‘Grandfather Shoe Repairman’ Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Jeonnam National University

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] A grandfather who has lived as a shoemaker for over 30 years on a corner in Myeongdong, Seoul, has become an honorary Doctor of Philosophy.

Chonnam National University awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree to Chairman Kim Byung-yang (84, Jongno, Seoul) on the morning of the 24th at the Gwangju Bank Hall in Yongjigwan on campus.

Earlier, in April, Chairman Kim made headlines by donating his entire fortune worth about 1.2 billion KRW to Chonnam National University for the education of future generations.

Born in Jangseong, Jeonnam, Chairman Kim has lived his life with indomitable will, upright sincerity, and a challenge to newness, to the extent that he started working as a shoemaker in Myeongdong, Seoul, after turning fifty.

At the degree conferment ceremony, Chairman Kim’s family, relatives, and officials from the Uiseong Kim clan association attended to witness the family’s joyous occasion, and President Jeong Byung-seok, Graduate School Dean Baek Jang-seon, college deans, and faculty members also celebrated Chairman Kim’s degree conferment together.

President Jeong Byung-seok said, “The eighty years that Chairman Kim Byung-yang has lived are like a zelkova tree at the neighborhood corner growing into a great tree on barren land, providing a resting place for the townspeople.” He added, “Chairman Kim’s life will be a symbol for students who take a long breath, look far ahead, and aim to be the ultimate victors.”

Chairman Kim Byung-yang expressed, “I consider it an infinite honor to stand as the protagonist of this honorable occasion despite being insignificant.” He added, “Now that Chonnam National University has become my school, I will spend the rest of my life thinking of our university and doing things that contribute to it.”