Hyuk YU Oral History Ep. 3 | The Korean War in Incheon

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 experiences during the opening weeks of the Korean War. Unlike millions of other Koreans, Professor YU’s family chose not to flee further south during the war, but to ride out the conflict in Incheon. This decision surely spared them from some hardships, but exposed them to others. 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. 신라의 달밤 Silla-ui Dalbam Sung by Hyeon In 현인 Lyrics by Yu Ho 유호 Composed by Park Sichun 박시춘 Originally issued as Lucky L7701-A in May 1949 도라지타령 Doraji-Taryeong Sung by Kang Namhyang, Ko Boksu, Yi Nanyong 강남향, 고복수, 이난영 Traditional (Folksong) Originally issued as Okeh 1696-A in January 1935. 타향 Tahyang Sung by Ko Boksu 고복수 Lyrics by Keum Neung-in 금능인 Composed by Sohn Mokin 손목인 Originally issued as Okeh 1677-B in April 1934