Expected to Obtain 4-Year Degrees Side by Side in February
Challenge, Experience, Practice Do-ing: At Dongmyung University’s Department of Global Cultural Contents, a special graduate will emerge in February 2025.
The protagonists are an elderly couple in their 80s, lifelong learners Park Young-sook (87) grandmother and Ryu Soo-yeol (89) grandfather. Despite difficult circumstances in their youth, the elderly couple never gave up on their dreams and continued to challenge themselves.
An elderly couple in their 80s at Dongmyung University are expected to earn their bachelor's degrees together. Photo by Dongmyung University
"I never even had an elementary school diploma, yet here I am graduating from a four-year university."
The challenge began with grandmother Park Young-sook. In the past, when her daughter was not allowed to attend school, Park herself was prevented from even attending elementary school due to family opposition. After marriage, childbirth, and childcare, she lived a busy life running a dried seafood business. In her 70s, she began learning Hangul, turning her desire for education into reality. With the help of an elementary school teacher in Gimhae City, Gyeongnam Province, Park was able to complete the elementary school curriculum. She then continued her studies by completing adult classes for middle and high school, never letting go of her academic pursuits.
After obtaining a two-year associate degree from a specialized college in Busan, she transferred in March 2023 to the third year of the Department of Global Cultural Contents at Dongmyung University, even before the COVID-19 pandemic had fully subsided. Since then, Park has taken 3 to 4 courses each semester, earning credits, and is now on the verge of obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree. She will officially become a graduate of a four-year university at the upcoming February graduation ceremony.
"I am the driver" - Husband Ryu Soo-yeol supporting his wife’s studies
Grandfather Ryu Soo-yeol, who fully supported his wife’s academic journey, studied alongside her from the elementary school level and never withheld his support. As a driver, Ryu took on the role of chauffeur for his wife’s commute to and from school, continuing their shared challenge. Ryu also completed middle and high school courses, attended a two-year specialized college with his wife, and is now about to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree as he approaches his 90s.
"Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it" - A message of hope
In an interview with fellow students in their 20s, Park Young-sook shared a message of hope for young people. “If I were in my 20s, I could do anything. Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it, and if you hold onto hope, you can achieve it.”
The challenges of this elderly couple go beyond academic achievement; they deliver a powerful message of passion and determination for life. Their story resonates strongly with the younger generation, encouraging them not to give up on their dreams and to keep challenging themselves.
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