Frank Schofield
Canadian veterinarian and Korean independence activist (1889–1970) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Frank William Schofield (15 March 1889 – 16 April 1970) was a British-born Canadian veterinarian, missionary, and Korean independence activist. He is also known by his Korean name Seok Ho-pil (Korean: 석호필; Hanja: 石虎弼).
Frank W. Schofield | |
---|---|
Born | (1889-03-15)15 March 1889 |
Died | 16 April 1970(1970-04-16) (aged 81) Seoul, South Korea |
Known for | Korean independence activism |
Relatives | Alice Schofield (spouse) |
Medical career | |
Profession | Veterinarian and Missionary |
Institutions | Ontario Veterinary College, Seoul National University |
Research | Paragonimus, new-castle disease |
In 1916, Schofield moved to Korea as a Presbyterian missionary and lecturer at Severance Medical School. Korea was then under Japanese rule, and Schofield became known for openly criticizing Japan's repressive policies. In 1919, he became the only foreigner informed in advance of the March 1st Movement protests, now considered a seminal event in Korean history. Schofield photographed and documented the protests, and spread news of their violent suppression to the international press. His work is now considered historically significant, with his photos now displayed in textbooks and museums in South Korea. In 1920, he was pressured to leave Korea and returned to Canada. There, he continued donating to Korea and advocating for its independence.
Schofield returned to his alma mater, Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), where he would lecture and research until his retirement in 1955. He was then invited to return to South Korea by its president Syngman Rhee, and was made a professor at the veterinary college of Seoul National University. He continued being politically active; he publicly criticized the military dictatorships of Rhee and Park Chung Hee and advocated for a number of reforms in Korea. He was reportedly frugal and charitable, and donated much of his money to orphanages and scholarships. Among his beneficiaries and mentees was later Prime Minister of South Korea Chung Un-chan.
Schofield has since become beloved in South Korea. He has been described as "an eternal Korean", and received a number of awards from the country. As of 2021[update], he is the only foreigner buried in Seoul National Cemetery. He is also remembered for his contributions to veterinary and biological research.