LOCAL COMMENT - A message of deep gratitude from a sincere Korean host

Our Korean host was an older man, well dressed and slightly balding.

He had the gentle, scholarly appearance of the college professor he was.

Professor Hyuk Rae Kim struck me as what the perfect grandfather should look like.

There was a genuine humility about him as he welcomed the 38 teachers who were part of the Korean Studies Workshop.

However, it quickly became apparent that this was a man of great strength, who was accustomed to being obeyed.

His authority rang clear in his directives to those working for him and as he cautioned us on how to make the most of our stay in Korea.

Yet he never came across as overbearing or offensive.

Instead he communicated an overriding feeling of sincere caring for those working with him and I quickly discovered that the feeling was fully reciprocated.

The group of American teachers, of which I was a part, had been accepted from a large group of applicants to spend two weeks last summer traveling in, and learning about, Korea.

We were treated royally while exploring and enjoyed thought provoking lectures on a multitude of Korean topics by leading scholars.

Our hosts took us to museums and sites of historical interest both ancient and modern.

We experienced Korean culture in dining, theater, music and sports.

School visitations left us amazed at the efforts Korean students and teachers make to excel in their academics.

We saw oceans of newly minted cars being loaded for export and were blown away by the Hyundai shipyards where we saw city block long vessels being constructed.

We marveled at the natural beauty of the mountainous countryside.

The energy and drive of the Koreans we interacted with was only matched by the kindness and cordiality with which we were treated.

Our visit was well organized and expertly run. Korean students directed by Professor Kim assisted us. It soon became apparent that his strong hands were behind the efficiently managed experience.

During a closing session, one of my fellow teachers congratulated and thanked Professor Kim for his work in making our visit a success. The professor humbly expressed his appreciation for the compliment on behalf of all those involved. He graciously acknowledged the contributions of everyone who had a part in the program. Then he added something unexpected. Speaking quietly, he said, “I’m very pleased that we could host such an excellent group of educators. We are eager to have you share the success story that is South Korea with your students. Each of you is in a powerful position to do so.”

Then he paused. It was obvious that he was wrestling with a thought and choosing his words carefully.

“As much as I have enjoyed having you here, there is another group I would have liked to have in your place.”

I was a bit startled. After the perpetual politeness to which we had become accustomed in Korea, his comment came as a surprise.

Professor Kim’s finely honed sensitivity must have caught my surprise and that of the others in my group. He quickly continued his thought.

“There’s a group of older Americans I wish could have had your experience of the last two weeks. Several decades ago your country came to the rescue of mine. I have often tried to put myself in the place of those young soldiers. They must have been scared, lonely and probably wondered what they were doing so far from home. When they were here they saw a land that was devastated and a people who were poor, dirty and desperate. They must have dreaded coming here and been glad to leave. I suspect for many, if not most of them, Korea is a place they would prefer to forget.

American soldiers, maybe some of your fathers or grandfathers, bought us the chance to become the prosperous island of freedom that is South Korea. They paid for that opportunity with their blood and the years of their youth.

I wish they could know of my gratitude for what they gave and did. I wish they could each see the things you have seen here and know that they are, in no small way, responsible. I wish they could know their sacrifices were not in vain, but resulted in a good life of freedom and prosperity for me, my family and millions of South Koreans.”

Professor Kim paused and looked at our little group. Again, he seemed to be weighing his words with care.

“If you know, or should meet a veteran of the Korean War, would you tell them what you saw here and tell them I said Thank You.”

We then moved on to the business at hand. At least the others did. I was too impressed with the moving sincerity of a great man who had the depth of character to ponder events of over a half-century before and be filled with gratitude for those involved.

I don’t personally know anyone who served in that bloody conflict of another age. It’s a war I teach my students about from textbooks, which are themselves old. But I do know an impressive Korean gentleman who has not forgotten what Americans did for his country many years ago. So to Korean War Veterans, on behalf of Professor Kim, “Thank you”.

Mike Anderson,

Endicott