Ito Hirobumi's Mistress Thwarted Gojong's Asylum Plan

Bae Jeong-ja, whose birth name was Bae Bun-nam, was born the daughter of Bae Ji-hong, a Hyungbang (a local official responsible for penalties during the Joseon Dynasty) in Gimhae. Her father, Bae Ji-hong, died after receiving a severe flogging for submitting an appeal to Emperor Gojong, leading Bae Jeong-ja to live a tragic life from an early age. This background later became the reason she harbored resentment towards Gojong.

Bae Jeong-ja began life as a gisaeng at the young age of 10, and at 12, she went to Japan to study with the help of Jeong Byeong-ha. While in Japan, she associated with Ahn Gyeong-su and met Ito Hirobumi through Kim Ok-gyun. Ito Hirobumi named her 'Jeong-ja (Sada)' himself, as she resembled his deceased daughter 'Sadako.' This became a significant turning point in her deep relationship with Ito Hirobumi.

Bae Jeong-ja returned to Joseon to seek revenge on Emperor Gojong, whom she considered responsible for her father's death. She cultivated a relationship with an assassin who came to kill Woo Beom-seon, the murderer of Empress Myeongseong, and obtained his letter of credence. Using this, she infiltrated Gojong's court disguised as a trusted figure. This approach was part of a meticulous plot to gain Gojong's confidence.

Bae Jeong-ja actively approached Gojong to win his heart, and Gojong trusted and nurtured both Song Byeong-jun and her. As a result, she was affectionately called 'Joseon's version of Julie,' indicating the extent of Gojong's favor towards her.

Bae Jeong-ja offered her respects to Gojong daily, becoming deeply involved in his everyday life. She used her looks and charm to curry favor with Gojong, solidifying her position as a spy beyond mere affection.

Ito Hirobumi was like an adopted father and husband to Bae Jeong-ja. When Ito Hirobumi died in Ahn Jung-geun's assassination in 1909, Bae Jeong-ja was so shocked and grief-stricken that she collapsed. This demonstrates how deeply she depended on Ito Hirobumi.

After Ito Hirobumi's death, Akashi Motojiro approached Bae Jeong-ja. Akashi Motojiro, known for his success in the Russian Revolution, was appointed chief of the Joseon Military Police, playing a key role in strengthening Japan's influence in Joseon.

Bae Jeong-ja received a reward of 1,600 won for betraying Emperor Gojong's plan to seek asylum in Russia. This amount, equivalent to approximately 1.6 billion won in today's currency, suggests how highly her espionage activities were valued.

Emperor Gojong confided in Bae Jeong-ja about his plan to flee to Vladivostok. However, Bae Jeong-ja reported this information to Akashi Motojiro, who immediately dispatched 160 military police to surround Gojong, completely thwarting his asylum plan. This incident played a decisive role in crushing Gojong's last hope.

Upon learning of the failure of Emperor Gojong's plan to seek asylum in Russia, Lee Wan-yong realized that Joseon's demise was imminent. This incident became a decisive turning point for him, as he concluded that Joseon was already doomed and began to walk the path of the Eulsa Traitors. Bae Jeong-ja's betrayal not only thwarted Gojong's plan but also indirectly influenced the signing of the Ulsa Treaty.

In 1910, upon hearing the news that Joseon had been annexed by Japan, Bae Jeong-ja cheered with joy. This was in stark contrast to the sorrow she displayed at Ito Hirobumi's death, an evil act that demonstrated her loyalty to Japan and how much she desired Joseon's demise.