In a decision that has sparked considerable discussion, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province announced it will provide annual allowances to the descendants of participants in the Donghak Peasant Revolution, which occurred 132 years ago.
On August 25, Jeonbuk Province revealed that 723 descendants of Donghak Peasant Revolution participants will receive an annual allowance of 1.2 million won each. Eligible recipients include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren registered as heirs under special legislation, who have resided in Jeonbuk for at least one year as of January 1 of this year. Applications will be accepted from September 4 to 22, with payments scheduled for November and December.
Internationally, there are examples of compensation for historical injustices that extend to descendants. However, most of these cases involve one-time payments or collective compensation, differing from Jeonbuk's approach of providing annual allowances.
One comparable case is Evanston, Illinois, where the city operates a restorative housing program for Black residents and their direct descendants affected by discriminatory housing policies from 1919 to 1969. The program offers $25,000 in cash or housing-related assistance per eligible individual. Although new applications are not currently being accepted, funds are being distributed to qualified descendants as they become available.
However, Evanston's compensation policy is currently the subject of litigation. In June, the U.S. Department of Justice intervened in an existing lawsuit, claiming the program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the Fair Housing Act. According to the Department of Justice, Evanston has paid out over $5 million to date, with at least 454 eligible direct descendants. The lawsuit is ongoing.
In Taiwan, monetary compensation has been provided to victims and families affected by the 228 Incident of 1947. As of the end of November 2025, the 228 Incident Memorial Foundation reported that 10,388 individuals have been recognized as eligible for compensation, with 10,260 having received payments totaling approximately 7.2836 billion New Taiwan dollars. This compensation is not an annual allowance but rather a settlement for the damages incurred.
New Zealand has also implemented collective reparations for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and colonial policies following its signing in 1840. In the case of Te Whanau a Apanui, the introduction of the Native Land Act in 1862, coercion during the New Zealand Wars in 1865, and subsequent land policies contributed to the official agreement. The settlement includes financial compensation of NZD 30 million, a cultural fund of NZD 1.1 million, and land restitution. While the benefits apply to all members of the iwi regardless of residence, they do not involve annual payments to individuals. The agreement will take effect following the enactment of related legislation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.