The Origin of ‘UiYongBongGong’

Abstract

‘UiYongBongGong’, which is commonly used by Korean volunteer fire brigades, is a relic of the Japanese Colonial Era and has its roots in the Samurai culture of pre-modern Japan. In Japanese traditional culture, ‘UiYongBongGong’ meant that the Samurai show loyalty to their lords by sacrificing their lives. After the Meiji Restoration, the subject of loyalty was expanded to the general public, and the object of loyalty was also expanded to the emperor. It was used as essential ethics for the aggressive wars of Japanese Imperialism. Koreans were also compelled to follow these morals during the imperialist periods. After World War II, it remained taboo, but recently, Korean volunteer fire brigades have been using it publicly.