This article focuses on the term "Min-guk" (Republic) in "Daehan Minguk" (Republic of Korea) and examines the historical transformation of its meaning, identifying the characteristics of this conceptual shift. The term "Min-guk" was also frequently used during the Joseon Dynasty, it acquired an entirely new meaning during the modern enlightenment period through the introduction of various Western political concepts. Existing studies suggest that the concept of "Min" and "Min-guk" in the Joseon era primarily reflected a philosophy of governance ‘for the people(爲民)’, where royal authority existed for the welfare of the populace. However, some scholars have interpreted these concepts more expansively, arguing that King Gojong's efforts to modernize the state can be seen as a precursor to the contemporary notion of the Republic of Korea and that the concept of Min-guk in King Gojong’ usage can be interpreted as a precursor to the current notion of the Republic of Korea (Daehan Minguk).
In contrast, this study argues that the concept of Min-guk during the Joseon Dynasty and its modern counterpart are fundamentally distinct. First, the modern notion of Min-guk refers to a democratic republic, a political system born from sustained and popular discussions aiming to transform the monarch-centered order that had prevailed since the enlightenment peorid. Second, during the late Joseon period, power struggles emerged among those who sought to strengthen monarchical authority (like King Gojong), conservative bureaucrats who neither had the will nor the means to challenge monarchy, and reformist officials who aimed to install the king as a symbolic figure while assuming real political power themselves. This conflict played out in the opposition between absolutism and constitutional monarchy. Third, following the loss of sovereignty to Japan, the idea spread that sovereignty had not been transferred to Japan, but spiritually inherited by the Korean people, leading to arguments that the new Korean state should be structured as a Min-guk— a democratic republic. Fourth, both domestic and international calls for Korean independence based on popular sovereignty culminated in the March 1st Movement and the subsequent establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, thereby institutionalizing republicanism. Fifth, all political entities formed after the March 1st Movement—both within Korea and abroad—pursued political systems based on popular sovereignty, rejecting monarchical restoration.
In conclusion, while the pre-modern concept of Min-guk used by Joseon kings and officials presupposed royal authority and emphasized benevolence, anti-privilege, and protection of the people, the post-1919 concept—rapidly disseminated after the patriotic enlightenment period—completely rejected royal authority. The Min-guk of modern Korea represents a conceptual and historical break, signifying a total transformation in meaning from its earlier usage.