# Pyeng Koo Yoon ![Yoon's portrait in The Korean Evangel (1909)](/sites/g/files/omnuum10901/files/styles/hwp_4_5__480x600/public/koreanalumnibiographiesproject/files/yun_pyonggu.png?itok=YtcELyuW) *Yoon's portrait in The Korean Evangel (1909).* Pyeng Koo Yoon (Yun Pyŏng-gu, 윤병구 尹炳球, 1880–1949), also known as P. K. Yoon, was a missionary, priest, and independence activist. Yoon attended Harvard University between 1906–1907 as a special student. Yoon, the only son of Yun Sŏng-hyŏng, was born on December 22, 1880, in Yangju (or possibly Seoul), Kyŏnggi Province, Korea.1 He studied at the Pai Chai School (Paejae Haktang) before entering a two-year program at Hansŏng Normal School (Hansŏng Sabŏm Hakkyo) in 1897. In the same year, Yoon became a Christian under the influence of Homer B. Hulbert (1863–1949), and was baptized by George H. Jones (1867–1919). After graduation, he acted as a missionary interpreter and a missionary in his own right at the Southern Methodist Church in Kaesŏng.2 In October 1903, Yoon crossed over to Hawai‘i where the first Korean immigrants to America began to settle as sugar plantation workers. His wife and son followed him shortly after. With the support of Reverent G. L. Pearson of the First Methodist Church, Yoon began to proselytize amongst the local Korean residents, and became interpreter to Pearson’s successor, John W. Wadman. At the same time, he continued his education to become a pastor, and became a central figure in organizations such as the New People’s Association (Sinminhoe), a secret society founded by An Ch’ang-ho (1878–1938) and other like-minded people in 1907 with a goal of restoring Korea’s sovereignty.3 Yoon departed Honolulu and met Syngman Rhee (1875–1965), who in 1948 became the first president of the Republic of Korea, in Washington D.C. in July 1905. Yoon and Rhee intended to petition the President of the United States during the Russo-Japanese negotiations at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to maintain Korea’s independence. Both Yoon and Rhee had been put forward as delegates by Koreans residing in Hawai‘i at a meeting on July 12 of that year.4 With the help of John W. Wadman of the Methodist Episcopal Mission in Hawai‘i, Yoon had obtained a letter of introduction from the secretary of war, William H. Taft, during Taft’s stopover in Honolulu. On August 4, Yoon and Rhee met President Roosevelt at Oyster Bay, Long Island. The president greeted them cordially but said he could not receive the petition unless it came through official diplomatic channels.5 The Korean legation, already under the influence of pro-Japanese officials, refused to pass on the petition. In any case the American government had already acknowledged Japan’s position in Korea and Japan recognized American suzerainty in the Philippines (through a secret understanding later known as the Taft-Katsura agreement), and Yoon and Rhee’s foray into international politics ended in failure.6 Yoon’s calling card remains among Theodore Roosevelt’s papers.7 In November 1905, Yoon travelled to San Francisco prior to returning to Hawai‘i. There he joined the United Korean Association (Kongnip Hyŏphoe).8 In December, he made a statement refuting the words of Takahira Kogora, the Japanese Minister to the United States. Takahira had stated that Korea was “not fit to act as an independent country,” and that any suggestion of the use of force on the part of Japan to obtain the Japan-Korea treaty of 1905, which is often dubbed as a protectorate treaty, was “ridiculous.”9 Yoon denied this, criticized Japan’s actions, and stated that the Korean people “never agreed with Japan’s idea of protection.”10 Back in Honolulu, Yoon established a newspaper to raise awareness about recovering Korea’s rights amongst the Koreans living abroad.11 Yoon attended Harvard University between 1906–1907, with the intention of studying English and then theology.12 Newspapers at the time made note of his being the first Korean to attend the university. The *New York Tribune* recorded that “P. K. Yoon, the first Harvard student from Corea, is registered in the university as a special student,” and revealed that “one or two Harvard men become interested in him and persuaded him to come to this university.”13 *Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper* labeled him “a brainy Korean” for being Korea’s “first representative at Harvard.”14 ![Yun's application to Harvard University](/sites/g/files/omnuum10901/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/koreanalumnibiographiesproject/files/application_yoon.jpg?itok=co3WoSts) The first page of a handwritten application form to Harvard University by Yoon. Courtesy of Harvard University Archives.Yoon did not stay at Harvard for long, however. In August of 1907, he met with Yi Sang-sŏl (1871–1917) and Yi Wi-jong (1884–?) in New York. Yi and Yi, two of the three envoys sent in secret by Emperor Kojong (r. 1863–1907) to the Second Peace Conference at the Hague (the third member, Yi Chun, had died just weeks before), were on the return route of their diplomatic mission. Yoon joined their diplomatic efforts, and the group departed on a six-month tour of