No Baek-rin

No Baek-rin (Also romanized as Noh Baek-rin) was an Imperial Korean army officer and independence activist.

Life
Noh was born on 15 February 1875 in Hwanghae Province. He studied traditional Korean studies. His father believed that his traits as soldier, showing up from his young age, would make him a great general in adulthood. In 1895, Noh was selected as one of the state sponsored students and was sent abroad to Japan, sponsored by Ministry of Interior Park Yung-hyo. He enrolled in Keio University, and after graduating, he subsequently enrolled in 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.

In June 1900, Noh returned to Korea after completing his education in Japan. Upon his return to Korea, Noh was commissioned as Junior Lieutenant. In April 1901, Noh was employed as an instructor of the Military Academy of Korean Empire, educating aspiring young officers, with support from Min Young-hwan. On 4 December 1905, Noh was appointed as an instructor in the Army College of Korean Empire.

As a proud nationalist, he despised Koreans collaborating with Japan in their plans to annex Korea. In March 1906, Noh 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. During the party, he insulted Ye Wanyong by calling him like a dog. General Hasegawa Yoshimichi, furious, pulled out his sword; Noh, in turn, pulled his sword out. Ito eventually mediated the two.

Noh was also actively participating in the Nationalist Enlightenment movement. He supported the "Daehan Gurakbu," and "Daehan Heung Hak Hui." He participated in the establishment of New People's Association too.

After the dissolution of the Imperial Korean army in 1907, Noh was commissioned as the Director of Education Section of Ministry of Military, as the Imperial Korean Army college was also dissolved. On May 20, 1908, he retired from the army with the rank of Colonel. After his retirement, Noh joined the Daehan Industry Association with other former army officers. When Korea was annexed by Japan, Noh became increasingly reclusive.

The Imperial Japanese government attempted to appease Noh, but he subsequently refused any offered position. In 1914, Noh was actively participating in the Korean independence movement alongside his family. In 1916, Noh went into exiled in Shanghai and eventually settled in Hawaii.

After the March 1st Movement, Noh was appointed as minister of the military within the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Before joining the government in Shanghai, Noh established an aviation academy in America. In February 1921, Noh arrived at Shanghai to join the resistance movement. The following year, Noh was appointed the position of prime minister of the Provisional Government, but resigned the position in April 1924. Under the Yi Dong-nyeong cabinet, Noh was appointed as Minister of Military. Noh died on January 22, 1926 from kidney disease. Before his death, he enjoyed wearing his Imperial Korean Army uniform, and dreamed of entering Namdaemun atop his horse.

The Korean government posthumously awarded Noh the Order of Merit for National Foundation 1st class in 1962.

Award
Korean Empire


 * Order of the Palgwae 6th Class on 29 May 1904

Empire of Japan


 * Order of the Rising Sun 6th Class