About
Yun Ch'i-ho (1864-1945) was a pivotal figure in Korea's modernization. Born into a noble family, he studied in Japan, China, and the United States, becoming the first Asian student at Emory College. A convert to Methodism, he co-founded the Independence Club in 1896 and advocated political reform. After Japan's annexation, he was imprisoned during the 105-Man Incident (1911-1915). He later served as general secretary of the Seoul YMCA and became the first Korean president of Yonhi College (1930-1941). His diary, kept in English from 1889 to 1943, is a valuable historical source. His legacy remains controversial due to his later accommodation with Japanese colonial rule.
* 1864-12-26 — † 1945-12-06
Major works
- Yun Ch'i-ho Ilgi (Diary) (1973-1989)diary
Key milestones
- 1896Co-founded the Independence Club with Seo Jae-pil.
- 1911-1915Imprisoned by Japanese colonial authorities during the 105-Man Incident.
- 1930-1941Served as the first Korean president of Yonhi College (now Yonsei University).
Themes
Korean independenceModernizationChristianityCollaborationEducation
Sources: cambridge.org · catalogue.nla.gov.au · aaadsemory.com