The vice president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea from 1940 to 1947, Kim Kyu-sik, was a central figure in the movement for independence from Japan. Born in the Dongnae District in 1881, he utilized his academic background in English literature to advocate for his nation on an international stage during the Paris Peace Conference.
Academic and Early Life
Orphaned in childhood, Kim began studies under the American missionary H.G. Underwood at the age of six, adopting the name Johann. He later moved to the United States for higher education, completing a bachelor's degree at Roanoke College in 1903. He continued his academic pursuits at Princeton University, where he earned a master's degree in English literature in 1904. He later received an honorary Doctor of Law from Roanoke College in 1923.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political and Diplomatic Service
After returning to Korea in 1905, Kim fled to China following the 1910 Japanese annexation. In 1919, he represented Korean interests at the Paris Peace Conference. During his time in China, he served as a professor at various institutions, including Fudan University and the Northern Sea University in Tianjin. In 1935, he participated in the formation of the Korean National Revolutionary Party alongside Kim Won-bong and Cho Soang. He served the Provisional Government in multiple capacities, including as foreign minister and ambassador, while also teaching English to other government members.
Post-Liberation and Death
Following the 1945 liberation of Korea, Kim returned to his homeland. He was viewed by the United States occupation leader John R. Hodge as a moderate political figure. Despite efforts to organize his country, he failed to secure broad consensus for the nation's future. When the Korean War broke out in 1950, he was abducted and transported to the north. Kim died near Manpo on December 10, 1950. While the CIA later confirmed his death resulted from illness, he remains a historically significant figure in the region.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 January 1881, Dongnae District
- Died: 10 December 1950, Manpo
- Education: Roanoke College, Princeton University
- Positions: Vice President of the Provisional Government (1940-1947)
- Religion: Presbyterianism
- Awards: National Reunification Prize (1998); Order of Merit for National Foundation (1988)
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Kim teach?
He was an educator who taught English and English literature at several institutions, including Fudan University and the Barkdal English School.
What happened to Kim during the Korean War?
He was kidnapped and moved to the north, where he died from disease near Manpo in December 1950.
