Hyuk YU Oral History Ep. 4 | With the US Army During the Korean War

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 the final episode of our series, Professor YU recounts his time as a civilian employee for the U.S. Army during the most desperate months of the Korean War. Professor YU shares his eyewitness account of the historic Hungnam Evacuation and describes how his relationship with an American Colonel eventually paved his way to a new life in the United States. 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. 달마지 Dalmaji Sung by Wang Subok 왕수복 Lyrics by Yi Woonbang 이운방 Composed by Kim Myeon-kyun 김면균 Originally issued as Polydor 19375-A in December 1935 애수의 소야곡 Aesu-ui Soyagok Sung by Nam Insu 남인수 Lyrics by Yi Nohong 이노홍 Composed by Park Sichun 박시춘 Originally issued as Okeh 12080-A in December 1937 방랑가 Bangrang-ga Sung by Kang Seokyeon 강석영 Lyrics by Kim Yeonghwan 김영환 Music by Kang Yunseok 강윤석 Recorded on March 22nd, 1931. Originally issued as Columbia 40138-A in July 1931. 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. 번지없는 주막 Beonji-upneun Jumak Sung by Baek Nyeonseol 백년설 Lyrics by Park Yeongho 박영호 Composed by Yi Jaeho 이재호 Originally issued as Taihei GC-3007-A in August 1940.