A Korean receives a Chinese honor

July 11, the former Chancellor of Koryo University Kim Joon-Yeoup became the recipient of the "Award for the Promotion of Chinese Language and Culture" presented by the Chinese Education Ministry

During the award ceremony held at the Chang-Poo Palace Hotel in Beijing, the Chinese Education Minister Chun Jeu-Li honored the recipient by saying, "Through the establishment of Korean Academic Research Centers in 10 universities in China including Beijing, Pudan and San Universities, he has elevated the exchange of culture and academia between the two nations. He is quite deserving of this award."

Since the creation of such award last year to celebrate the current government`s 50 years since founding, this is the first occasion of a Korean man receiving an award from the Chinese government since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two states. Kim Joon-Young was selected as the recipient from the four finalists who came from the field of 148 candidates selected and submitted by the Chinese Ambassies world-wide.

Kim Joon-Young has an history of active participation in the Liberation Army and the interim government immediately after the liberation. During the 80`s, he actively supported academic resource exchange program between China and Korea. In 1955, he was the first to sponsor the first series of domestic seminars in Chinese and he has taught the Chinese History for 36 years at Koryo University. He has also authored various books on China, The History of Communism in China, The History of Modern China, China and Asia. In an answer to a question asked of him, Kim stated, "I hope for a greater activity and achievement by the various academic centers in Chinese universities. With this award, I now can rest assured that my life has been one of great success and accomplishment."