What is the Myeong Commonwealth?
The Myeong Commonwealth is a global Confucian spiritual sovereignty and confederal micronation operating within the field of experimental political science. In their authoritative monograph published by Cambridge University Press, the legal scholars Harry Hobbs and George Williams define a "micronation" as follows: "Whatever their character or form, micronations catalyse enquiries over the nature of statehood, international legal personality and legitimate authority. Their existence and persistence forces renewed consideration as to why some political communities are accepted as states, and others are not. Even if micronations are defined by their relationship to states, not all micronations are genuinely interested in statehood." See Harry Hobbs and George Williams, Micronations and the Search for Sovereignty (Cambridge University Press, 2022), p. 218.
What qualifies the Myeong Commonwealth to call itself the beacon of civilisation?
The Myeong Commonwealth serves as a refuge for all who uphold the principles that the state is responsible for (1) protecting the inherent dignity of every individual from conception to natural death; (2) preserving freedom of conscience; (3) respecting a universal and objective moral order that emphasises values such as humaneness, justice, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness; and (4) exercising restraint in intervening in economic, social, and familial affairs, all within the framework of (5) parliamentary democracy, where (6) essential rights and freedoms are protected by the rule of law.
The Myeong Commonwealth is recognised as the foremost Confucian micronational state established in the 21st century. It combines digital governance with real-world political, economic, and social institutions, seeking to embody the spiritual wisdom of the Sages in its laws and policies to foster a society advancing towards the era of "Grand Harmony." The Myeong Commonwealth seeks to restore purity to individual conscience, lost through deception and addiction during personal development, and to revive the Golden Age of the Sages at the societal level, which has been undermined by secularism, atheism, relativism, widespread sexual promiscuity, and the denial of objective moral truth.
The Myeong Commonwealth unites individuals to rebuild a flourishing human civilisation. It provides guidance in a world facing challenges such as artificial intelligence, economic inequality, gender dysphoria, increasing state control, and global environmental concerns. As a confederal micronational community, the Myeong Commonwealth is committed to re-civilising societies and preserving civilisation for humanity, free from the constraints of political correctness.
What are the political values of the Myeong Commonwealth?
In response to historical upheavals and societal changes, the Myeong Commonwealth is reconstructing human civilisation on the foundation of personal conscience and action prioritised over mere rhetoric. Rooted in the teachings of Sage Wang Yangming (1472–1529), which affirm the sage-like potential of every individual, including the most vulnerable and marginalised, and advocate the unity of conscience and action, the Constitution of the Myeong Commonwealth outlines a political vision where every citizen participates in the affairs of a vibrant parliamentary democratic meritocracy upheld by the rule of law. It also prioritises the survival and advancement of humane civilisation against potential 21st-century threats, such as a third world war.
What is the mission of the Myeong Commonwealth?
The mission of the Myeong Commonwealth is to revive and cultivate the five constant virtues — humaneness, justice, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness — among all peoples. It advocates the use of a well-formed conscience, shaped by the doctrines of the Sages, to make morally sound decisions on contentious issues, from artificial intelligence and life-and-death matters to environmental degradation. By restoring morality, harmony, and beauty in societal structures, arts, sciences, and architecture in the East Asian tradition, the Myeong Commonwealth aims to usher in a renaissance of ethical values and social order.
Where is the sovereign territory of the Myeong Commonwealth located?
As stated in the Confucian doctrine from the Classic of Odes (《시경》): "nothing beneath Heaven does not already belong to the Suzerain" (하늘 아래 왕의 땅 아닌 곳이 없다), the spiritual sovereignty of the Commonwealth transcends physical boundaries. It resides in the conscience of individuals — citizens and non-citizens alike — who recognise the objective existence of the Myeong Commonwealth. Composed of real individuals who interact and conduct affairs, the Myeong Commonwealth is primarily spiritual and aterritorial.
However, the Myeong Commonwealth rejects the validity of the First Convention of Peking (1860), by which the Manchu Qing Empire (대청국) unilaterally ceded to Tsarist Russia a 32 km² Korean territory (formerly under Ming administration in the 15th century via the Nurgan Protectorate), known as Nokdundo (녹둔도), without the knowledge or consent of the Kingdom of Joseon, predecessor to the Daehan Empire. In principle, Nokdundo is thus considered a de jure possession of the Daehan Empire, whose micronational successor is the Myeong Commonwealth. Nevertheless, the Myeong Commonwealth has no intention of exercising actual control over this land by any means.
