In this episode of History Ignited, we examine the complex and controversial life of Syngman Rhee, the first president of South Korea.

A dedicated independence activist who spent decades in exile, Rhee finally saw his dream of a sovereign Korea realized—only to lead it through the devastation of the Korean War and years of authoritarian rule. We’ll discuss:

Rhee’s early struggle against Japanese colonial rule.
The division of the peninsula and his rise to the presidency.
The tensions of his leadership, from the outbreak of war to the 1960 April Revolution that ended his reign.

Join us as we break down the legacy of a leader whose iron will shaped a nation but left behind a deeply divided heritage.

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Syngman Rhee: The Rise and Fall of South Korea's First President