Commemoration of Rhee Yong Sik’s release from North Korea, Korea

Print, Photographic

Accession Number: 2009.24.16.175

Description: Photo 1: black-and-white glossy. Rhee Yong Sik and another man stand in an open grassy area with thin trees in the background. They are reenacting the moment when Rhee was nearly executed by Northern Korean Communist forces. Rhee wears a casual suit with jacket buttons undone, and he is standing straight up with his face downward. The other man stands behind him, holding a gun pointed toward Rhee, and wears dark-colored pants, jacket, and cap. Photo 2: black-and-white glossy. Rhee sits on the ground in an open grassy area with his knees curled up, hands clasped, face down, and eyes closed as if he is praying. There are a few thin trees behind him, and a building is visible in the distance. Photo 3: Rhee Yong Sik and his wife reenact meeting after his release. Both are standing and facing each other with their arms extended downward, angled toward each other. He is grasping her right hand with his right hand and her right wrist with his left hand. She is holding a bag in her left hand under their joined hands. He wears a light-colored suit, and she wears a blouse and skirt. They are outside, and an outdoor pavilion made of wood and leaves is behind them. Attached description: "1). The Supervisor of Taegu Light House Rev. Rhee Yong Sik was arrested by Northern Korean Communists and was sentenced of death, on one Sunday, Sept. 24 or 1950. This shows that he has been carrying to the execution ground. 2) Right before the execution he was excused to pray for a minute. 3) He was released when he related his life history for [crossed out "a"] words of will, right before the execution. The words of will were" a). My children chould be good christians. b). They Should study hard. c). They should be good to their mother. d). They should finish my work of blind education and leprosy which I cannot do fully. They released him because of the fourth item. and this picture shows that his Wife meets him after he was released. all these pictures were taken on Sept. 24 '51 as a memory of the day." .175a: larger object .175b: photo 1

Medium: Photographic Paper

Print Size: 3.125" (h) x 2.5" (w)

Date: 1951

Photographer: Not identified

History/Provenance: Received with John Milton Society for the Blind (JMS) records from the American Foundation for the Blind.

Credit Line: AFB Migel Memorial Library Collection, 2009.24

Subjects: Christianity Commemoration Communism Escapes Executions Family Korea (South) Marriage Photography Posing Prayer Prisoners Prisoners of war Rescues Reunions School principals School superintendents Schools for the blind and visually impaired Shooting Soldiers War