Does the Myeong Commonwealth have its own Constitution?
Yes. The legal system of the Myeong Commonwealth, drawing from the common law tradition, is governed by a Constitution adopted democratically by a Constituent Assembly representing the spiritual legacy of the Confucian moral order. This supreme law serves as a guide to moral and political principles, valued not only within the Myeong Commonwealth but universally.
Why does the Myeong Commonwealth use an era name calendar system?
The era name system is a cherished cultural tradition revived by the Myeong Commonwealth in continental East Asia after more than a century. The Seongchi era commenced on 17 August 2023, thereafter designated as "Seongchi 1." On the advice and consent of the Privy Council, His Majesty the Emperor adopted "Seongchi" (성치), derived from the chapter of the same name in the Classic of Filial Piety (《효경》). The passage states: "The wisdom of the Sages prevails through gentle guidance; their government manifests in harmony not harshness. For they stand on a strong foundation." (Hanja: 聖人之教，不肅而成，其政不嚴而治，其所因者本也。)
Era names, or yeonho (연호), have been integral to East Asian calendrical systems for nearly two millennia. Comprising the era name and a sequential year count, characters are typically drawn from Confucian classics or historical texts. This practice has largely been abandoned in most East Asian states with the rise of secular republicanism. Japan remains the only macronation to use era names officially, with the current era being Reiwa (令和), commencing on 1 May 2019 and signifying "a culture born and nurtured by people coming together beautifully."
Era names originated in the Han Empire around 140 BCE under Emperor Wu (r. 141–87 BCE). Similar systems emerged in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Joseon Korea initially used Ming era names officially, later unofficially, until 1897.
Prior to the Ming Empire's founding in 1368, monarchs often employed multiple era names, causing chronological confusion. In 1368, the Hongwu Emperor (홍무제) (r. 1368–1398) established the "one-era-name-per-reign" system (Hagul: 일세일원; Hanja: 一世一元), whereby the era name also served as the monarch's posthumous reign name.
What are the opportunities and responsibilities of citizenship in the Myeong Commonwealth?
Individuals aged 18 or over may become Spiritual Citizens by registering on the official website, accepting the Constitution, and acknowledging the Myeong Emperor as Head of the Commonwealth. Citizenship is confirmed via an electronic Spiritual Citizenship certificate. Opportunities include establishing businesses within the Commonwealth. Responsibilities are outlined in the Constitution. Spiritual Citizens may not vote or hold public office.
The Myeong Commonwealth encourages global participation as Spiritual Citizens in the mission to re-civilise a world affected by secularism, atheism, armed conflict, extremism, terrorism, the sexual revolution, mass gender dysphoria, and the decline of aesthetics.
How can Full Citizenship of the Myeong Commonwealth be attained?
Full Citizenship, typically granted after at least one probationary year under oversight by the Home Office of His Majesty's Government, confers privileges such as voting in elections and holding constitutional offices within Commonwealth institutions, including His Majesty's Government, the Houses of the Commonwealth Assembly, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Commonwealth Prosecutorate, and the Commonwealth Inspectorate. Full Citizens access current and future online services, contributing to the Commonwealth's development and governance.
Full Citizens aged 18 or over must pay taxes when required, contributing to the annual budget for objectives and operations. Budget allocations, covering administration, events, and parliamentary sessions, are decided by the House of Peoples. Notably, His Majesty's Government has not levied taxes on Full Citizens since the founding in August Seongchi 1 (2023).
Can children become Full Citizens of the Myeong Commonwealth?
Yes, minors may obtain Full Citizenship if at least one biological or adoptive parent holds Full Citizenship. A written request must be submitted to the Home Office of His Majesty's Government.
Does the Myeong Commonwealth lay any claims over territories controlled by South Korea and North Korea?
No. The Myeong Commonwealth has no connection to or competition with the Republic of Korea or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It asserts no territorial claims over lands controlled by either state and recognises both as independent sovereign entities deserving respect.
Does the Myeong Commonwealth intend to expand its population and territory?
No. The Myeong Commonwealth has no plans for population growth beyond natural increase among citizens or approval of associated micronational states.
Is the Myeong Commonwealth a secessionist movement?
