Discover the Extraordinary Life of Dr. Yoo Il-han on 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret'

Singer Lee Chan-won is left astonished by the story of Dr. Yoo Il-han on 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret'.

The 46th episode of KBS2's 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret', airing on the 3rd, will spotlight the tumultuous life of Dr. Yoo Il-han, the founder of Yuhan Corporation and a symbol of Korea's noblesse oblige. As an independence activist, entrepreneur, and educator, Dr. Yoo's unique life and values are set to resonate deeply with viewers.

In April 1971, the will of Dr. Yoo Il-han, the founder of Yuhan Corporation, the leading pharmaceutical company in Korea, was revealed, causing a significant stir in Korean society. The media highlighted his decision with headlines like 'All my wealth to educational foundations' and 'Let my son stand on his own without a penny'. His choice to donate his wealth to society rather than passing it to his children remains a profound inspiration in Korea.

However, about 20 years after his passing, another chapter of his past came to light. It was revealed that during the late Japanese colonial period in 1945, Dr. Yoo participated as an elite special agent in a secret espionage operation by the U.S. OSS, aimed at infiltrating the Korean Peninsula alongside the Korean Liberation Army's Eagle Project. This operation was known as the NAPKO Project. At the time, Yoo was 50 years old, and his involvement was a secret even to his family. Lee Chan-won expresses his amazement at Yoo's unpredictable life choices.

Actor Lee Sang-yeob, who holds a Level 1 Korean History Proficiency Test certificate, appears as a guest on the show, reenacting Yoo's journey with great detail, enhancing the immersion. Upon learning about Dr. Yoo's lifelong dedication to his country, Lee Sang-yeob expressed admiration, stating, "He was truly a great man of his time," and added, "It makes my heart swell." Jang Do-yeon also praised Yoo's unique approach, noting, "His way of thinking was on a different level."

The story of Dr. Yoo Il-han, who dedicated his life to his country and exemplified true noblesse oblige, can be seen on 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret' airing at 8:30 PM.

Reporter Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr