This writing examines previous studies on connections between Donghak and Confucianism through three different topics: Donghak’s doctrine, propagation, and Donghak Peasant Army’s consciousness. Previous studies on connections between Donghak and Confucianism predominantly regards Donghak doctrine as deviation from Confucianism. These studies either regard Donghak doctrine as a mixture of different religions including Confucianism or as something inheriting Confucianism while embracing equality by overcoming discrimination based on class.
Few studies on connections between propagation of Donghak and Confucianism point out Choi Si-Hyung added elements of Confucian practical ethics such as loyalty and filial piety in propagation to receive official recognition from the government. This view in part made simplified interpretation on why leaders of Donghak adopted Confucianism during propagation due to their view which regards Confucianism as an ideology of a conqueror. Various study methods have been implemented on study on connections between Donghak and Confucianism. Another view argues that Choi Je-Woo and Choi Si-Hyung amended Confucian ethics and codes of province as a method of practice of Donghak in response to various problems occurred during propagation. Also scholars examined for meaning behind Confucian practical ethics as argued by followers of Donghak during the period of the movement vindicating the innocence of the founder of Donghak.
Studies on connections between consciousness of Donghak Peasant Army and Confucianism are rejuvenated as criticisms poured down upon previous studies on Donghak Peasant War. Previous studies focused on the War’s influence in the process of modernization. Studies based on this view sought for modern ideologies such as equality and political system in consciousness of Donghak Peasant Army. Since then, a question over whether Donghak Peasant Army truly intended for modernization and a new view which defines people as an entity with autonomy and unique culture surfaced. Based on this view, there has been a sudden spark of interest in connections between consciousness of Donghak Peasant Army and Confucianism. First, there had been studies which argue Donghak Peasant Army desired ruling system based on Min-Bon ideology and Royalism by a benevolent king as well as Confucian utopia based on “all people under one king(一君萬民)”. Also some argue that ideological and structural foundation of the Confucian scholars participating in Donghak Peasant Army influenced consciousness and activities of the people involved. Lastly, there had been studies claiming Donghak Peasant Army acquired legitimacy by arguing Confucian practical ethics and this initiated members of rural community societies to participate in Donghak.