No Baek-rin

No was born on 15 February 1875 in Hwanghae Province. He studied traditional Korean studies.[1] His father believed that his traits as soldier, showing up from his young age, would make him a great general later. In 1895, No was selected as one of the state sponsored students sent to Japan and was sponsored by Ministry of Interior Park Yung-hyo.[2] He entered the Keio University, and after graduating, he entered the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1898. After his graduation of the academy, he was deployed to the 1st Brigade, and 3rd Brigade as an apprentice officer.[1]

In June 1900, No returned to Korea after his education in Japan. Upon his return to Korea, No was commissioned as Junior Lieutenant. In April 1901, No became an instructor of the Military Academy of Korean Empire with the support of Min Young-hwan. He took an effort to educate the officers of the growing generation.[3] On 4 December 1905, No was appointed an instructor of the Army College of Korean Empire.[4]

As a nationalist officer, he despised Koreans attempting to assist Japan annexing Korea. In March 1906, No was invited to a party by Resident-General Itō Hirobumi. Hirobumi also invited many Korean prominent officials, including pro-Japanese politicians such as Song Byeong-jun and Ye Wanyong. In that party, he insulted Ye Wanyong by calling him like a dog. General Hasegawa Yoshimichi, furious, pulled out his sword; No, in turn, pulled his sword out. Ito eventually mediated the two.[5]

No also actively participated in the Nationalist Enlightenment movement. He supported Daehan Gurakbu, and Daehan Heung hak hui. He participated in the establishment of New People's Association too.[1]

After the dissolution of the Imperial Korean army in 1907, No was commissioned as the Director of Education Section of Ministry of Military as the Imperial Korean Army college was also dissolved.[2] On May 20, 1908, he retired from the army as Colonel.[6] After his retirement, No joined the Daehan Industry Association with other former army officers. When Korea was annexed by Japan, No started his reclusion.[1]

The Imperial Japanese government attempted to appease No, but he refused any position offered by Japan. In 1914, No showed his desire to refuge and start independence movement to his family. In 1916, No exiled to Shanghai and ended up in Hawaii.[3]

After the March 1st Movement, No was appointed as minister of military of Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Before joining the government in Shanghai, No established an aviation academy in America. In February 1921, No arrived at Shanghai. In 1922, No became the prime minister of the Provisional Government, but resigned the position in April 1924. Under the Yi Dong-nyeong cabinet, No was appointed as Minister of Military. No died in January 1926 because of his kidney problem.[3] Before his death, he enjoyed wearing his uniform of Imperial Korean Army, and dreamed of entering Namdaemun with his horse.

The Korean government posthumously awarded Order of Merit for National Foundation 1st class in 1962.[3]

 Korean Empire

• Order of the Palgwae 6th Class on 29 May 1904[7]

 Empire of Japan

• Order of the Rising Sun 6th Class[8]