San Francisco 1920- The Trial of Three Gunshots

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History of the Independence Movement in San Francisco

Jeon Myung-woon’s Statement

Jeon Myung-woon, who is currently hospitalized, spoke to reporters who visited him, stating, “Stevens is a man who came to lie about Korea, and the Japanese are stealing Korea’s wealth and nation.” He then explained his position as follows:

“I am 25 years old. As a student, I came to America to study, but due to lack of money, I am working on a farm. I returned to San Francisco five days ago but have not yet found a job. Various countries in the world refer to our nation as a failed state. I have always been saddened by this. I left my homeland to save it through education. However, after I left, the situation worsened, and Japan began pressuring our country into various treaties. Among my siblings and relatives, there are those who were killed by the Japanese. Yet, I have no power to appeal this. A few days ago, when Stevens arrived in San Francisco and said that Koreans welcomed the Japanese, and tried to persuade Americans on this point, I decided to kill him. I obtained his portrait from the newspaper, put it in my pocket, and went to the station. When I tried to shoot him as he got off the train, my gun’s cylinder did not turn. So, I tried to hit him with the pistol to possibly blind him. However, he ended up hitting me, and I fled. Stevens shot at me from behind. I was alone and told no one of my plan. If he returns to Korea, he will only serve Japan more faithfully. I did not conspire with anyone. Now, I only wish to die.”

His remarks were reported in major newspapers across the United States. Koreans, as well as Americans who read this, admired his patriotism. He also wrote to his compatriots, saying, “I have committed murder according to American law and do not wish to live again. Fellow countrymen, love your country,” which soon became known as the “Jeon’s Patriotic Song.”

“Oh my fellow countrymen, unite in patriotism and effort / Illuminate the new world with the holy alliance of 4,000 years / If farmers, merchants, and workers unite, the Korean Empire will naturally prosper / If we achieve freedom and independence, we will be the greatest in the world / Do not forget, do not forget loyalty to the country / Unite, unite for the country / Raise the Taegeukgi high in the world / Long live, long live, long live Korean independence.”

Stevens’ Statement and Death

During police questioning, Stevens stated, “I am 55 years old, and my address is Gyeongseong, Korea. My office as a member of the Korean cabinet is within the Korean royal court.” He then described the incident:

“Last night, several Koreans came to the Fairmont Hotel and attacked me. They hit me with a chair, causing the injury on my right side. This morning, as I got off the train, one man rushed towards me and struck my face violently. I then chased this man (pointing to Jeon Myung-woon, who was lying in the hospital bed) when another man (pointing to Jang In-hwan) shot me. He shot me twice. I remember someone wresting the gun from his hand. During this time, a crowd gathered and became involved in the incident. As it stands, my condition is precarious, with my chances of survival being 50/50. I still have hope.”

Stevens continued to justify Japan’s occupation of Korea and insulted the Korean people until his final moments. He remarked, “The actions taken against me were reckless. They oppose Japan’s protection of Korea. However, their actions will have no effect on Korean-Japanese relations. It is unfortunate that I had to start my long-awaited vacation in this manner” (San Francisco Chronicle, March 24, 1908). Stevens’ condition rapidly deteriorated, and he passed away at 11:10 PM on the evening of the 25th at St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco.

The Patriotic Spirit of Koreans

The Korean community was anxious about possible reprisals from Americans and negative propaganda from Japanese authorities. Initially, this atmosphere of fear led Koreans to keep their children indoors and avoid going out alone. However, there was a strong sentiment among everyone that the two brave patriots had to be rescued. As the fervor to save the two patriots spread, the previously subdued Korean community regained its vigor. Additionally, those who had previously sought solace in alcohol, smoking, and gambling were now inspired to devote themselves to the patriotic movement.

Facing the upcoming trial of Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myung-woon in American courts, the Korean community adopted a resolution stating, “We have never had an opportunity to present our grievances to the world, but today, thanks to the loyalty of Mr. Yang, the world is taking notice. If not for Mr. Yang’s patriotic blood, would we have ever been able to proclaim our grievances to the world? This trial is a public trial for the world and our independence trial. We must win this trial for the independence of our 20 million people.”

At 9:30 PM on the day Stevens was shot, about 40 members of the Korean Public Association and Daedongbo National Association held the second Korean Joint Meeting to discuss measures following the incident. At this meeting, they raised over $700 to assist the two men. In preparation for the trial, they formed a seven-member “Judges Committee,” including Choi Yoo-seop, Moon Yang-mok, Baek Il-kyu, and Jeong Jae-gwan, with Moon Yang-mok and Kim Young-il appointed as treasurers. The Korean newspapers, such as the Shinhan Minbo, continued to report on the incident, heightening anti-Japanese sentiment and raising public awareness.

