New Dawn: Republic of Korea and Syngman Rhee - Paperback

by Young Lee (Author)

Modern Korean history is an important subject for future generations of Korean immigrants to learn their background and heritage. The new generation will learn important lessons for their survival and successful life from their parents' experience and struggles for independence and democracy. The search for simple English storytelling on the subject found no easy answer. The Author, having lived in both Korea and the U.S., presents an objective and panoramic view of history through the life of Syngman Rhee (1875-1965), the revolutionary, the reformer and the first president of the Republic of Korea. The Author describes international politics in the colonial period and a young man destined to be an enlightened and courageous spiritual and political leader to bridge the old Korean dynasty engulfed in colonization and a war to a vibrant new Republic. The Republic became a bulwark of democracy in the Far East swept by communism. This book is essential reading for the new generation interested in the dazzling progress of the new republic, a fratricidal war to thwart communism, and the people's will for democracy and freedom. The book provides an ample resource of education in Korean history, language arts for the first generation, and the inspiration of a charismatic leader. Whether speaking English or not, a reader can start a journey in both history and language arts with New Dawn to enrich their lives.

Author Biography

Young Lee was born in Korea. He spent his boyhood in Seoul, during the fratricidal Korean War. Young attended the engineering college Seoul National University (SNU). He served in the Korean army as a Lieutenant and worked as a Civil Engineer for Hyundai Corp. during the belt-tightening era in Korea. In 1967 at age 26, he came to New Jersey as an engineering trainee, attending New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), achieving both a Masters and Doctor of Engineering Science degrees. He later served as an adjunct professor at NJIT. Specializing in transportation infrastructure design and construction management, Young gained much experience at various consulting engineering firms, ultimately founding his own engineering company. As CEO, he spent the remainder of his professional career there until his retirement. He remains an active professional engineer and professional land surveyor, licensed in various states. An avid student of meditation, but also physically active, Young enjoys kayaking, golfing, snorkeling, and swimming, all of which he has pursued during his travels to many states and countries. A proud father of two daughters and grandfather of three, Young is a naturalized U.S. citizen, residing in New Jersey and Florida with Kim, his soul mate, and wife of 50 years.