John Garang vs Kim Ok-gyun

John Garang founded the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and its political wing, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), in response to the Sudanese government's imposition of Sharia law and abrogation of southern autonomy. Garang became the leader of the rebellion.

Garang articulated the SPLA/M's goal as a 'New Sudan'

Garang signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, ending the Second Sudanese Civil War. The agreement granted southern Sudan autonomy and a referendum on independence. Garang became First Vice President of Sudan and President of Southern Sudan.

John Garang died in a helicopter crash on July 30, 2005, just three weeks after becoming First Vice President of Sudan. His death triggered riots in southern Sudan and raised fears of a return to war. He was succeeded by Salva Kiir as leader of the SPLM and Southern Sudan.

Kim Ok-gyun led a group of progressive reformers in a coup attempt against the conservative Korean government. The coup aimed to modernize Korea by abolishing class distinctions, reforming the government, and reducing Chinese influence. It failed after three days due to Chinese military intervention.

After the failure of the Gapsin Coup, Kim Ok-gyun fled to Japan, where he lived in exile for a decade. During this time, he continued to advocate for Korean modernization and sought Japanese support for reform, though his collaboration with Japan later tarnished his legacy.

Kim Ok-gyun was assassinated in Shanghai by a Korean conservative, Hong Jong-u. His body was mutilated and displayed in Korea as a warning to reformers. The assassination was ordered by the Korean government, which viewed him as a traitor.