[New Academic Lineage] ③ Kim Tae-hyo, Kim Nan-do, Seol Kyung-gu... Talent Incubator 'Mapo High School'

Active gatherings by field such as Mabeophoe, Mageumhoe, and Masulhoe
Pro gamers Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) and Deft (Kim Hyuk-kyu) are also alumni

Editor's NoteSouth Korean society is a vast networked society. Academic ties, regional ties, and blood relations are often intertwined. Recently, academic connections have drawn particular attention. With the launch of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, names like Harvard University, Seoul National University Law School, and Chungam High School have been symbolically mentioned. While these networks sometimes remain mere acquaintances, they can also influence policy decisions. Asia Economy will report biweekly on Saturdays a series titled 'New Academic Networks,' focusing on high schools gaining new attention. ①Chungam High School ②Kyungmoon High School ③Mapo High School

#1

Every year around the end and beginning of the year, a book that makes the bestseller list is , which analyzes and predicts the year's trends. It is published by the Consumer Trend Analysis Center at Seoul National University, with Professor Kim Nan-do of the College of Human Ecology at Seoul National University as the lead author. Professor Kim is a well-known figure active as a professor, author, trend researcher, and consultant. He has published bestsellers such as and has established himself as a trend expert through the series, which began publication in 2008.

#2

One of the frequently appearing figures in recent media exposure is Kim Tae-hyo, the First Deputy Director of the National Security Office at the Presidential Office. During his visit to the United States from the 11th to the 15th, he addressed allegations of wiretapping by U.S. intelligence agencies, stating, "A significant number were forged. There is no evidence of malicious wiretapping." When controversy arose due to discrepancies with the U.S. explanation, he backtracked slightly, saying, "The government has not confirmed whether wiretapping or eavesdropping occurred." Regardless, Deputy Director Kim is a powerful figure influencing the current administration's foreign and security policies. Especially after the resignation of Security Office Director Kim Sung-han, more eyes have turned to him.

At first glance, the two men seem to share little besides their surname Kim, but they have one thing in common: both graduated from Mapo High School. Professor Kim Nan-do (29th class) is a senior alumnus.

Mapo High School is a private high school that opened on July 1, 1953, in Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. The school foundation is Daeseung Hakwon (formerly Junganguisuk), which was authorized in 1950. Although it was founded in Mapo and named Mapo High School, the school is no longer located in Mapo. It relocated in February 1985 to Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu (403 Hwagok-ro).

The most prominent alumnus of Mapo High School is Kim Tae-hyo, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office at the Presidential Office (32nd class). He gained attention as a 'powerful figure in diplomacy and security' when he served as the Blue House's Director of External Strategic Planning during the Lee Myung-bak administration. During the Park Geun-hye and Moon Jae-in administrations, he returned to his original position as a professor at Sungkyunkwan University but reemerged in March 2022 when appointed as a foreign and security affairs transition committee member for the presidential transition team. At that time, the Presidential Office explained his appointment background as follows: "He has prioritized strong security through a robust military, the Korea-U.S. alliance, and improved North Korea policy, promoting foreign and security policies that put national interests first. He will engage in government discussions to ensure that President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's pragmatic principle and reciprocity-based resolution of inter-Korean issues proceed without wavering."

According to Mapo High School alumni, Deputy Director Kim was literally a 'model student.' This background is attributed to the devoted efforts of the teachers toward their students. Lee Hyun-soo (78 years old, 12th class), who served as the secretary-general of the Mapo High School Alumni Association in 2018, emphasized, "Around the 32nd class when Deputy Director Kim graduated, many outstanding individuals emerged." He added, "It can be seen as a kind of Mapo High School tradition that teachers make students study very hard."

Jung Jin-oh (26th class), president of the Mapo High School General Alumni Association, said, "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, alumni meetings and events could not be held, but from this year, we plan to operate the alumni association actively. On June 10 this year, we will hold a sports day at the alma mater." He added, "Besides the sports day, we also have monthly hiking meetings, and we hope for active participation from alumni."

Kim Young-chul (24th class), representative lawyer of the law firm Jeongse, explained that Mapo High School has produced diverse talents. He is the first alumnus from Mapo High School to become a prosecutor and legal professional. Kim said, "There are many Mapo High School alumni in government, legal circles, and cultural and artistic fields. Talents are spread throughout society." He added, "Because there are many talents in various fields, the bonds among classmates are strong. Among alumni, there are active gatherings for golf, baduk (Go), and recently billiards."

