Jo So-ang

Jo So-ang (조소앙, 1887-1958) was a Korean independence activist, politician, and theorist. He is best known as the architect of the Three Principles of Equality (삼균주의; Samgyunjuui), a political philosophy advocating for equality of individuals, nations, and livelihoods. This philosophy significantly influenced the provisional government of Korea during the Japanese colonial period and served as a foundational ideology for some post-liberation political movements.

Born in Seoul as Jo Yong-eun, he adopted the pen name So-ang. He dedicated his life to Korean independence, participating in various resistance movements against Japanese rule. He studied in Japan, where he became involved in nationalist activities. He later joined the Korean provisional government in Shanghai, where he played a crucial role in shaping its policies.

The Three Principles of Equality, formulated by Jo So-ang, advocated for equal rights in political, economic, and educational spheres. He believed in achieving national independence and establishing a democratic republic based on these principles. He envisioned a society where all citizens would have equal opportunities and a just standard of living.

Following Korea's liberation in 1945, Jo So-ang returned to his homeland and became involved in post-liberation politics. He continued to advocate for his Three Principles of Equality and played a role in drafting the Korean constitution. He was abducted during the Korean War and is believed to have died in North Korea.

Jo So-ang is revered in South Korea as a patriot and a key figure in the Korean independence movement. His political philosophy continues to be studied and debated, and his contributions to Korean nationalism and democratic thought are widely recognized. He is also remembered as a pioneer of social democracy in Korea.