***** of Columnist Invasion Of Republic Of Korea -- The representatives elected by the Korean people convened as the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea for the first time on May 31, 1948. The photograph shows Dr. Syngman Rhee (at left, on speakers platform) addressing the Assembly after his election as chairman of the legislature. In his speech, Dr. Rhee expressed regret that Koreans in the Soviet ***** zone had not been permitted by the U.S.S.R. to participate in the election. (The assembly elected Dr. Rhee President of the Republic on July 20, 1948.). October 09, 1950. (Photo by United States Information Service).