No. As a primarily spiritual realm, the Myeong Commonwealth does not secede from any territorial sovereign state to form a new one. It respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all United Nations members, including the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and avoids involvement in macronational politics.
Does the Myeong Commonwealth issue passports?
Generally, no. Diplomatic passports are issued only to government officials requiring them for visits to other micronations that demand them. Ordinary citizens, including most public servants, do not receive passports.
Does Myeong citizenship entitle a person to diplomatic protection or assistance in any jurisdiction worldwide?
No. Neither Full nor Spiritual Citizenship provides entitlement to diplomatic protection or assistance in any jurisdiction. Citizens must comply with the laws of their physical location.
Does Myeong citizenship entitle a person to live or work in Korea or the rest of East Asia?
No. Myeong citizenship confers no rights to reside or work in territories of any recognised United Nations member state. Immigration officers are not authorised to provide references for entry applications.
Do I need to be an ethnic Korean to become a Myeong citizen?
No. Membership is open worldwide, irrespective of ethnicity or macronationality. Non-East Asian individuals may join this cultural and religious community. However, all citizens must adopt a surname and given name in Hangul and Hanmun, limited to three characters.
Why do you sometimes call yourselves a "crowned republic"? Is that not a contradiction in terms?
The Myeong Commonwealth is a republic, as citizens enjoy political equality through one-person-one-vote elections for the House of Peoples, which selects the Prime Minister and government secretaries. The Commonwealth Assembly and Government operate within a system of checks and balances involving institutions such as the Supreme Court of Justice, the Commonwealth Superintendency, and the Commonwealth Inspectorate, as prescribed by the Constitution.
Yet it is a "crowned" republic. While executive powers are exercised by elected officials, a hereditary constitutional monarch serves as ceremonial Head of the Commonwealth, holding symbolic roles without public powers. This monarchy provides stability, continuity, and embodiment of history, religion, traditions, and moral values, transcending partisan politics.
What is the relationship between the Myeong Commonwealth and the Ming Empire?
The Kingdom of Joseon (조선국) (1392–1910) and its suzerain, the Ming Empire (대명국) (1368–1662), maintained close diplomatic and trade ties. The Hongwu Emperor personally named "Joseon" ("fresh dawn") and peacefully settled borders with King Taejo in 1392. Both shared Neo-Confucian ideals, with Joseon as the Ming's favoured tributary. Ming aided Joseon against Hideyoshi's invasions (1592–1598), and Joseon supported Ming against the Manchus. After Ming's fall, Joseon adopted "Little China" (Sojunghwa) ideology, preserving Ming attire, etiquette, and scholarship. In 1897, King Gojong became the Gwangmu Emperor of the Daehan Empire (대한제국) (1897–1910), adopting Ming regalia and rites.
The Myeong Commonwealth upholds, preserves, revitalises, and promotes all compatible traditions, practices, and institutions of the Ming Empire, Kingdom of Joseon, and Daehan Empire. Incompatible elements — including absolute monarchy, arbitrary detention, centralisation undermining checks and balances, collective punishment, secret trials, forced labour, eunuch involvement in governance, political censorship, polygamy, violent punishment, unfair trials, and secret police — are prohibited.
Why does the Myeong Commonwealth refuse to recognise the legitimacy of the defunct Manchu Qing Empire as a legitimate Confucian imperial dynasty of continental East Asia?
The Manchu Qing Empire (대청국), founded by the Manchus (formerly Jurchens subject to Ming and Joseon), committed grave acts, including massacres in Yangzhou and the execution of the last Ming monarch, the Yongli Emperor (영력제) (r. 1646–1662), and his Crown Prince Constantine in 1662, rather than a peaceful Confucian transfer of power via seon-yang (선양).
Usurping the throne, the Manchus enforced cultural genocide, including mandatory forehead shaving, pigtails, nomadic attire, and "literary inquisition" (문자의 옥) stifling Confucian thought — all contrary to teachings on attire, etiquette, and filial piety.
During Qing dominance, Joseon remained a tributary but viewed Qing as illegitimate barbarians, developing Ming-inspired Hanbok and identifying as the true heir to Ming civilisation until Japanese conquest in 1910.
As spiritual successor to the Ming Empire, the Myeong Commonwealth permanently condemns and refuses recognition of the Qing Empire and its successor, Manchukuo (만주국) (1932–1945), a Japanese puppet during the Second World War.