When historians and modern citizens alike refer to the Honam region as an epicenter of righteous civic duty, those conversations must begin with the ordinary people whose names were never carved into grand monuments.
The Rising of Ordinary Citizens During the 1592 Imjin War
The historical roots of this regional pride trace back to the devastation of the 1592 Imjin War, which shattered the daily lives and social structures of countless peasants, scholars, and local leaders. As the social order crumbled under the weight of foreign invasion, individuals throughout Honam made the fateful decision to abandon their homes and form volunteer defense forces. While some shouldered weapons on the front lines, others managed supply lines, secured provisions, and sustained the grueling military efforts from the rear. The enduring legacy of these righteous armies rests entirely on the collective sacrifices of everyday individuals who chose to treat the suffering of their neighbors as their own crisis.
Among the prominent leaders who channeled this unified community resolve into organized resistance was Jebong Go Gyeong-myeong. A respected scholar skilled in classical literature and a former government official, Go refused to turn away from his moral obligations when the nation faced existential peril. He mobilized volunteer fighters in Damyang and marched toward Geumsan to confront advancing enemy forces, translating his written ideals into direct physical action on the battlefield. Historical records show that Go Gyeong-myeong, alongside his second son Go In-hu, Yu Paeng-ro, and An Yeong, ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice during the fierce 1592 Battle of Geumsan.
From Geumsan to Jinjuseong and the Cost of Resistance
The tragedy and resolve of the volunteer armies did not end at Geumsan. The following year, Go Gyeong-myeong’s eldest son, Go Jong-hu, reorganized the remaining forces and marched into Jinjuseong fortress, where he fought alongside Kim Cheon-il and Choi Gyeong-hoe until his life was cut short. The defenders of Jinjuseong—composed of both regular garrison troops and local residents—withstood an overwhelming enemy force for nine grueling days. Their desperate defense was driven by a singular purpose: protecting the lives of the people inside the fortress walls and safeguarding the future of the nation itself. This unbroken thread of resistance from Geumsan to Jinjuseong demonstrated a profound willingness to share the fate of threatened strangers across regional boundaries.
Hoejae Park Gwang-ok also played a foundational role in sustaining these military efforts by coordinating grain procurement, military equipment, and logistical support alongside leaders like Go Gyeong-myeong and Kim Cheon-il. This seamless cooperation between frontline combatants and rear-guard organizers formed the structural backbone of the Honam righteous armies. Acknowledging these sacrifices serves as a vital reminder of the steep human cost behind modern peace, compelling descendants to honor that history without romanticizing the devastation of war.
Bringing Honam Heritage to the Modern Stage
The performance of the play “불꽃,” scheduled for November 7 at 3 p.m. at the 남구 문화예술회관, aims to make these historical events accessible to current generations. Hosted by Nam-gu and produced by the theatrical troupe Kkachinol, the free production traces Go Gyeong-myeong and the Honam righteous armies from the conflict in Geumsan through the final stand at Jinjuseong. Written by Yang Su-geun and directed by Lee Young-min, the staging provides families and particularly younger audiences an opportunity to reflect on the choices made by historical figures in their own backyard.
Organizers hope the production will spark meaningful dialogues between parents and children regarding civic responsibility, regional identity, and historical memory. By following the artistic exploration of these events with a visit to historic sites such as Pochungsa, citizens can ground their understanding of the past in physical spaces dedicated to the region’s fallen martyrs. Through these artistic and cultural touchstones, the difficult choices of the Honam righteous armies continue to resonate within daily life, transforming ancestral resilience into an enduring source of modern community pride.
