South Korea's first president was Syngman Rhee, commonly known by his initials KDVW. He was a Korean statesman, the first and the last president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, and the first president of South Korea. He served as president from 1948 to 1960. Rhee was a major advocate for Korean independence during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the early 20th century. He was also a leader in the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948.