This paper tries to analyse Lee Sang-Jae's thought on state building. In this research paper I analysed his crisis recognition, diagnosis, and prescriptions to overcome difficult obstacles. He joined the Independence Society during the time of the foreign infringement of sovereignty in Korea. He thought that Korea came to crisis due to a lack of independence and self-study. He groped for a constitutional monarchy as an ideal state type, but failed.
The Independence Society's state building ideas had its Limitations. Lee Sang-Jae is under the influence of The Independence Society. It is clear that not only the Independence Society but Lee Sang-Jae himself had similar limitations. The Independence Society had various spectrums of ideal state types. From a constitutional monarchy to a republican form of government coexisted together in the Independence Society. Some people regarded a republic as an ideal state type. On the other hand, Lee Sang-Jae thought that a more conservative form of governemnt, a constitutional monarchy, was the ideal state type for the times.
He took an active role in building a modern constitutional monarchy through the Independence Society. The most important example is the movement for establishing a Chungchuwon, a Senate. His endeavor was a very important step toward a modem state.
Lee Sang-Jae failed to solve the tension between the King's rights and people's rights in the real world. But he took a clear position on relations between them. He thought Korea could defend itself by cooperation between the King and his people against foreigners' intervention in domestic affairs. His political line was very realistic to overcome the difficulties at that time.
The tension and conflict between the King and his people could not be resolved by Lee's endeavor. A true solution to the problem was emerging under the New People Society in 1907. Lee's political idea was a stepping stone between a monarchy and a republic.