My roots trace back to a small mountain village in Uljin County, North Gyeongsang Province, nestled beneath Baekam Mountain. Our family adhered to strong Confucian traditions, yet my father's influence added a unique flavor to our household. During the late Japanese colonial period, he received his education at Chuncheon Agricultural High School, the predecessor of today's Kangwon National University. This background set us apart in our village, marking us as somewhat "modernized" for the time.
Growing up in this environment, I was naturally exposed to a harmonious blend of tradition and new knowledge. My grandfather, deeply versed in Chinese classics, surrounded me with books and writing from an early age. While we didn't have a specific family motto, the emphasis on books and knowledge served as an unspoken guiding principle.
Life, however, rarely follows a smooth path. The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 shook our family to its core. After losing my father, I moved to Daegu with my mother. My life in my hometown of Uljin lasted only until I was ten, and I spent my years from fifth grade through high school in Daegu.
Looking back, I realize that this fusion of traditional values and modern knowledge, coupled with the unwavering commitment to learning even in challenging times, became my life's compass. This foundation significantly influenced my later decision to pursue a path in ministry. The lessons I've gleaned from these experiences are invaluable: maintaining a thirst for knowledge regardless of circumstances, believing in the power of education to pave new ways even in difficult times, and mastering the art of balancing tradition with innovation. These are the precious insights that have shaped my journey through life.
Growing up in this environment, I was naturally exposed to a harmonious blend of tradition and new knowledge. My grandfather, deeply versed in Chinese classics, surrounded me with books and writing from an early age. While we didn't have a specific family motto, the emphasis on books and knowledge served as an unspoken guiding principle.
Life, however, rarely follows a smooth path. The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 shook our family to its core. After losing my father, I moved to Daegu with my mother. My life in my hometown of Uljin lasted only until I was ten, and I spent my years from fifth grade through high school in Daegu.
Looking back, I realize that this fusion of traditional values and modern knowledge, coupled with the unwavering commitment to learning even in challenging times, became my life's compass. This foundation significantly influenced my later decision to pursue a path in ministry. The lessons I've gleaned from these experiences are invaluable: maintaining a thirst for knowledge regardless of circumstances, believing in the power of education to pave new ways even in difficult times, and mastering the art of balancing tradition with innovation. These are the precious insights that have shaped my journey through life.
