Public Security Issues in Korea during the First Sino-Japanese War and the Stationing of Japanese Force

The First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) marked a pivotal shift in East Asia, ending Qing China's dominance over Joseon Korea and expanding Japan's influence. Though Joseon was nominally granted independence through the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Japan’s control over the peninsula quickly strengthened, leading to its de facto protectorate status. The war also accelerated the collapse of the tribute system and impacted the domestic politics of Qing, Joseon, and Japan. Early Qing defeats at Pungdo, Seonghwan, and Pyongyang left their forces isolated and vulnerable, resulting in widespread looting by retreating soldiers in Korean peninsula. Fearing diplomatic conflict with Qing, the Joseon government hesitated to take direct action against Qing remnants and instead relied on Japanese forces, who secured military control and eliminated local threats. Even after the war’s conclusion, remnants of Qing troops and Donghak rebels continued to disrupt Korean society, further deepening Japanese involvement. This study reexamines the Sino-Japanese War with a focus on Joseon’s position, analyzing how Japan capitalized on the war to assert its dominance. It explores the broader implications of the war for Korea’s sovereignty and the region's political landscape.