European countries.15 Yoon returned to the United States in March the following year, eventually receiving a post at the San Francisco Methodist Episcopal Church in December 1909, and become editor in chief of church’s publication, *The Korean Evangel* (*Taedo*). From then on, Yoon and his family moved around frequently: first to Oregon State in 1911, then Washington State in 1914, and central California in 1922.16 From 1927 they resided in New York, and until 1936 Yoon was the pastor at the Korean Methodist Church and Institute (KMCI; Nyu Yok Hanin Kyohoe), the same church that [Hyung Lim Kim](/people/hyung-lin-kim) attended. Even after he resigned from the position, he remained in New York until 1939 when he relocated his family to California once more, this time to Los Angeles.17 ![Front page of The Korean Evangel](/sites/g/files/omnuum10901/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/koreanalumnibiographiesproject/files/evangel_front_page.jpg?itok=mRtuHSlx) The cover page of The Korean Evangel (1909).All the while Yoon kept up his support for expatriates, advocacy for Korean independence, and diplomatic activities. He engaged in teaching the Korean script and Korean history and promoting practical education for the local Korean residents in Washington State. In November of 1912, he became the second president of the Central Congress of the Korean National Association (TaeHanin Kungminhoe).18 Following the March First movement in Korea in 1919, Yoon was elected as the Korean National Association’s delegate to the Paris Peace conference, and he collaborated with Syngman Rhee and Philip Jaisohn (Sŏ Chae-p’il 1864–1951) to write a petition to the Japanese and American governments.19 In 1931, he was a central figure in the writing of “The Korean Manifesto against the Japanese Invasion in Manchuria.”20 Over the years, Yoon kept up a close relationship with Syngman Rhee, a fellow Pai Chai graduate.21 Yoon met Rhee when Rhee landed in Hawai‘i on his way to the US continent in late 1904, and henceforth they supported each other in working towards Korean independence. Beyond their meeting President Roosevelt in 1905 and drafting the petition to the Japanese and American Governments in 1919, Yoon also backed Rhee when he faced a political revolt within the Korean Provisional Government in 1921,22 and was one of Rhee’s delegation to the United Nations Conference on International Organizations in San Francisco in April 1945.23 Yoon, along with John Haynes Holmes, jointly officiated the wedding ceremony of Rhee and Francesca Donner in 1934.24 After the liberation of Korea and Rhee’s departure to the Korean peninsula, Yoon supported Rhee’s political activities from Los Angeles as the Public Relations Manager of the North American General Assembly of Comrades Society.25 Yoon returned to Korea in 1949 to work in the newly formed Republic of Korea government, but passed away that same year on June 20. He was awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Independence Medal in 1977.26 Written by Graeme Reynolds, 8/19/2021 1 “Miju Hanin sahoe minjok undong ŭi yŏngwŏnhan tŭngbul Yun Pyŏng-gu” \[The Eternal Flame of the Expatriate Korean Social-National Movement: Yun Pyŏng-gu\], *Pukhan*, no. 450 (2009): 100. 2 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu” \[Korean Missionaries Before Liberation After WWII: Yun Pyŏng-gu\], *Miju k’ŭrisŭch’ŏn sinmun*. [http://www.chpress.net/news-detail.html?cate=7&id=11522](http://www.chpress.net/news-detail.html?cate=7&id=11522); “Miju Hanin sahoe minjok undong ŭi yŏngwŏnhan tŭngbul Yun Pyŏng-gu,” 100-1. 3 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 4 For the full petition, see F. A. McKenzie, *The Tragedy of Korea* (New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1908), 311–2; “To watch over Corea’s rights: P. K. Yoon, Oriental Minister from Honolulu, on His Way to Washington as Envoy,” *San Francisco Chronicle*, July 26, 1905. . 5 “Koreans See the President: He Cannot Receive Their Memorial Except in Regular Way,” *New York Times*, August 5, 1905. . 6 Young Ick Lew \[Yu Yŏng-ik\], *The Making of the First Korean President: Syngman Rhee's Quest for Independence, 1875–1948* (Honolulu: University of Hawaiʻi Press, 2014), 19-24. 7 Theodore Roosevelt Papers, Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. . 8 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 9 “Takahira Says Japan Will Insist on Corean Protectorate: Minister is Here on His Way Home, Stamps as Ridiculous the Idea that Agreement was obtained by the Use of Force,” *San Francisco Chronicle*, Dec 15, 1905. . 10 “Corean Representative Takes Takahira to Task: Declares that Japan Has Not Kept Faith Nor Done Anything in Way of Reform,” *San Francisco Chronicle*, Dec 16, 1905. . 11 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 12 “Committee on Admission: Special Students,” Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Student folder of Pyeng Koo Yoon (UAIII 15.88.10 1890-1968, Box 5557). Harvard University Archives, p. 10. Courtesy of the Harvard University Archives. 13 “From Corea to Harvard: P. K. Yoon Has a Unique Distinction Amongst the University Students,” *New York Tribune*, Mar 31, 1907. . 