Three renowned lawyers were selected, and it was argued that the actions of the two patriots were acts of patriotic righteousness, not murder. Koreans across the United States viewed this trial as a fight for their country’s independence and their people’s freedom, eagerly sending donations to support the cause.

Not only in mainland America but also in Hawaii, Korea, Mexico, Russia, China, and Japan, about 1,000 compatriots participated in the fundraising. A total of $8,568.41 (some records state $7,390) was raised, covering all expenses. A representative of Chinese students studying in Berkeley donated $10, deeply impressing the Korean expatriates.

Supporters of the two patriots invited Syngman Rhee from the East Coast to San Francisco to serve as an interpreter in court. However, as the trial was delayed, Rhee stated, “I have to write my thesis and cannot stay longer. As a Christian, I do not wish to interpret a murder trial,” and returned, having only used travel expenses and one month’s accommodation costs. Koreans criticized him, saying, “Why did he come if he was going to leave? He only used the funds painstakingly gathered by his compatriots.” Subsequently, Shin Heung-woo, a colleague from Baejae School, came up from Los Angeles and took over as an interpreter. Jeon Myung-woon, after being discharged from the hospital, was imprisoned and continued to be interrogated by American police before being released in July of the same year.

Jang In-hwan’s Statement

Jang In-hwan wrote a statement in his own hand for a Chronicle reporter who visited him at the police station. The signed statement was published along with his photograph, and its gist was translated and published. The content, emanating from his patriotic loyalty, deeply moved both Koreans and many Americans.

“I was born in Korea and was baptized early, becoming a Christian. I was furious seeing our country fall into the hands of the Japanese but could do nothing. I came to Hawaii as an immigrant to learn and help my country. When hundreds and thousands were dying at the hands of the Japanese, Stevens claimed Koreans welcomed the Japanese invasion. He lied to the public, deceiving them and spreading false beliefs, as he said in the San Francisco Chronicle. If he returned to Korea alive, more Koreans would die because of him. I shot him for my country, thus comforting the spirits of the compatriots already dead and saving those who would have been killed by Stevens. What is life? People should understand the path of death. Killing him and dying myself would be the glory of my country and the happiness of my people.”

Japan’s Stance

Upon hearing the news of Stevens’ death, Japan even issued special editions of newspapers.

“The Japanese Emperor mourns Stevens’ death and sent a personal letter of condolence. Ito Hirobumi expressed sorrow to everyone he met upon hearing the news, and the entire Japanese people are greatly agitated and saddened,” the report stated. After the incident, as public opinion continued to focus on Japan’s occupation of Korea and anti-Japanese movements intensified within the Korean community, Koike, the Japanese Consul General in San Francisco, claimed, “The statement that Stevens was related to Japanese politics is not true. He was simply a private acquaintance visiting America during his vacation.” Koike denied Stevens’ relationship with the Japanese government, but added that the two men should be executed since they had committed murder.

The Japanese government feared American public opinion turning anti-Japanese. The prosecutor’s interpreter for the trial of Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myung-woon was brought from Tokyo under the Japanese consul general’s arrangement. The Japanese side sent relevant materials to the prosecuting attorney to prove that Japan’s actions in Korea were progressive and beneficial. Koike also hired Samuel Knight, a lawyer, for the enormous cost of $5,000 to assist the prosecution.

On April 4, 1908, Koike sent a report to the Japanese Foreign Minister stating, “The lawyer’s fee is $100 per day, but if we go to court, an additional $1,500 will be paid. However, if the trial is not too lengthy, the total should not exceed $5,000.”

Samuel Knight argued that “Jang In-hwan’s act was not a patriotic feat, but rather an instinctive criminal tendency inherent in Koreans.” Psychiatric experts Ruthsburg and Worth, who testified for the prosecution, stated that Jang In-hwan’s mental state was normal, opposing the defense’s claim of “a state of patriotic delusion.”

The Japanese consulate in Hawaii sent a secretary to oversee the trial and monitor the activities of Korean organizations, attempting to bribe influential pro-Japanese Koreans. When Stevens died, the Japanese government covered all medical and funeral expenses and gave his family 150,000 yen, also demanding 50,000 yen from the Korean government. Stevens’ sister and her husband arrived in San Francisco on March 28 to attend the funeral. Koike regretted in a letter to the Fairmont Hotel on March 28 that such a sad incident occurred because Stevens did not listen to his advice to arrest them on that fateful Sunday night. A memorial service was held in Tokyo on May 18.

The Trial and Verdict

The trial of Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myung-woon began in the police court on March 27 but was soon moved to a higher court due to the seriousness of the charges. The trial drew immense attention not only from Korean immigrants in the U.S. but also from the entire Korean nation worldwide. The trial took place in courtroom 12 of the San Francisco Court, with Judge Carroll Cook presiding and selecting 12 jurors. Inspired by the passionate patriotism of Koreans, attorney Nathan Cochran volunteered to defend them for free. The Rescue Committee for Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myung-woon appointed Cochran, John Barrett, and Robert Farrell as their lawyers. They decided it was advantageous to separate the cases of the two men, arguing that there was no evidence of prior collusion or conspiracy between them regarding the assassination.

