Syngman Rhee

Syngman Rhee or Lee, Seung-man (March 26, 1875 - July 19, 1965) was a Korean politician and the first president of South Korea. His rule, from March 1948 to April 1960, remains a matter of controversy, arising from Cold War tensions on the Korean peninsula and elsewhere. Rhee, a professed Christian, was identified strongly with the conservative, anti-Communist side in Korean politics and geopolitics, and led South Korea throughout the Korean War. His presidency ended in resignation following popular protests against a disputed election. He died in exile in Hawaii.

Fall from Power

By 1960, Rhee already served three terms in office. His victory seemed assured when the main opposition candidate, Cho Byeong-ok, died shortly before the March 15 elections. The real contest was in the race for vice president (held separately under the law of the time), and Rhee's heir apparent Yi Gi-bung was declared the victor in an election that the opposition claimed was rigged. This sparked off anger among segments of the Korean populace, and the student-led April 19 Movement forced Rhee to resign on April 26.

Related Topics:
1960 - March 15 - Yi Gi-bung - April 19 Movement - April 26

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On April 28, a DC-4 belonging to the CIA operated Civil Air Transport swiped Rhee out of South Korea and away from the clutches of a lynch mob that was closing in. Kim Yong Kap, Rhee's Deputy Minister of Finance, revealed that President Rhee had embezzeled $20 million in government funds. Rhee, his wife and adopted son lived in exile on 2033 Makiki Street in Honolulu, Hawai'i. On July 19 1965, Rhee died of a stroke. His body was returned to Seoul and buried in the National Cemetery on July 27 of the same year.

Related Topics:
CIA - Civil Air Transport - Honolulu - Hawai'i - July 19 - 1965 - July 27

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~