Hyuk YU Oral History Ep. 2 | Liberation, Occupation, and Displacement

Over a six-month period from October 2024 until March 2025, CEAS Associate Director David Fields had the incredible opportunity to record an extensive oral history with Hyuk YU, emeritus professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While he is best known as a chemist, this oral history focused on Professor Yu’s early life in Korea. Born in 1933, Professor YU was an eye-witness to many of the historical events that shaped the Korean peninsula in the first half of the 20th century. In this episode, we will discuss his family's experience under Soviet occupation, their flight from North Korea communism, and their life in South Korea as North Korean refugees. This episode was co-produced, edited, and mastered by Nate Gass. Jihoon Suk selected, restored, and digitally transferred the music on this episode. Music Credits 삼수갑산 Samsu Gapsan Sung by Kang Hongsik 강홍식 Lyrics by Kim Anseo 김안서(김억) Music by Kim Kyoseong 김교성 Recorded on May 9th, 1933 Originally issued as Victor 49233-A in September 1933. 조선팔경가 Joseon-Palgyong-ga Sung by Seonwoo Ilseon 선우일선 Lyrics by Pyonwol 편월 Composed by Hyung Seok-gi 형석기 Originally issued as Polydor 19290-A in March 1936. 눈물젖은 두만강 Nunmul-jeojeun Dumangang Sung by Kim Jeong-gu 김정구 Lyrics by Kim Yong-ho 김용호 Composed by Yi Si-woo 이시우 Originally issued as Okeh 12094-A in January 1937. 굳세어라 금순아 Gutse-eora Geumsuna Sung by Hyeon In 현인 Lyrics by Kang Hae-in 강해인 Composed by Park Sichun 박시춘 Originally issued as Orient R8025-A in October 1952.