We've reached the statue of General Mung Bean. Observing his intense eyes, I'm left with mixed feelings. One can only imagine the emotions General Jeon Bongjun experienced during his trial, especially considering his role in initiating the Donghak Peasant Revolution aimed at safeguarding the people and the nation. Furthermore, the situation could have been even more miserable as those in charge of the trial were the influential courtiers and the Japanese he sought to remove. Nevertheless, General Jeon Bongjun maintained his resolve and dignity. Fortunately, he was given the opportunity to express his thoughts during the trial, a historically significant moment, as he wasn't executed by the government or the Japanese army.

According to trial records, General Jeon Bongjun articulated his efforts to eliminate the tyranny of Cho Byunggab, the interference of the Min family, and the presence of Japanese forces and traitors. His testimony presented an honest depiction of events, directly communicated by the foremost leader of the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Had General Jeon Bongjun faced execution without a trial, it would have posed considerable challenges in unraveling the truth amid potential distortions in narratives orchestrated by the Joseon government or Japan.

Let's take a closer look at the statue. Statues often depict figures in dignified, standing postures. But why did they depict General Jeon Bongjun like this? To understand that, we need to delve into General Jeon Bongjun’s trial circumstances.

The statue was modeled after a photo of General Jeon Bongjun being transported in a palanquin. He was unable to walk due to injuries sustained during his arrest and interrogation. At the time, he was being transported from the Japanese Consulate in Euljiro, Jung-gu to the Provisional Court established by the Bureau of Judicial Affairs or the prison at Jeonokseo. He underwent interrogation from both sides, and the statue stands where the Jeonokseo area used to be.

Japanese photographer Murakami Tenshin obtained permission from the Japanese Consulate to approach General Jeon Bongjun during his transport. As Jeon Bongjun was being carried, he noticed the camera and intentionally moved the large parasol covering him aside. General Jeon Bongjun actively stared at the camera, allowing the photographer to capture the only preserved moment showcasing his appearance.

You might be wondering why General Jeon Bongjun let Japanese photographers take pictures of him looking haggard. I've worked in film, so I can kinda pick up on a person's feelings in front of a camera. People often show what they're thinking through their eyes. General Jeon Bongjun was likely trying to show his strong sense of doing what's right through how he held himself.

On March 29th, 1895, they gave the verdict. General Jeon Bongjun and his fellow revolutionaries, Son Hwajoong, Kim Dukmyung, Choi Kyungsun, and Sung Doohan, got sentenced to death. It was pretty much what everyone expected. Instead of beheading, which was changed after the Gabo Reform, Jeon Bongjun was hanged.

General Jeon Bongjun might have believed that posing for a photo and speaking up during his trial were part of the path of revolution.

Now, let's move on to the next location. Next up is Jonggak, just across the street.