'103-Year-Old Philosopher' Professor Kim Hyung-seok: "South Korea Must Progress as an Orderly State Without Retreating as an Ideological Power State"

Professor Kim emphasized in a special lecture at Seodaemun District Office on the 16th, "South Korea, which has developed from a power state to a rule of law state, must never regress to an ideological power state," and stressed, "With increased life expectancy, life should be designed not as a 'two-stage' model of education until youth and work until 60, but as a 'three-stage' model including self-development and social service after the 60s."

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Lee Seongheon) held a special lecture by inviting Professor Emeritus Kim Hyungseok of Yonsei University on the morning of the 16th at the 6th-floor auditorium of the district office.

Professor Kim, who is 103 years old this year by Korean age, gave a lecture titled "The Path to an Advanced Nation Recommended by 100 Years of Philosophy and Wisdom."

Professor Kim began his lecture by saying, "I have lived in Seodaemun-gu for over 70 years, and coming to the Seodaemun District Office feels comfortable and good, like meeting with family after a long time."

Reflecting on the March 1st Movement and the history of our country thereafter, Professor Kim emphasized, "South Korea, which has developed from a power state to a rule-of-law state, must now advance as an orderly state without regressing to an ideological power state."

He also urged public officials to take on roles that enable more people to live happily.

Professor Kim stressed, "Now that average life expectancy has increased, life should be designed not as a 'two-stage' process of education until youth and working until age 60, but as a 'three-stage' process where one continues self-development and serves society even after their 60s."

Continuing his lecture for over 80 minutes without pause, Professor Kim showed special affection for Seodaemun-gu by saying, "I say this because it feels like home," and received much applause from the audience of residents and public officials throughout the lecture.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.