Korean Empire
"Daehan Jeguk Aeguk-ga" (Patriotic Song of the Korean Empire)

Words by: Young Hwan Min
Music by: Franz von Eckert
In use: 1902-1910

In 1902 the Korean King Kozhon decided to create a national anthem, and enlisted the services of Franz von Eckert, who almost 20 years earlier had helped in the creation of Japan's national anthem and was now living in Korea. The lyrics were written by Young Hwan Min, who was an envoy to Russia. After the anthem was completed, however, the people didn't accept it due to the complicated melody, the difficult lyrics, and the long length of the song. Korea's autonomy was also disappearing by this time as well, and in 1910 Korea was formally annexed by Japan, after which time it was banned. However, during the period of Japanese rule, the Japanese did publish an "alternat" version of the anthem, substituting "Emporer" for "God" and the anthem being a praise to the Emporer rather than a wish for independence and freedom for the nation.

Special thanks to: Moo-Jae Koh for some of this information and the lyrics, and Pawel Ciupak for the MIDI.

See also: North Korea, South Korea.