Chang Myon

Who was Chang Myon?

Chang Myon was a South Korean politician and educator, diplomat, journalist, social activist, and Roman Catholic youth activist. He was the fourth and last Vice President of the First Republic and the Prime Minister of the Second Republic. His nicknames were Unseok and Chitae. His English name was John Myon Chang and Catholic name was Johan.

During Korea under Japanese rule he worked as a teacher. From 1919 to 1921 he was a teacher at Yongsan Youth Catholic Theology school and 1931-1936 he taught at Dongsung commerce high School. From 1937 to 1944, he was principal of Hyehwa-dong Catholic church laying Hyehwa kindergarten. 1936 to December 1945 he was principal of Dongsung commerce high School, and from 1939 to 1942 plural offices principal of Gyesong elementary school.

From 1948 to 1949, he was dispatch of the UN General Assembly substitute of South Korea. He was also appointed as the first Republic of Korea Ambassador to USA. In 1950 he successfully appealed to the USA and UN to send military troops to the Korean War. In 1951 he was appointed to Prime Minister of South Korea. From 1956 to 1960 he was Vicepresident, and from 1960 to 1961 was the 7th Prime minister.