Daegu Cyber University Holds Discussion on Dr. Saburo Shoochi's Legacy and the Future of Special Education in Korea

"Love Beyond Borders: Dr. Saburo Shoochi's Affection for Korea"
Revisiting the Life and Achievements of Dr. Saburo Shoochi, a Pioneer in Special Education in Korea

Daegu Cyber University (President Lee Geunyong) held a discussion on September 17 under the theme "Love Beyond Borders: Dr. Saburo Shoochi's Affection for Korea," focusing on the life and achievements of Dr. Saburo Shoochi, who made significant contributions to the development of special education in Korea, and exploring the future direction of special education in the country.

Event Inviting Korean and Japanese Special Education Experts (Right: Lee Geunyong, President; Center: Naoko Hirabaru, Reporter from The Nishinippon Shimbun; Left: Ha Moon Park, Professor Emeritus, Department of Special Education, Daegu University). Provided by Daegu Cyber University.

This discussion was organized at the initiative of President Lee Geunyong, the eldest son of the late Lee Taeyoung, the first president of Daegu University and current director of Youngkwang Academy, in anticipation of the 70th anniversary of Daegu University and the 80th anniversary of Youngkwang Academy.

The discussion featured Ha Moon Park, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Special Education at Daegu University, and Naoko Hirabaru, reporter from The Nishinippon Shimbun. They engaged in an in-depth conversation about Dr. Shoochi's educational philosophy and legacy, as well as the challenges and opportunities for cooperation in special education between Korea and Japan.

Dr. Shoochi first became associated with Daegu University in 1968, when he delivered a special lecture titled "Special Education and Welfare in Japan" at the Korea College of Social Work, the predecessor of Daegu University.

He later served as a professor and graduate school dean at the Korea College of Social Work, sharing his practical experience in educating children with disabilities in Japan with Korea. Notably, in 2003, to fulfill a promise made to the late President Lee Taeyoung, Dr. Shoochi donated 30 million yen (approximately 310 million won at the time) to Daegu University as a scholarship fund. This amount had originally been set aside for the treatment of his second son, who had cerebral palsy, but after Dr. Shoochi's passing, it was donated as a scholarship in accordance with his family's wishes, which moved many people even more deeply.

In addition, Dr. Shoochi established and operated "Shiinomi Gakuen," Japan's first special school, in 1954, making significant contributions to the advancement of special education not only in Japan, but also in Korea, China, and other countries. In recognition of his achievements, he received the Nishinippon Cultural Award in 2003, the Magnolia Medal of the Order of Civil Merit from the Republic of Korea in 2010, and was selected as the first recipient of the "Love, Light, and Freedom Award" established by Daegu University in the same year.

President Lee Geunyong stated, "Remembering the dedication of pioneers is like illuminating the path for today's education," adding, "The university and the foundation will serve as a bridge to ensure that exchanges and cooperation in special education between Korea and Japan can lead to real changes in the field."

Daegu Cyber University plans to use this discussion as an opportunity to reaffirm its mission in special education and to expand its ecosystem of education, research, and practice to better respond to the needs of the field.

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