변희용 卞熙瑢
Educator who was a socialist activist under Japanese rule and later the 4th president of Sungkyunkwan University (pen name Ilpa)
| Life | 1894 ~ 1966 |
| Era | 일제강점기·대한민국 |
| Clan | 초계 변씨 |
Life & career
Byeon Hui-yong (卞熙瑢, 1894-1966) was a socialist activist under Japanese rule and later an educator and writer in the Republic of Korea; he was of the Chogye Byeon and used the pen name Ilpa (一波). Born in Goryeong, North Gyeongsang, he is known as the husband of Park Sun-cheon, a four-term National Assembly member.
While studying in Japan he was active in the Joseon Student Fraternity in 1918 and took part in the 2.8 Independence Declaration of 1919, for which he was detained. After graduating from Keio University in 1921 he joined the Cosmos Club, co-founded Daejung sibo with Kim Yak-su and others, and joined the founding of the Bukseonghoe in 1923. Returning home in 1924 he helped set up the Joseon Youth Federation, became a junior executive of the Korean Communist Party the same year and in 1927 served as a representative executive of the Singanhoe and head of its Goryeong branch.
After liberation he joined the Korea Democratic Party in 1945, served as editorial member of Daegong ilbo and editor-in-chief of the magazine Jaegeon. He became a professor at Sungkyunkwan University in 1947, took part in the April 25 professors' demonstration of 1960, and was inaugurated as the 4th president of Sungkyunkwan University on 24 May that year, serving until 31 July 1961. He died on 15 March 1966.
Study in Japan and Activism
His biography lists activity in the Joseon Student Fraternity in 1918 and participation in the 2.8 Independence Declaration in 1919. After graduating he joined groups such as the Cosmos Club and the Bukseonghoe. A record also says that, representing the Bukpung faction of the socialist movement, he attended the 13-member domestic organizing bureau with Kim Yak-su and Kim Jong-beom.
The Singanhoe
In 1927 he became a representative executive of the Singanhoe and concurrently head of its Goryeong branch in North Gyeongsang. The Singanhoe is known as a body formed jointly by nationalist and socialist camps. He left the branch post in 1929, and his executive role continued until 1930.
After Liberation and Sungkyunkwan
After liberation he joined the Korea Democratic Party, became a professor at Sungkyunkwan University in 1947 and professor emeritus in 1959. He took office as 4th president on 24 May 1960 and stepped down on 31 July 1961. In 1964 he served briefly as a special commissioned member for education administration at the Ministry of Education.
Grave
His tomb was not confirmed in the sources used here.