Selden Palmer Spencer(🇺🇸):

[1862.9.16 ~ 1925. 5. 16일 ]

Achievements

Early Political Career

• Entered U.S. politics in 1898.

• Developed connections with the Korean Empire’s diplomatic mission, including An Yŏn and Rhee Syng-min.

• Given the Korean name Lee Seung-ri (李勝里) and served as the Korean ambassador to the United States from 1905 to 1906.

1. Advocacy for Korean Independence

   • Proposals to U.S. Congress (1919):

     • As a Republican senator, twice introduced resolutions to the U.S. Congress in June and August 1919, urging support for Korean independence following the March 1st Movement.

     • Publicly criticized Japanese colonial rule and highlighted the need for Korean sovereignty.

   • Public Support for Korea (1920):

     • Participated in a rally organized by the Korean Friendship Association in Philadelphia in May 1920, delivering a speech condemning Japan’s colonial policies and advocating for Korean independence.

2. Promotion of Korean Issues at the Washington Conference (1921-1922)

   • In December 1921, created and distributed a booklet titled “Korea's Appeal to the Conference on Limitation of Armaments,” based on materials from the Korean Provisional Government delegation.

   • Successfully included the appeal for Korean independence in the U.S. Congressional Record in February 1922, raising awareness of Korea’s plight among U.S. lawmakers.

3. Death and Legacy

   • Passed away on May 16, 1925, in Washington, D.C.

   • Honored posthumously in 2015 by the South Korean government with the Order of the National Defense Medal for his support of Korean independence.