Popular for expert answers and unique wit
Ssangdodopgi and Doksuritabeop... Active despite health decline
"How old is Santa Claus?"
"He is the same age as Dad."
Jo Gwang-hyeon, who was famous for his witty answers on Naver's Q&A platform 'Jisik-in(iN)', passed away on the 27th due to old age. He was 88 years old.
The news of the passing of Jo, who was active under the name 'Nokya (Green Field)', has sparked a wave of condolences from netizens.
Born in 1935 in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, the late Jo graduated from Gyeongbok High School and Seoul National University College of Dentistry, and ran a dental clinic in Seoul for 33 years. He received the 7th Dental Medical Culture Award in 1985, the 2nd Seoul Dental Association Merit Award in 1994, and the Naver Power Jisik-iN Award in 2008.
His wife, Neulsaem Kwon Oh-sil (1936?2022), was a renowned calligrapher who won the grand prize in the calligraphy category at the 1980 Korea Art Exhibition and served as the vice chairman of the Korea Art Association.
Jo was active on Naver Jisik-in from 2004, gaining attention not only for his expertise in dental care and maintenance but also for his witty answers in everyday life. Despite his advanced age, he continued his activities steadily, and netizens affectionately called him 'Jisik-in Grandfather' or 'Nokya Grandfather' when requesting answers.
One of his answers that became popular among students was when a netizen asked, "Grandfather, I find studying boring and dull these days. Could you give me some advice?" He replied, "I have nothing to say to people who find studying boring and dull. My stories would be boring too."
His clear and straightforward answers made him popular, and whenever his responses or related news became scarce, posts expressing concern for his health would appear. Since his first public answer in 2007 until his passing last November due to old age, Jo left a total of 53,839 answers. He held the second-highest rank of 'Guardian' among the 19 levels of Naver Jisik-in. Until 2015, he even reached the highest rank, 'Sun God.' Because of this, netizens at the time called him 'Sun God Grandfather.'
Regarding his activities on 'Jisik-in,' he told JoongAng Ilbo in an interview that when he received questions he did not know the answers to, he would study to respond. He said, "Even at this age, I want to know what I don't know. I look up dictionaries to study. I don't forget what I learn out of curiosity. This is how I have expanded my knowledge. If an elementary school student knows something I don't, they are my benefactor. I consider them my senior."
It is reported that despite his advanced age, he made various efforts to communicate with netizens. In particular, due to severe vision impairment, he used two magnifying glasses stacked together and typed answers using the 'eagle method' (typing with few fingers).
Upon hearing the news of Jo's passing, Naver also expressed condolences. The Naver Jisik-iN service posted a tribute saying, "We mourn the passing of the eternal Jisik-in Grandfather Nokya."
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