[Report] 243 ‘Kim Ji-yeongs’ Graduate High School Late... “Happy to Achieve Our Dreams”

Ilsung Girls' High School Students Who Missed School Due to Poverty and Discrimination Graduation Ceremony
"Thankful to School... High School Days Were the Greatest Happiness in Life"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] Around 9 a.m. on the 23rd at Mapo Art Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul, grandmothers dressed in beautiful hanbok began gathering one by one with beaming smiles. They were graduates of ‘Ilseong Girls' High School’ preparing for their graduation ceremony that day. Like any other high school graduates, they smiled brightly while taking commemorative photos, but most of them were adult learners aged 60 and above. They exchanged warm greetings repeatedly, complimented each other's outfits, and reminisced about past memories, unable to hide their excited expressions. Even during the somewhat solemn rehearsal for the main ceremony, when a few students made mistakes, they laughed and teased each other, showing that age did not matter at all to them.

Around 9 a.m. on the 23rd at Mapo Art Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Graduates of Ilseong Girls' High School are gathered together for a commemorative photo.
Photo by Tae-won Choi skking@

On this day, 243 ‘Kim Ji-youngs’ received their long-awaited high school diplomas. Kim Ji-young is the name of the protagonist in the novel "Kim Ji-young, Born 1982," which deals with the damages and disadvantages faced by women from childhood. Ilseong Girls' High School, from which they graduated, is a two-year accredited lifelong learning school established ‘to help women who missed their chance to learn simply because they were poor or female’ to fulfill their unachieved dreams. Notably, this year, all 243 graduates were accepted into universities, a remarkable achievement.

The graduates unanimously expressed happiness in achieving their dreams despite not having received education in their youth due to poverty and being female.

Jeon Young-soon (69), who commuted five hours round-trip from Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do for eight years starting from elementary school, said, “I took four different rides?village bus, subway, city bus, and another bus?during my commute for eight years. But it was not hard at all because it was the path to resolve the regret of not being able to study when I was young.” She continued, “My mother passed away early, so I took care of my father and two younger brothers all my life. From the age of 10, I played the role of a mother and prepared for 12 ancestral rites every year by myself, so I had no chance to study. I am grateful to be able to learn now,” revealing her heartfelt feelings.

Kim Geon-ja (64), the student council president, also said, “I am thankful to Ilseong Girls' High School for giving me the opportunity to become someone who can help others and be needed. I gained pride and confidence that I had always lacked due to my educational background. High school was the happiest time of my life.”

Jeon Young-soon (69), who commuted for 5 hours round trip from Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do to Mapo-gu, Seoul for 8 years since elementary school, is attending the Ilsung Girls' High School graduation ceremony held at 10 a.m. on the 23rd, listening to the guest congratulatory speech.
Photo by Choi Tae-won skking@

There was also a graduate who encountered an unexpected connection while continuing her studies. Han Myeong-sook (65), who went to work at a factory instead of school when she was young to pay for her older brother’s middle school tuition, said, “While mining the gem called education, I even gained a youngest son-in-law. My daughter is about to marry the son of an alumnus,” showing an embarrassed smile and adding, “Life is full of ups and downs, and that saying really seems true.”

The graduates also showed determination not to stop challenging their dreams even after graduation. Han, who is about to enter the Social Service Counseling and Welfare Department at Myongji Junior College, said, “I am now preparing for a new challenge of entering university. After graduating, I want to become a presence like light and salt in society.” Kim Geum-bong (69), who was accepted into the Department of Social Welfare at Myongji University, said, “Although I am late in age, I want to live a life of service without giving up halfway. I will become a social worker who provides tailored help to neighbors in need by receiving systematic education at university.”

Many came to celebrate their graduation and new beginnings. Kang Rae-kyung (40), the homeroom teacher of Class 1, Grade 3 at this school, said, “I feel a bit sad, but I am proud and hope all of them do well. Age is just a number, and I want to tell you that I always support your dreams.” Kwon Seok-hwan (33), who came to celebrate his mother’s graduation, said, “I used to tutor her in computer subjects at home. She worked very hard to graduate, and I congratulate her. I hope she lives doing what she wants and achieves her dreams,” offering his encouragement.

Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who attended the graduation ceremony, also gave a congratulatory speech, saying, “My mother was also uneducated but taught me Hangul by self-study when I was young. Today reminds me of her. The saying that there is a time for learning no longer applies. I hope you do not stop at graduation but challenge yourselves toward even higher dreams,” encouraging them.