In Memoriam

In Memoriam On Sunday, August 6, 2006, we received word that James B. Palais, Professor Emeritus of Korean History at the University of Washington, passed away after a long illness. This is sad news for all ofus in Korean studies. Professor Palais was a giant in the field, leaving a legacy of excellence in research, teaching, and leadership. He was a researcher of remarkable breadth, writing important books and articles on the political, social, institutional , intellectual, and economic history ofthe Chosön dynasty. These stand as monuments to the sharpness of his intellect and the rigor of his research. Professor Palais was likewise a superb mentor of graduate students, holding them to the highest standards of scholarship while generously giving them much of his time and advice. That his former graduate students now hold important positions in universities throughout the United States, Canada, Korea, and Japan is testament to the quality of his mentorship. Professor Palais was also an important leader in the field ofKorean studies. He was an outspoken, trenchant critic of U.S. policy toward Korea, and he motivated many ofus to take our own stands on the issues. Furthermore, he undertook major field-building tasks, including service as the general editor ofthe Cambridge History ofKorea (forthcoming), and chair of the East Asian Studies Institute at Sungkyunkwan University in Korea. Finally, we would like to note that Professor Palais was the founding editor of the Journal ofKorean Studies, which he launched single-handedly in the late 1970s and kept afloat in the ensuing years despite an almost total lack of funding and staff. His dedication and self-sacrifice have inspired us all. Goodbye, Jim. We will miss you. — John Duncan and Gi-Wook Shin, coeditors ...