Min Yeong-chan


Min Yeong-chan, was scion of the powerful Min clan of the late Joseon period in Korea. Along with his elder brother Min Yeong-hwan, Yeong-chan served in a number of official positions towards the end of the Joseon dynasty. In 1900, he served as a Korean commissioner to the Paris Universal Exposition.

Early life and education

Min Yeong-chan was born on 3 December 1873 into the Yeoheung Min clan to Min Gyeom-ho and Lady Seo. He was the younger brother of Min Yeong-hwan. The Min clan rose to great prominence and power with its royal alliance. As such, Min Yeong-chan received the best education studying alongside the future Emperor Sunjong.
For the Independence Club, Min was a favored politician. When he was appointed as the Vice Minister of Education, Philip Jaisohn assessed him as a helpful official with valuable experiences abroad.

Career

In 1889, Min passed the national civil service exam and was then named to an official position in the Hongmungwan, of Office of Special Advisors. In 1897, he was named vice-president of the Hanseong Bank Corporation. In 1900, Min served as royal commissioner to the Paris Universal Exposition.
He was promoted to Major General on 16 July 1904.
In April to May of 1910, Min visited Japan for 20 days.

Assessment

Min is characterized as one of the Korean collaborators with Imperial Japan for his activity serving for Japanese during the colonial age.

Family