The path of scholarship has been an endless journey. After crossing the Pacific to earn my doctorate in the United States and returning home, I faced new challenges teaching theology students in Korea. Buried in repetitive lectures and routine tasks year after year, it wasn't easy to maintain in-depth research in my field of expertise. This was one of my biggest concerns as a scholar.
Then, an opportunity arose to participate in a Bible commentary project organized by our church's general assembly. I was assigned to write a commentary on the complex book of Chronicles, which presented both a significant challenge and an opportunity. For five years, I poured all my passion into completing a 400-page commentary, striving to provide profound interpretations for each verse while referencing world-class commentaries.
However, when I submitted the fruit of my labor, I faced an unexpected reality. In the review process, I received over 160 revision requests, which took a year to address. Moreover, additional revisions followed after external expert reviews. This process brought me great frustration but also made me realize anew the depth and breadth of scholarship.
Through this experience, I felt how vast and ever-changing the world of academia is. During my 20-30 years of education and research in Korea, I had to admit that I had unknowingly become somewhat isolated from global academic trends. But when my commentary was finally recognized and published after this rigorous process, the sense of achievement was indescribable.
The academic world is so wide and deep that a moment of complacency can mean falling behind. It's crucial to study continuously and keep up with the latest research trends. At the same time, one must persevere through difficulties and frustrations without giving up. The insights and growth gained in the process become invaluable experiences that cannot be exchanged for anything else.
Now, I aspire to complete a few more projects in my remaining years. Although I've aged, my passion for scholarship remains as youthful as ever. I don't know when this journey will end, but I intend to walk it to the best of my ability until the very end. This is the fulfillment I've felt on the path of scholarship I've devoted my life to, and the driving force that keeps me moving forward.
The academic path was never easy. But all the difficulties and challenges I experienced in the process made me grow more and deepened my passion for scholarship. The process of frustration and overcoming through the commentary work strengthened my identity as a scholar. Now, based on these experiences, I aim to achieve more in-depth research and academic accomplishments for the rest of my life.
The world of scholarship is constantly changing and evolving. To survive in it and make meaningful contributions requires continuous effort and passion. Advancing age cannot diminish my enthusiasm for academia. Rather, I believe this is a time when I can conduct even more profound research based on accumulated experience and knowledge.
In the time I have left, I will continue to take on new projects and explore the broader world of scholarship. This stems not simply from a desire for personal achievement, but from a wish to make meaningful contributions to the academic community. Even if I can't accomplish everything, giving my best effort until the end - that is the greatest lesson I've learned on this lifelong path of scholarship.
Then, an opportunity arose to participate in a Bible commentary project organized by our church's general assembly. I was assigned to write a commentary on the complex book of Chronicles, which presented both a significant challenge and an opportunity. For five years, I poured all my passion into completing a 400-page commentary, striving to provide profound interpretations for each verse while referencing world-class commentaries.
However, when I submitted the fruit of my labor, I faced an unexpected reality. In the review process, I received over 160 revision requests, which took a year to address. Moreover, additional revisions followed after external expert reviews. This process brought me great frustration but also made me realize anew the depth and breadth of scholarship.
Through this experience, I felt how vast and ever-changing the world of academia is. During my 20-30 years of education and research in Korea, I had to admit that I had unknowingly become somewhat isolated from global academic trends. But when my commentary was finally recognized and published after this rigorous process, the sense of achievement was indescribable.
The academic world is so wide and deep that a moment of complacency can mean falling behind. It's crucial to study continuously and keep up with the latest research trends. At the same time, one must persevere through difficulties and frustrations without giving up. The insights and growth gained in the process become invaluable experiences that cannot be exchanged for anything else.
Now, I aspire to complete a few more projects in my remaining years. Although I've aged, my passion for scholarship remains as youthful as ever. I don't know when this journey will end, but I intend to walk it to the best of my ability until the very end. This is the fulfillment I've felt on the path of scholarship I've devoted my life to, and the driving force that keeps me moving forward.
The academic path was never easy. But all the difficulties and challenges I experienced in the process made me grow more and deepened my passion for scholarship. The process of frustration and overcoming through the commentary work strengthened my identity as a scholar. Now, based on these experiences, I aim to achieve more in-depth research and academic accomplishments for the rest of my life.
The world of scholarship is constantly changing and evolving. To survive in it and make meaningful contributions requires continuous effort and passion. Advancing age cannot diminish my enthusiasm for academia. Rather, I believe this is a time when I can conduct even more profound research based on accumulated experience and knowledge.
In the time I have left, I will continue to take on new projects and explore the broader world of scholarship. This stems not simply from a desire for personal achievement, but from a wish to make meaningful contributions to the academic community. Even if I can't accomplish everything, giving my best effort until the end - that is the greatest lesson I've learned on this lifelong path of scholarship.
