Last September, a scholarship donation ceremony was held at the Main Building of Korea University. Kim Jin-won and Han Kyeong-hee generously donated KRW 200 million to support junior students, which will be distributed to seven recipients starting in the first semester of this year. To help them focus on their studies, Kim and Han will continue providing support until their graduation. This is not the couple’s first philanthropic contribution to their alma mater.

Beginning with alumnus Kim Jin-won’s 2015 donation to the College of Business Development Fund, the couple joined the KU Pride Club (KUPC), a small alumni donation initiative, and have made monthly contributions ever since. On the 30th anniversary of their enrollment, they donated KRW 10 million won to the Department of Business and the Department of Nursing. They also contributed to the Science Library Development Fund Campaign, and had their names engraved on chairs and tables within the library.

This scholarship is particularly meaningful as it represents a heartfelt gesture of support from senior alumni to students. The couple believes that students should focus on their studies, recognizing that their academic years are critical for future success. For this reason, the scholarships are designated for living expenses rather than tuition. The school’s explanation that “there is relatively more support from the government and local governments for tuition, but many students struggle with living expenses” resonated with them.
“Once a scholar is selected, they are expected to remain in the program until graduation, barring specific grounds for disqualification. I would like to meet with them once or twice a year, share a meal, and offer mentorship if needed, hoping to serve as a guiding light on their path to a brighter future.” (Kim Jin-won)

A Mid-Career Trial Becomes A Growth Experience

After graduating with a degree in business administration, Kim joined the global company P&G and spent some time abroad. His life took a significant turn when he returned to Korea to prepare for an MBA program in the United States. However, his father requested his assistance when the company he managed encountered financial difficulties. The company's situation was more precarious than he initially realized. To make matters worse, his father passed away shortly after he joined the company. This presented a major challenge for Kim, who had just entered his 30s and had been enjoying a stable career. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, he didn’t allow himself to remain adrift for long. Instead, he immersed himself in extensive reading and dedicated study, and developed his own managerial acumen.

“The experience was so exceptionally challenging that I don’t want to think about it again. However, my significant personal growth has depended on that experience, and my resulting determination led to numerous opportunities. I managed the company for 19 years, driving substantial growth, which enabled the establishment of branches in the U.S., Japan, and China. In 2019, I successfully completed the sale of the company to a private equity fund. Currently, I focus on individual investments across various sectors, including private equity, venture capital, and startups. I also serve as an advisor to ‘SPARK KU-MAGIC,’ a physician startup program run by Korea University’s medical technology holding company, where I share my expertise in medical device companies.” (Kim Jin-won)

Han Kyeong-hee, his wife, provided unwavering support during a particularly challenging time in his life. A nursing graduate, she worked as a nurse at Korea University Anam Hospital before moving to hospitals in the United States. Although they had been elementary school classmates, they hadn’t seen each other until a chance encounter at a bus stop near their school. At that time, Han was a nurse at Anam Hospital, and Kim was a university student who had been discharged from military service. They immediately recognized each other, and that serendipitous meeting eventually led to their marriage.

“My husband’s move to Korea was unplanned; he unexpectedly started a business. As a result of that, his plan to study in the U.S. was disrupted, and I had to leave my position at a U.S. hospital. I then worked as a nurse at a foreign school and retired in 2023. Initially, my husband said, ‘I think we may need to manage this for five years,’ to which I agreed, and we’ve stayed here ever since (laughs).” (Han Kyeong-hee)

A Commitment to Meaningful Social Impact with a Humble Heart

In addition to their contributions to their alma mater, the couple became members of the Honor Society in 2019 by each making individual donations of KRW 100 million to the Community Chest of Korea (CCK). They have also consistently supported a local nursery school, providing supplies and food for the children there. Additionally, they participate in a golf-related charity initiative, donating KRW 100,000 for every birdie they make, with the total amount being donated annually to the organization. For them, philanthropy has evolved from occasional acts to being an integral part of their lifestyle.

“We believe that our ability to overcome adversity and reach our current position is the result of a collective effort as part of society, not just our individual endeavors. That’s why we aim to share our resources and actively engage in making a meaningful social contribution. We both hold deep affection for and pride in our alma mater, and we are committed to contributing to its continued growth.”