14 “A Brainy Korean,” *Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper*, May 3, 1907. [https://books.google.com/books](https://books.google.com/books?id=AZZgcChlY4AC&pg=PA410&lpg=PA410&dq=%22P.%20K.%20Yoon%22%20harvard&source=bl&ots=q2tUWWSqp-&sig=ACfU3U13pgsvvzZc0Jh0-NTO6FDscI39dg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcr9mX7PDpAhXCT98KHUMvBicQ6AEwAnoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q=%22P.%20K.%20Yoon%22%20harvard&f=false) 15 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu,”; “Miju Hanin sahoe minjok undong ŭi yŏngwŏnhan tŭngbul Yun Pyŏng-gu,” 100-1. 16 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 17 “Nyuyok Hanin kyohoe ŭi yŏksa” \[The History of the New York Korean Church\], *Nyuyok Hanin Kyohoe*. . 18 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 19 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu,”; “Pyong Ku Yoon appointed to represent Korea at the Paris Peace Conference” \[1919-03-21\], Korean American Digital Archive, University of Southern California Digital Library Calisphere. . 20 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 21 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 22 Lew, *The Making of the First Korean President*, 19-20; “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 23 Lew, *The Making of the First Korean President*, 19. 24 Lew, *The Making of the First Korean President*, 198. 25 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” 26 “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu.” --- **Bibliography** **Archival sources** Student folder for Pyeng Koo Yoon (UAIII 15.88.10 1890-1968, Box 5557). Harvard University Archives, Harvard University. Courtesy of the Harvard University Archives. **Primary sources, newspaper articles, and websites** “8.15 haebang chŏn Hanin sŏn’gyosa 7: Yun Pyŏng-gu” \[Korean missionaries before liberation after WWII: Yun Pyŏng-gu\]. *Miju k’ŭrisŭch’ŏn sinmun*. [http://www.chpress.net/news-detail.html?cate=7&id=11522](http://www.chpress.net/news-detail.html?cate=7&id=11522) “A Brainy Korean.” *Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper*, May 3, 1907. [https://books.google.com/books](https://books.google.com/books?id=AZZgcChlY4AC&pg=PA410&lpg=PA410&dq=%22P.%20K.%20Yoon%22%20harvard&source=bl&ots=q2tUWWSqp-&sig=ACfU3U13pgsvvzZc0Jh0-NTO6FDscI39dg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcr9mX7PDpAhXCT98KHUMvBicQ6AEwAnoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q=%22P.%20K.%20Yoon%22%20harvard&f=false) “From Corea to Harvard: P. K. Yoon Has a Unique Distinction Amongst the University Students.” *New York Tribune*, Mar 31, 1907. [http://search.proquest.com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/docview/571966478?…](http://search.proquest.com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu/docview/571966478?accountid=11311). “Koreans See the President: He Cannot Receive Their Memorial Except in Regular Way,” *New York Times*, August 5, 1905. . Methodist Episcopal Church, South, ed. *Taedo = Korean Evangel.* San Francisco, CA: Hanin Kamni Kyohoedang, 1908. “Nyuyok Hanin kyohoe ŭi yŏksa” \[The history of the New York Korean Church\]. *Nyuyok Hanin Kyohoe*. . “Pyong Ku Yoon appointed to represent Korea at the Paris Peace Conference” \[1919-03-21\]. Korean American Digital Archive. University of Southern California Digital Library Calisphere. . “Takahira Says Japan Will Insist on Corean Protectorate: Minister is Here on His Way Home, Stamps as Ridiculous the Idea that Agreement was obtained by the Use of Force.” *San Francisco Chronicle*, Dec 15, 1905. . Theodore Roosevelt Papers, Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. “To watch over Corea’s rights: P. K. Yoon, Oriental Minister from Honolulu, on His Way to Washington as Envoy.” *San Francisco Chronicle*, July 26, 1905. **Secondary sources** F. A. McKenzie. *The Tragedy of Korea*. New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1908. “Miju Hanin sahoe minjok undong ŭi yŏngwŏnhan tŭngbul Yun Pyŏng-gu” \[The eternal flame of the expatriate Korean social-national movement: Yun Pyŏng-gu\]. *Pukhan*, no. 450 (2009): 100–101. Lew, Young Ick \[Yu Yŏng-ik\]. *The Making of the First Korean President: Syngman Rhee's Quest for Independence, 1875–1948*. Honolulu: University of Hawaiʻi Press, 2014. Further reading: “Nyuyok sŏ ‘Ilbon manchu ch’imnyak kyut’an sŏngmyŏngsŏ’ palgyŏn” \[The Discovery in New York of the Petition Condemning the Japanese Invasion of Manchuria\]. *Han’guk ilbo*, June 15, 2015. . *The Korean Manifesto against the Japanese Invasion in Manchuria*. New York (State): Allied Korean Organizations in New York, 1931. *The Harvard Korean Alumni Biographies Project and the Project website are copyright © 2024 President and Fellows of Harvard College and/or its licensors. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is not permitted.* *Please contact Executive Director Susan Laurence (*[*susan\_laurence@harvard.edu*](mailto:susan_laurence@harvard.edu)*) for any concerns or questions*. - ## Decade [1900-1910](/decade/1900-1910) - ## Korean Alumni [Special Student](/korean-alumni-decade/specialstudent)