Kim Yun-jeong

Kim Yun-jeong was the last Korean chargé in Washington before Japan took control of the country's foreign relations. Born in Seoul in 1869, he studied in the United States and entered the legation's staff, advancing to chargé in 1905. ¹

On December 16, 1905, Kim notified Secretary of State Elihu Root that acting foreign minister Yi Wan-yong had instructed him to transfer the legation's archives and other property to the Japanese mission. His letter acknowledged America's withdrawal from Korea following the November protectorate agreement. Root replied the same day, formally closing their diplomatic relationship. Kim returned to Korea in February 1906. ^{1, 2, 3}

He subsequently became an administrator under Japanese rule, serving in provincial government and as governor of North Chungcheong. From 1926 until Japan's defeat in 1945, he held positions on the governor-general's advisory council. He supported colonial land administration, assimilation policies, and wartime mobilization, including conscription. After liberation, he unsuccessfully petitioned American occupation authorities and Korean political leaders for employment. He died in 1949. ¹