Former Wonkwang University President Song Cheon-eun Passes Away at 89

Passed Away on October 14 After a Long Illness
Pioneered the Academic Framework of Won-Buddhism

Yungsan Song Cheon-eun, who served as president of Wonkwang University and dedicated his life to the academic advancement of Won-Buddhism and the cultivation of talent, passed away from a long-term illness at 7:15 a.m. on October 14 at the Wonkwang Hyodo Nursing Hospital. He was 89 years old.

The late Dr. Song Cheon-eun. Provided by Won Buddhism

Dr. Song Cheon-eun was born in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, in 1936. He was the grandson of Sotaesan, the founder of Won-Buddhism, and grew up under his direct guidance. After graduating from Iri Namseong Middle and High School, he was ordained as a Won-Buddhist minister in 1954 and entered the religious life.

After earning a master's degree in philosophy from Korea University Graduate School, Dr. Song joined Wonkwang University as a full-time lecturer in 1961. Except for two years as a visiting professor at Yale University and Columbia University in the United States, he devoted his entire life to education and administration. At the university, he held key positions including the inaugural director of the museum, director of the library, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and dean of the graduate school. Notably, as president in 1994, he strengthened the university's financial foundation and advocated for the ideal of a "Moral University," greatly enhancing the university's stature.

As a scholar, Dr. Song is highly regarded for pioneering the academic framework of Won-Buddhism. Focusing on early Buddhism and Won-Buddhist studies, he earned his Ph.D. in philosophy in 1976 with his dissertation, "A Study on the Motives for the Founding of Won-Buddhism." This work played a decisive role in informing the academic community about the legitimacy of Won-Buddhism's emergence and its doctrinal structure. He further established himself as a philosopher of religion through his research in religious philosophy and contributed to academic development as president of the Korean Philosophical Association and in other roles.

Throughout his life as a Won-Buddhist minister and scholar, Dr. Song emphasized practical and rational academic approaches, delivering lectures and sermons that were helpful in daily life. He was known for his warm and humorous personality, as well as his decisiveness and courage in overcoming challenges. He is survived by his wife Lee Inseong, son Sangwon, daughter-in-law Lee Euna, grandson Hansol, and daughter Hyewon.

The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. on October 16 at the Banbaeknyeon Memorial Hall of the Won-Buddhism Central Headquarters in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, and he will be laid to rest at Yeongmo Cemetery in Iksan.

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