Choi Dong-joo (26th class), professor of cardiology at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, said, "Around our class, 28 students were admitted to Seoul National University," adding, "At that time, Mapo High School ranked among the top three nationwide in Seoul National University admission rates." He emphasized, "That many students went to Seoul National University means many talented students entered, and teachers taught well." He also mentioned, "There are many gatherings among alumni. For example, there is 'Mabeophoe,' a meeting of Mapo High School legal professionals, 'Mageumhoe' for financial professionals, and 'Masulhoe' for artists."

Jung Jang-yeol (30th class), editor of Weekly Chosun, said, "Teachers made efforts to foster critical thinking. They recommended many books that were difficult for students to read and provided extensive reading education to develop thinking skills." Kim Gwan-ok (30th class), a professor at Keimyung University who works as a current affairs commentator on various broadcasts, emphasized, "Mapo High School students are not only self-directed learners but also have a strong will to realize their future aspirations. In short, they have very strong independence."

Notable alumni from Mapo High School. (From left) Kim Tae-hyo, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, Presidential Office; Kim Nan-do, Professor at Seoul National University; Seol Kyung-gu, Actor; Ahn Soon-hong, CEO of Hanwha Techwin; Choi Dong-joo, Professor of Cardiology at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital; Han Chae-yang, CEO of Shilla Hotels & Resorts (Except for Director Kim, the order is alphabetical).

Notable Mapo High School alumni include Deputy Director Kim Tae-hyo, Professor Kim Nan-do of Seoul National University, Professor Kim Gwan-ok of Keimyung University, Kim Young-chul, representative lawyer of Jeongse Law Firm, actor Seol Kyung-gu, CEO Ahn Soon-hong of Hanwha Techwin, Vice Chairman Yoo Byung-kyu of HDC Hyundai Development Company, editor Jung Jang-yeol of Weekly Chosun, CEO Kim Jong-hoon of EToday PNC, Professor Choi Dong-joo of Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Chairman Choi Jae-hong of Mapo Cultural Center, singer Pyeon Seung-yeop, and CEO Han Chae-yang of Shinsegae Chosun Hotel.

In the cultural and artistic fields, actor Seol Kyung-gu (33rd class) shines as a distinguished alumnus. In May 1994, Seol Kyung-gu, who was working as a planning director at the theater troupe , asked a senior from university to help put up posters in Daehangno. By chance, he caught the eye of Kim Min-ki and appeared on stage in the musical . Building his reputation in Daehangno through plays like and the musical , Seol expanded his activities by appearing in KBS dramas (1994) and (1995). In 1996, he made his film debut in playing a university student searching for the whereabouts of the female lead (Lee Jung-hyun). In early 1999, he was cast as the lead in director Lee Chang-dong's film through an audition. Initially, Seol failed the first audition, but Lee Chang-dong's wife, a playwright known for , happened to see his audition tape in the living room and said, "Kim Young-ho is here," recommending Seol Kyung-gu, which led to a second chance?a well-known anecdote. Currently, Seol Kyung-gu is greatly loved as a 'ten-million audience film actor.' Actor Ryu Soo-young and singer Pyeon Seung-yeop also graduated from Mapo High School.

League of Legends pro gamer 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok. Photo by SK Telecom

Another famous Mapo High School alumnus includes professional gamers with the nicknames Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) and Deft (Kim Hyuk-kyu) from the online game 'League of Legends (LoL).' Because of this, Mapo High School is also famous among students aspiring to become professional gamers. In 2020, the Chinese media Sina.com ranked Faker alongside director Bong Joon-ho, former figure skater Kim Yuna, and the group BTS as one of 'Korea's Five National Treasures.' Riding this global popularity, at last year's school festival, students themselves live-streamed the '2022 LoL World Championship' on YouTube, and in 2021, an 'eSports League of Legends tournament' was held on campus.

