In 1885 Protestant missionaries arrive. They are medical doctors, Presbyterians by and large. Evangelists and educators followed soon.

Politically, a treaty is signed with Russia, the ex-regent is sent back into retirement, and the European Moellenforf is gone, having achieved at least some of his goals.

But Korea shall not be isolated much longer. A telegraph mechanism is now installed connecting the peninsula to Peking and thence to the world. More progress in this direction leads to the anti-slavery act and in 1886 to a treaty with France.

Only China seems to be refusing to recognize Korean independence. China, "Mom", has her own interests in the ancient state, and does not want to release her just yet. Conservatives clamoring for the old ways do what they can to keep China on board.

A Cholera epidemic now ravages the land.

In 1887 the King decides to send a legation to the United States to interest them in Korean affairs. China intervenes. It still has enough pull to block this move until Korea puts them legally in charge of all Korean affairs.

The next year, King Kojong issues a decree that "forbids severely" the teaching of Christianity in Seoul. In spite of Horace Allen, Homer Hulbert (the author we have been following), Horace Underwood, and James Gale, all of whom have befriended the king, the government shows anti-Christian leanings. But, the decree is not enforced or obeyed, and shortly Korea becomes the banner mission field of the world.

Missionary Allen says that all the major financial interests in Korea at this time are American. But even America and the Presidents of that day are not really that interested. The view from the West is that Korea will one day belong to Japan, and is not really an American issue.

1890. European relationships advance to the point of creating the first embassy there. This move is countered in 1891 by the rising of ultra-conservative Min Yong-jun to power. Retrogression sets in, causing an 1892 agitation from the Tonghak progressive religious faction in Seoul. Kojong rejects their petition, and reacts with more pressure on foreigners and foreign ideas to be gone.

As 1893 dawns the struggling nation sees more and more taxes, so more and more insurrections. Some continue to clamor for all foreigners to leave the nation. Including the Christians. The Chinese are coming on strong. The Japanese are watching, waiting for their own opportunity.

Soon the Koreans need even more assistance from their ancient mother. China, giving no warning to ally Japan in essence breaks their treaty, and heightens the tension, as 2000 Chinese march into the streets of Seoul.

Japan is threatened. Korea is once more losing her independence, but not in Japan's favor. Japan counters the Chinese initiative with 8000 troops of its own. And then 3000 more. Foreign governments, their own interests at risk, ask both to leave. Neither will.

Soon there are15,000 Japanese soldiers at the ready. They demand reforms or else. Of course there is no cooperation from China. The Japanese take the king, and drive out the Min faction. Chinese-Japanese boats exchange fire. In the ensuing land war, the Japanese take Pyongyang, then move north, on to Peking. They systematically drive every vestige of China out of Korea, back across the bordering Yalu River.

In 1894, encouraged by the happenings in the north, there is open warfare by the Tonghak in the southern province of Cholla. Revolution spreads. They defeat government troops. Finally Kojong makes promises of reform. Things begin to calm down.

But all of this starts what Hulbert calls the "Greatest crisis in Korean history since the seventh century." Until then, there was always the leaning towards China's mild control. Now, the outward influence of China ceases. Until now, Korean society is in fact more or less Chinese. But Korea is becoming different and the difference shows. Some would add that Korea is "safe" under China, but she is now corrupting.

Meanwhile the Japanese occupy Seoul. The King is kept alive, but a puppet. New government is forced on the Korean people. The Queen is totally driven out.

A new day has arrived. How will the church respond? How will she fare in this new set-up? How will Christ bring about an even better day for this nation?