Abstract

Monarchy was one of most familiar political system when Korean discussed their future government after ‘Sam-il Independent Movement 1919.’ Monarchy had been maintained in Korea during 1900 years at least: from the Silla Dynasty(57 B.C.) to Japanese Colonial system(1905). So a group of people, for example Dae Dong Dan members, asserted that “The form of new government should be the monarchy system like the Chosun Dynasty.” However the Korean Provisional Government in Sanghai China proclaimed “Republic of Korea” on April 4th 1919. The debate and conflict between the Monarchist and the Republican were continued until the end of 1920th. The Monarchists kept the chronological era of ‘Dangun’ who had been called Korean Founding Father while the Republicans used that of “Republic of Korea.” The Monarchists tried to exile the Prince Lee Gang from Seoul to Shanghai November 9th 1919. Although it was failed owing to police detection, they aimed to, by way of enthroning Prince Lee Gang, “concentrate all independent forces.” The Korean's support for monarchy, however, were weaken with this as a momentum. Republicanism was, on the contrary, a trend of favorite government among people domestic as well as foreign. In conclusion, Korean Monarchism, admitting its defeating the hegemony competition, was considered as an alternative political system in the early 20th century. So we should give the proper place the Monarchism in the sanctuary of Korean political history.