Naval Academy Professor Who Brought a 'Smile Blossom' to Cadets' Faces

Professor Lee Ho during his live commentary appearance at the rowing event of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Last weekend, naval cadets stationed at the Jinhae Naval Base Command in Jinhae, Gyeongnam, were unable to leave the main gate due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Until last year, they used to go out on leave and enjoy the cherry blossoms fluttering in downtown Jinhae with their families, but this year the situation was not favorable. However, the cadets found an alternative. Thanks to the special marine sports class, they could go out to the sea, which is wider than the school gate.

In early February, a ban on leave and overnight stays was imposed on the Naval Academy cadets due to COVID-19. For cadets who are strictly disciplined, this was like a bolt from the blue. Seeing this, Professor Lee Ho, head of the Marine Sports Department, felt sorry. He proposed a special weekend marine sports class at the school. The intention was to teach dinghy sailing, windsurfing, rowing, and cruise yachting to help cadets relieve stress. It was a win-win program that allowed them to understand the ocean and build physical strength through weekend classes. Okpo Bay stretches out in front of the school, and there was sufficient equipment on campus. The school readily approved it. Professor Lee put it into action. The response was enthusiastic. Students began to look forward to the weekends. Now, thanks to Professor Lee’s brilliant idea, some cadets even say weekends have become more enjoyable.

Professor Lee’s idea came from his own career. He was a rowing athlete in high school. He won six consecutive national sports festival championships, took first place at the East Asian Championships, and competed in the Atlanta Olympics, reaching a national team level. In 2000, he also ranked first in the Sydney Olympics Asian qualifiers. However, he chose to enlist as a naval officer instead of competing in the Olympics. He loved the sea and wanted to become a national team-level naval officer. His love for the sea continued with the Naval Academy Commander's Cup rowing competition. The competition, which lasted for seven years from 2007, was also an idea proposed by Professor Lee.

Professor Lee was not satisfied with this alone. He could not abandon the belief that the only way to help cadets understand the sea was through marine sports. He wanted to provide more systematic education to the cadets. That is why he earned a Ph.D. in marine sports in 2011. Now, when the Olympics come around, broadcasters seek him out first. Since 2008, he has been working as a commentator for KBS.

Professor Lee emphasized, "Marine sports include not only the leadership qualities required of naval officers but also the ability to adapt to the marine environment," adding, "Through enjoyable and interesting marine sports, we will eliminate the shrinkage caused by COVID-19 and instill dreams in the cadets."