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Today in History: American Diplomat Shot Over Japanese Presence in Korea

3/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 23, 1908, American diplomat Durham White Stevens was fatally shot in San Francisco by Korean-American activists Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myeong-un. This act of violence marked one of the first nationalist rebellions by pro-Korean activists in the United States, reflecting their opposition to Stevens' support for Japan's increasing influence in Korea.

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Story summary

On March 23, 1908, American diplomat Durham White Stevens was fatally shot in San Francisco by Korean-American activists Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myeong-un. This act of violence marked one of the first nationalist rebellions by pro-Korean activists in the United States, reflecting their opposition to Stevens' support for Japan's increasing influence in Korea.