During the trial, Knight, a lawyer hired by the Japanese, assisted San Francisco’s deputy prosecutor Henry in prosecuting Jang In-hwan as a premeditated first-degree murderer, demanding the death penalty. In contrast, the defense argued that the incident was an expression of patriotic fervor and temporary mental delusion, thus deserving acquittal.

Jeon Myung-woon, although shot, recovered well. At the April 3 trial, the prosecution claimed that Jeon Myung-woon was a co-conspirator with Jang In-hwan in planning the murder. However, the defense argued that there was no collusion between Jeon Myung-woon and Jang In-hwan and that Jeon Myung-woon was a victim of Stevens’ violence. Additionally, Jeon Myung-woon had not fired any shots nor inflicted any physical harm on Stevens. Jeon Myung-woon was acquitted.

Attorney Cochran emphasized to the jury that the defendant’s actions were due to a temporary mental derangement caused by political motives and should be exempt from legal punishment. Witnesses Lee Byung-jun and Jang Ra-deuk testified passionately about Japan’s invasion of Korea and Jang In-hwan’s fervent patriotism.

Lee Byung-jun stated, “Jang In-hwan is a patriot. The barbaric Japanese took over our government when our power was weak, massacred loyalists, plundered resources, and raped women. Seeing this, Jang swore to dedicate himself to the country.”

Jang Ra-deuk, a manager at the Korean Church in San Francisco, testified, “After returning from Alaska last year, Jang read the newspapers he had collected and was naturally heartbroken by the July coup (the abdication of Emperor Gwangmu and the disbandment of the military). He often stayed awake without eating or sleeping, frequently thinking about the country and weeping.”

These testimonies moved many of the 12 jurors. Several other Koreans also provided favorable testimonies for Jang In-hwan.

Attorney Barrett argued, “A patriot’s heart is filled with love for the country. In his patriotic fervor, he encountered an enemy of his country and took up a gun. He did not know if killing for his country was a crime or not. I believe Jang In-hwan is innocent.” Two jurors were seen shedding tears during his plea. Barrett continued, “This trial is between powerful Japan and the exile Jang In-hwan. The real crime is when someone enters another’s house, kills the owner, and robs the property. This is the first-degree murder.”

When prosecutor Knight questioned, “Korea is already doomed, and Japan will help Koreans live well. What is your complaint?” Jang In-hwan replied, “Praising Japan means poisoning 20 million Koreans. I killed to prevent the annihilation of our people. We will fight for independence. I would rather be a free soul in death than a slave in life.”

Attorney Farrell appealed to the jury, “The defendant was outraged by Japan’s invasion of Korea and was prepared to sacrifice himself. Let’s think of our ancestors who fought for America’s independence. Tomorrow is Christmas; please save the Korean patriot Jang In-hwan.” Jang In-hwan worked at the home of Mrs. Francis Brown in San Jose. She testified, “Jang In-hwan is honest, well-behaved, diligent, and eager to learn. Though his skin is different, I consider him my own child. This incident arose purely from patriotism, and I love him even more now.”

Attorney Cochran, an Irishman who volunteered for the defense, led the argument with questions favorable to Jang In-hwan, such as “Can one maintain independence under adversity?” and “Do you believe it is a patriot’s duty to eliminate evildoers?” Jang In-hwan replied, “There is no personal gain. Encouraging evil is poison to human society and must be eliminated.” Koreans in the courtroom felt pride in Jang In-hwan’s dignified demeanor and testimony, reaffirming the essence of true patriotism.

In his closing argument, attorney Cochran said, “We have a responsibility to save this noble, sincere patriot and true human being. The people here love their country and want to save their fellow Koreans. This is a precious act. We must deeply consider this matter. If we kill Jang In-hwan, his unjustly shed blood will cry out even more. Moreover, as it is the birth of Jesus, saving the life of this poor patriot is a great deed. Jurors, you must save the life of the patriot Jang In-hwan.” The jurors deliberated for nearly three hours, from 9:19 PM to 11:15 PM. Seven jurors favored the death penalty, while five argued for acquittal, unable to reach a consensus. The difference between those who viewed the act as premeditated murder and those who saw it as an impulsive act without rational judgment remained unresolved after several votes. With lengthy discussions leading nowhere, the idea of compromise in the spirit of Christmas emerged. The jurors, eager to conclude the trial during the Christmas season, finally reached a unanimous verdict after eight secret ballots, finding Jang In-hwan guilty of second-degree murder due to patriotic delusion.

The trial, which lasted until January 2, 1909, for a total of 280 days, ended with a sentence of 25 years for Jang In-hwan. Second-degree murder carried a penalty of 10 to 30 years, thus sparing him from the death penalty.

Jang In-hwan’s Reaction After Sentencing

Upon hearing the sentence, Jang In-hwan stated, “I have fulfilled my duty to my country. I would rather be executed, for it would be more honorable. Dying for my country is my glory. I do not wish to live in prison.”

However, when Choi Jeong-ik suggested appealing the sentence, saying, “25 years is unacceptable; we must appeal to the Supreme Court,” Jang In-hwan replied, “Our financial situation is weak, and the expenses incurred so far have been enormous. Since it is not a death sentence, I can survive.” He addressed the people in the courtroom, saying, “25 years is a long time. Who knows if I will survive that long? Friends, learn a skill and return to Korea to build a new democratic Korea where everyone is equal and free. This is my final request.”

Jang In-hwan’s Imprisonment and Later Life

Jang In-hwan, prisoner number 23295, served his sentence as a political prisoner in San Quentin Prison, Northern California, from January 10, 1909. An article in the Shinhan Minbo on January 27 stated, “Anyone can visit Jang In-hwan on the last Saturday of each month, and the round-trip fare to San Quentin is 50 cents.”

Jang adhered strictly to prison rules, becoming a model prisoner. Records show that from January 11 to October 13, 1909, he worked spinning carpet yarn, then learned laundry skills from October 13, 1909, to September 19, 1912. From September 19, 1912, until his release, he pressed suits. His behavior was always exemplary, and he attended the prison church on Sundays. Despite several requests from the Korean community for his release, it was not until 1919, after 10 years, that he was granted parole, thanks to the guarantee of financial support from leaders such as Kang Young-so and Reverend Hwang Sa-seon.

The Korean community warmly welcomed the returning patriot. Jang reported his status monthly during his parole and gained full freedom on April 10, 1924. He then returned to his long-yearned homeland of Pyongyang. However, he faced the obstacle of obtaining a Japanese passport to enter Korea. Reluctantly, Jang accepted a Japanese passport and returned to Korea after 23 years. At the age of 51, he married 21-year-old Yun Chi-bok, a student at Jeongui Women’s High School, in a ceremony officiated by Reverend O Gi-seon. The Dong-A Ilbo covered their wedding under the headline “Old Groom, Young Bride.”

Jang’s lifelong dream was to manage an orphanage in his hometown of Suncheon. Upon release, he launched a fundraising campaign across the U.S., including Hawaii, raising funds from 789 people to build a brick orphanage in Cheonmok-dong, Suncheon, and purchased 12,000 pyeong of land around it. The Dong-A Ilbo on February 27, 1927, reported his arrival under the title “Greetings from Overseas Compatriots and Appreciation from Local Compatriots, Promising Future of Suncheon Orphanage.” However, the increased surveillance by the Japanese forced him to return to the U.S. within a year. In America, despite his desire to study, financial constraints led him to open a laundry business in San Francisco with the help of friends.

Jang hoped to invite his wife once he had sufficient funds, but immigration laws blocked his efforts. Heartbroken by the news of his only daughter’s death, he often received letters from his wife, urging him to come back or bring her over.

Impact of the Stevens Assassination on the Independence Movement

The assassination of Stevens was a turning point in the Korean independence movement in America, serving as a significant catalyst for anti-Japanese efforts abroad. This incident directly influenced An Jung-geun’s assassination of Ito Hirobumi and Lee Jae-myung’s attack on Yi Wan-yong.

On October 26, 1909, An Jung-geun shot Ito Hirobumi, the mastermind behind the Eulsa Treaty, at Harbin Station in Russia, firing three shots. Ito died at 10 AM at the age of 69. An Jung-geun, shouting “Long live Korea,” was executed on March 25, 1910, at the age of 32. The Korean National Association in San Francisco sent $1,500 to Vladivostok in March and April 1910 for An’s legal defense.

Lee Jae-myung, born in Pyongyang in 1888, immigrated to the U.S. in 1905 and worked as a laborer. A member of the Korean Public Association in San Francisco, he volunteered to dedicate himself to the country at the age of 19 after hearing about Lee Jun’s suicide during the Hague Secret Emissary Mission in 1907. After two years of waiting in Korea, he attacked Prime Minister Yi Wan-yong on December 22, 1909, in front of Myeongdong Cathedral during the Belgian Emperor’s memorial service. Lee, in a student uniform, stabbed Yi Wan-yong in the shoulder and abdomen. Despite being overpowered and arrested, he shouted, “Long live the Korean Empire.” Yi Wan-yong survived his injuries. Lee Jae-myung was executed on September 30, 1910, at the age of 22 in a secret trial by the Japanese.