Sejong the Great

Korean king and inventor of Hangul

Sejong the Great - Korean king and inventor of Hangul
Born

May 15th, 1397
628 years ago

Died

April 8th, 1450
575 years ago — 52 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

South Korea

Links & References

As the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty, significant contributions were made to Korean culture and governance. Promoted scientific advancements, resulting in inventions such as the rain gauge and rain-making machine. Established Hangul, the Korean writing system, to improve literacy among common people. Advocated for Confucian principles, which shaped societal norms and education.

Created the Hangul writing system

Advanced agricultural science

Contributed to the development of Korean literature

Other People Born on May 15th

Brian Dozier

American baseball player and All-Star
Born
May 15th, 1987 38 years ago

Debuted in Major League Baseball in 2012. Played primarily for the Minnesota Twins as a second baseman. Achieved recognition for his power-hitting at the position, setting a franchise record for home runs in a single season. Selected as an All-Star in 2015 and contributed to the Twins' playoff appearance in 2017. Also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals later in his career before retiring.

Continue Reading

Pierre Curie

French physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 15th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1906 119 years ago — 46 years old

A physicist and academic, contributed significantly to the study of radioactivity. Worked alongside Marie Curie in the early 20th century. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 for joint research on radiation phenomena. Made foundational contributions to piezoelectricity and magnetism, advancing understanding in these fields. His work laid the groundwork for future research in radioactivity and its applications.

Continue Reading

Ahmet Zappa

Musician and writer, co-founder of Zappa Records
Born
May 15th, 1974 51 years ago

A musician and writer, contributed significantly to the music industry as a co-founder of Zappa Records. Engaged in various projects that showcased a blend of creativity and innovation. Authored several books, including 'The Monstrous Memoirs of a Mighty McFearless'. Involved in projects that celebrated the legacy of the Zappa family and promoted artistic expression.

Continue Reading

Hideki Irabu

Baseball player and Yankees pitcher
Born
May 15th, 1969 56 years ago
Died
2011 14 years ago — 42 years old

Played professional baseball as a pitcher, primarily in Major League Baseball (MLB). Made debut in 1997 with the San Diego Padres. Became a member of the New York Yankees in 1999, contributing to the team during a successful period. Achieved a career-high 10 wins in 2000. Played for the Montreal Expos as well later in his career. Known for his fastball and being the first Japanese player to be signed by the Yankees.

Continue Reading

Justin Morneau

Baseball player, 2006 AL MVP
Born
May 15th, 1981 44 years ago

Played first base in Major League Baseball. Primarily associated with the Minnesota Twins, achieved distinction as an impactful player during a successful career. Garnered the Most Valuable Player award in the American League in 2006. Contributed to the Twins' division titles and playoff appearances. Represented Canada in international competition, including the World Baseball Classic.

Continue Reading

Angus MacLean

Canadian politician and commander
Born
May 15th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
February 15th, 2000 25 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 25th Premier of Prince Edward Island from 1943 to 1948. Held various roles in the provincial government, including Minister of Education. Contributed to the establishment of multiple educational reforms during tenure. Involved in local politics and military service during World War II.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 8th

Breece D'J Pancake

Short story writer of 'Islands'
Born
1952 73 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1979 46 years ago — 27 years old

A significant figure in American literature, this short story writer produced a distinctive body of work that captures the complexities of life in rural West Virginia. The writing style combined stark realism with lyrical prose, often exploring themes of isolation and human longing. The collection 'Islands' contains many powerful narratives that showcase the writer's unique voice and perspective. Despite a brief life, the stories contributed to the Southern Gothic literary tradition and earned a place in the canon of American literature.

Continue Reading

Antony Flew

Philosopher and academic on atheism
Born
February 11th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
April 8th, 2010 15 years ago — 87 years old

Significant contributions to philosophy included discussions on atheism and belief in God. Authored influential works such as 'God and Philosophy' and 'The presumption of atheism.' Flew's philosophical inquiries focused on the nature of language and the philosophy of science. Later in life, he caused considerable debate by announcing a change in belief towards deism, arguing for a rational basis for belief in a divine creator.

Continue Reading

Teddy Scholten

Dutch singer and Eurovision winner
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
April 8th, 2010 15 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent Dutch singer, achieved recognition by winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1959 with the song 'Een beetje', representing the Netherlands. Scholten's music career flourished in the late 1950s and 1960s. She released several singles and albums during this period, gaining popularity in the Dutch music scene. After her success in Eurovision, she continued to perform and record music, contributing to the cultural landscape of her country.

Continue Reading

Auguste Deter

First person diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
Born
1850 175 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1906 119 years ago — 56 years old

The first person diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease passed away in 1906. The diagnosis occurred after the individual exhibited symptoms of memory loss and cognitive decline. Following her death, her brain was examined by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, leading to the identification of a new form of dementia. This case became significant in the study of neurodegenerative diseases, marking the beginning of research into Alzheimer's disease.

Continue Reading

Georg von Peuerbach

Mathematician and astronomer of Austria
Born
May 30th, 1423 602 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1461 564 years ago — 37 years old

A mathematician and astronomer contributed substantially to the fields of astronomy and mathematics in the 15th century. Pioneered the use of trigonometry for astronomical calculations. Served as a professor at the University of Vienna. Authored several influential works, including 'Theoricae Novae Planetarum,' which provided a comprehensive view of the Ptolemaic system. His work laid the groundwork for future developments in celestial mechanics.

Continue Reading

Charles Auguste de Bériot

Violinist and composer of concertos
Born
February 20th, 1802 223 years ago
Died
April 8th, 1870 155 years ago — 68 years old

A Belgian violinist and composer, this individual significantly contributed to the development of violin playing techniques in the 19th century. Focused primarily on the violin, composed numerous concertos and works for violin and orchestra. Established a renowned teaching career, influencing many violinists through his pedagogy. The individual played a crucial role in the romantic era of music, being one of the first to emphasize the expressive capabilities of the violin.

Continue Reading