Boseong County Mayor Kim Cheol-woo expressed his respect for an elderly man who taught him "the true value of giving," while renewing his resolve to make the lives of Boseong residents warmer and to complete the foundation for Boseong's next 100 years.
"He taught me something greater than money," Mayor Kim said.
The man is Lee Sam-jong, 83, who has run the "Ilgwangdang" watch shop for 66 years in Beolgyo-eup, Boseong County, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City.
On the 7th, Lee delivered 20 million won in scholarship funds to the Boseong County Scholarship Foundation to nurture local talent. Despite undergoing cancer treatment, Lee has been practicing warm-hearted giving in the community, offering heartwarming inspiration.
The scholarship donated this time follows an earlier donation of 10 million won made three years ago to mark his 80th birthday, marking his second contribution. He added meaning by giving back a life spent alongside the local community toward nurturing talent for the region's future.
Lee Sam-jong is a local merchant who has stood with residents throughout his life. At the time of his first donation, he expressed his wish "to be together with the local community," and this time as well, he explained the purpose of his donation, saying, "Rather than spending my money on myself, I want to use it for Boseong," and "I hope it helps local children nurture their dreams and prepare for the future."
Mayor Kim conveyed his emotion and gratitude toward Lee through his Facebook, saying, "The elderly man's sincerity in wanting to use his money for Boseong rather than for himself, and his careful thought about how the donation would be used, even writing a handwritten letter to convey his heart." He added, "He said that if there is a broken clock at a village community hall, he wants to fix it himself, and if there is no clock, he wants to install one."
Meanwhile, the Boseong County Scholarship Foundation has raised a total of 21 billion won in scholarship funds, leading the way in nurturing local talent alongside a stable financial base.
