At Ewhajang: Syngman and Francesca Rhee pose in front of their residence Ewhajang, in downtown Seoul with their dog Happy. Ewhajang was well protected to avoid possible attacks. Cho Hye-ja, daughter-in-law of the Rhees, said the couple were very humble and sometimes could not even afford to repair their housing. The house is now designated as a regional cultural asset and is managed by the Seoul city. Rhee’s adoptive son Rhee In-su and his family still reside there.


By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

Looking at old yearbooks or photo albums is always fun. Looking behind the scenes of historical moments or figures adds a little excitement.

Some pictures of Syngman Rhee (1875-1965), the first President of the Republic of Korea, and his wife Francesca as well as his friends and loved ones have come to light, thanks to a private collector who has been following his life.



He dedicated his life to see his country liberated. After he became president, many of his friends testified that he focused on unifying Korea and protecting it. Many people recalled the couple as humble and warmhearted.

Whether Rhee was indeed a good President is still a controversial issue, but the pictures of Rhee smiling with his wife or lying on a sickbed shows that he was a human just like anybody else.



The pictures will be auctioned on March 26 at K Auction in downtown Seoul. The Korea Times had a chance to take a look at some of them.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr









→ Happy the Dog and Syngman Rhee