Syngman Rhee

President of South Korea from 1948 to 1960

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Lived 1875–1965, aged 90

Wikipedia
82 languages
Cross-language footprint
Era
1875–1965
Aged 90
Known for
Korea: The Never-Endin…
2019

Summary

Updated 2026-06-08

South Korea's first president, who held power from 1948 until mass protests forced him out in 1960. His twelve-year rule combined rigid anti-communism with growing authoritarianism, ending when rigged elections triggered street uprisings and police killings that made his position untenable.

Biography

About

Born in 1875 during the Joseon period, Rhee converted to Christianity at a Methodist school and became an independence activist, landing in prison in 1899. Released in 1904, he left for the United States, earned American degrees, and moved between Hawaii and exile politics in Shanghai, serving twice as president of the Korean Provisional Government before returning to US-controlled Korea in 1945. Elected by the National Assembly in July 1948, he steered South Korea through the Korean War—refusing to sign the armistice because he wanted the peninsula reunited by force. His government battled il…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Syngman Rhee

Syngman Rhee

saidApr 1951

It is expressive of the determination of the Korean Army to fight back against great odds of their willingness to die rather than suffer defeat.

— "Letter, Syngman Rhee To Lieutenant General John B. Coulter" (April 1951)

Syngman Rhee

said19 Jul 1950

The people of North Korea are the same as the people of South Korea.

— "The President of the Republic of Korea (Rhee) to President Truman 1" (19 July 1950)

Syngman Rhee

said30 Sep 1949

The Soviets are winning a victory in their Cold War.

— "Letter, Syngman Rhee to Dr. Robert T. Oliver" in Wilson Center Digital Archive (30 September 1949)

Syngman Rhee

said30 Sep 1949

They are doing everything possible to create confusion. In acting this way the Communists increase their strength, and expand and deepen their influence.

— "Letter, Syngman Rhee to Dr. Robert T. Oliver" in Wilson Center Digital Archive (30 September 1949)

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