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This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yun Yong-ha (1922–1965), who left a great mark in Korean music history. Yun comforted the hearts of many with his lyricism and melodic compositions, such as the patriotic “Gwangbokjeol Norae” (National Liberation Anthem) to commemorate the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule, and the pastoral gagok “Boribat” (Barley Field) that is familiar to many Koreans. Yun was born into a devout Catholic family on March 16, 1922 in Eunyul-gun, Hwanghae-do Province. Following his parents, Yun attended Mass regularly, and it was at church where his special musical talent was revealed at an early age. Yun was able to memorize the melody of hymns upon listening just once. He even stood as a soloist in the student choir, and played a role in the church play for Easter. Yun’s family immigrated to the unfamiliar land of Bongcheon (aka Shenyang) in Northeast China (then Manchuria) in 1933 to escape from Japan’s oppressive rule over Korea. There, Yun learned to play piano and he was labeled a child prodigy after demonstrating his talent at school and on-air. After graduation, he began composing his own musical pieces in Bongcheon (aka Shenyang) and Xinjing (aka Changchun). Yun returned to his hometown following Korea`s liberation to continue his work on musical compositions in Hamheung, North Korea. Then in 1946, he moved to Seoul, South Korea where he taught music at school and worked on music for children’s shows. Yun caught a break in 1949 when one of his major compositions “Gwangbokjeol Norae” (lyrics by Jeong In-bo) was selected through an open call for submissions by the government as a national song to celebrate major holidays, such as Samiljeol (Independence Movement Day), Jeheonjeol (Constitution Day) and Gwangbokjeol (National Liberation Day). Unfortunately, the Korean War broke out just several months after the song’s release, and Yun fled to Busan where he made a living by just composing music. Around this time, Yun completed another major composition of his called “Boribat,” which remains popular even to this day as a lyricized version of the poem “Yet Saenggak” (Old Thoughts) by Park Hwa-mok. It was a harmonious collaboration between the two who had developed friendship and shared drinks. Yun’s body of work comprises other popular songs including “Dongbaek-kkot” (Camellia Flowers) and “Hangawit Dal” (Mid-Autumn Moon). This commemorative stamp series depicts a photo taken by Lim Eung-sik of Yun conducting the national anthem against the background of the handwritten score for “Boribat.” Lim is an art photographer referred to as a “visual poet” who raised photography to the realm of art when photographs were regarded as just snapshots. We hope this commemorative stamp series serves as an opportunity to look back on the life of Yun Yong-ha as both a great composer and devout Catholic.