백선엽 白善燁
Soldier; the Republic of Korea's first four-star general
| Life | 1920 ~ 2020 |
| Era | 근현대 |
| Clan | 수원 백씨 |
Life & career
Baek Seon-yeop (Paik Sun-yup, 1920-2020) was a South Korean military officer from Gangseo, South Pyongan Province. He graduated from the Fengtian Military Academy of Manchukuo in 1941 and was commissioned a second lieutenant, then transferred to the Gando Special Force in February 1943, serving about three years until liberation. This record led to his inclusion in the 2008-2009 lists of collaboration-related figures and remains controversial; he maintained that he did not directly hunt independence fighters.
When the Korean War broke out in 1950 he commanded the 1st Division, fought the North Korean army in the early Gaeseong-Munsan-Gorangpo sector, and helped hold the Nakdong line at the Battle of Tabu-dong alongside American forces, earning promotion to brigadier general. He competed with US units to enter Pyongyang, led anti-partisan operations around Mt. Jiri in the winter of 1951, and took part in the armistice talks as a Korean delegate. He became Army Chief of Staff in July 1952 and in January 1953 the first four-star general in the Korean army.
After retiring in 1960 he served as ambassador to Taiwan, France and Canada and as Minister of Transportation, later pursuing business and writing. He received the Taeguk and Ulchi Orders of Military Merit among many decorations. His younger brother Baek In-yeop (1923-2013) chaired the Seonin school foundation. He died on July 10, 2020, at 99, and is interred at Daejeon National Cemetery.
The Korean War and Tabu-dong
His command of the 1st Division at the Battle of Tabu-dong is the best-known episode. Accounts differ on some details such as dates, so check military histories for the full course of events.
A Contested Legacy
His wartime achievements and his service in the Manchukuo army and Gando Special Force are discussed together, and assessments differ sharply. Both facts are recorded here without adopting either side. His path differed from that of fellow Baek clan members such as Baek Nak-jun and Nam June Paik.
Grave
He is interred at Daejeon National Cemetery.
Descendants
His younger brother Baek In-yeop (1923-2013) chaired the Seonin school foundation.