Kim Sung-hwan, principal of Mapo High School, attended the '2022 LoL World Championship' held last September at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, to cheer for alumni including Faker. In an interview with , Principal Kim said, "I think it was an opportunity for parents to change their perception of gaming. We plan to add eSports to the sports clubs conducted at school." He also introduced his connection with Mapo High School 'LoL World Cup champions,' saying, "I once attended Deft's class and taught him. I remember him as a quiet, small-statured student. I did not teach Faker directly, but I recall discussing attendance issues with his homeroom teacher," sharing his ties with these champions.

Mapo High School has also produced numerous tennis players. Players who have worn the Taegeuk mark and competed in the Davis Cup include Kim Bong-soo, a triple gold medalist at the Asian Games, as well as Kim Woo-sung, Song Hyung-geun, Jo Soong-jae, and Lee Seung-hoon. Additionally, Lee Deok-hee was selected as the youngest national representative. Currently, Kwon Soon-woo (world ranking 52), a member of the Dangjin City Hall tennis team, has reached the top of the men's professional tennis (ATP) tour. Kwon is the first Korean player to win more than twice on the ATP tour. However, the Mapo High School tennis club, founded in 1973, was disbanded in 2020.

[Who is Eungok (隱谷) Park In-chul, the Founder of Mapo High School?]

Alumni emphasize that Eungok Park In-chul, the founder and first principal of Mapo High School, was a true teacher. According to , an autobiographical book published by Mapo High School in 2018, Park In-chul was born on January 21, 1914, in Seongdong-ri (now Seongdong-dong), Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk Province, as the second son among three brothers. He graduated from Gyeongju Public Elementary School (now Gyerim Elementary School) in 1926 and worked for a year as an assistant veterinarian at a livestock cooperative. In 1928, Eungok went to Japan and, while studying, graduated from Dongda Middle School in March 1933 and from the law department of Tokyo Chuo University (now Chuo University) professional school (April 1934 to March 1937). He then graduated from the same university's economics department in March 1940 and returned to Korea in 1945.

With a strong desire to nurture future generations, Park In-chul received the founding permit for the educational foundation 'Junganguisuk,' a private educational foundation, from the Minister of Education (now the Ministry of Education) on April 19, 1950. He established the foundation with 772,700 pyeong of forest land in Gwangju-gun, Gyeonggi Province, 5,669 pyeong of school land, and cash as endowment assets. Kim Yong-mu was appointed as the representative founder of the foundation. This marked the beginning of a long journey to build Mapo Middle School at 41 Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

Before the school's opening, Principal Park agonized over the school motto. After much thought, the motto reflected three virtues that Park always practiced: first, to be a person with a sound mind; second, to be a frugal and robust person; third, to be a noble and humble character. This motto was maintained from the opening of Mapo Middle School in 1950 until March 1, 1965, when it was changed to the current motto of independence, diligence, and cooperation.

However, the joy of opening was short-lived. On June 25, the Korean War broke out with North Korea's surprise invasion, and Park In-chul fled to Busan. Despite living as a refugee, he continued his educational work started in Seoul by setting up a temporary school at 62 Yeongju-dong, Choryang, called the 'refugee school.' He took over a small barrack used by U.S. Marines and named the school Mapo Middle and High School, carrying over the name from the school opened in Seoul.

On July 27, 1953, after more than three years, the Korean War ended with an armistice. Park In-chul worked hard to normalize the school, living on a field bed in a classroom corner while rebuilding the school. In July of the same year, he established Mapo High School and became its first principal. Remembering his own days studying in Japan while enduring hunger due to lack of money, he operated a scholarship system to support poor students through university by providing tuition assistance.

This educational philosophy of prioritizing student welfare is closely related to the school's relocation to Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu. As the school established itself as a prestigious middle and high school in Mapo, attracting many students, it moved to Deungchon-dong to provide a larger playground. This decision was made solely out of respect for students' academic environment. Devoted entirely to nurturing future generations, Park In-chul passed away on October 21, 2000, due to old age.

The school he founded has established itself as a prestigious high school, receiving awards such as the 'Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Policy Implementation Excellence School Award' in 2005, selection as a '2009 Curriculum Specialization Program Operating School' by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in 2008, and the '2013 Science-Focused School Excellence Award and Minister of Education Commendation' in 2014. This year, the school plans to hold a debate camp with the theme 'Meritocracy Society, Human Competition and Growth.' While artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are currently attracting great interest, Mapo High School has been striving since 2021 as an AI-leading school to create various AI education models suited to the school environment.