomyun to North Gando and Seo Sangmu to West Gando, launching an invasion and plundering the land.
And then—
“Shit, why the hell am I here, doing this?”
A female soldier screamed in despair amidst a village ravaged by looting.