A prominent military leader who played a key role in the Imjin War, leading Korean forces to several victories against the Japanese invasion. He's revered for his bravery and strategic prowess.
Yi Un, the 28th Head of the Korean Imperial House, is remembered as the last Imperial Crown Prince of the Korean Empire, as well as an Imperial Japanese Army general. His life was marked by a series of significant events, including the annexation of Korea by Japan, his marriage to a Japanese princess, and his eventual exile from his homeland.
Born on October 20, 1897, at Deoksu Palace in Seoul, Yi Un was the seventh son of Gojong, the Gwangmu Emperor. His mother, the Honorable Princess Consort Eom Seonyeong, was a palace attendant who was posthumously awarded the title of Princess Sunheon.
In 1900, Yi Un was titled Prince Imperial Yeong, and in 1907, he became the crown prince, despite being younger than Prince Imperial Ui. This move was seen as a strategic one, as it ensured that the Korean royal family would not take any further action against Japanese occupation.
In 1910, the Korean Empire was officially annexed by Japan, and Emperor Sunjong was forced to abdicate. Yi Un was sent to Japan, where he was enrolled at Gakushin Peers School, in an effort to assimilate him into Japanese culture.
In 1920, Yi Un married Princess Masako of Nashimoto, the eldest daughter of Prince Nashimoto Morimasa, at Tokyo. He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant General in the Imperial Japanese Army, commanding Japanese forces in China and serving as a member of the Supreme War Council.
After World War II, Yi Un was refused entry to Korea, and his Japanese titles were removed by Article 14 of the new Constitution of Japan in 1947. He spent the remainder of his life in exile, eventually passing away on May 1, 1970.
In 1970, Yi Un was posthumously recognized as Crown Prince Uimin by the Jeonju Lee Royal Family Association, a testament to his enduring legacy as a symbol of Korean national identity.
Yi Un's life serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of Korean-Japanese relations during the early 20th century, as well as the resilience of the Korean royal family in the face of foreign occupation.
Despite the challenges he faced, Yi Un remains an important figure in Korean history, symbolizing the country's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing struggle for independence and self-determination.
95 Years Old
A South Korean general and politician who served as the 5th President of South Korea, known for his military coup and subsequent authoritarian rule. He's infamous for his role in the Gwangju Democratization Movement's brutal suppression.
93 Years Old
South Korea's first democratically elected president, known for his role in the country's transition to democracy and his key role in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He's also infamous for his involvement in a military coup and human rights abuses.
Born in 1924
A South Korean politician and Nobel laureate who served as the country's 8th president, known for his Sunshine Policy towards North Korea and efforts to promote democracy and human rights. He is a symbol of South Korea's transition from dictatorship to democracy.
84 Years Old
South Korea's first businessman president, known for his economic reforms and infrastructure projects, particularly the Four Major Rivers Project. He was also involved in a corruption scandal that led to his imprisonment.
74 Years Old
The first female president of South Korea, serving from 2013 to 2017, known for her efforts to improve relations with North Korea and her subsequent impeachment and imprisonment for corruption.
73 Years Old
The 19th President of South Korea, a key figure in the country's efforts to reconcile with North Korea, known for his progressive policies and Nobel Peace Prize nomination.
Born in 1897
A key figure in South Korea's transition to democracy, he served as president from 1960 to 1962 and advocated for human rights and social justice. He's remembered for his efforts to rebuild the country after the Korean War.
