A recent middle school graduate really stood out among his classmates - he was old enough to be their grandfather. Now that 김대현) Kim Dae-hyeon has finished middle school, he’s set his sights on high school. Mike Balfour has his story.




Report

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Aewol Middle School, Jeju City

The graduation ceremony of a local middle school is full of dreams and a passion for learning.

Among the teenagers, a gray haired man sits.

He is 61 year old Mr. (김대현) Kim Dae-hyeon.

When his name is called and the graduation certificate and a special award for opsimath are given to him, everybody cheers.

He hugs his teachers .

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Dropped out of school in 1972, returned last year

In 1972, Mr. Kim was forced to drop out of the third grade of middle school because his parents couldn’t pay the tuition fee.

Last year, he received very good news: he could return to school as a third grader.

It had been 44 years since he left the school.

INTERVIEW
Kim Dae-hyeon / Recent Aewol Middle School graduate
At first, I was ashamed of returning to school, but now I’m really thankful. My late mother would also be happy.
<인터뷰 : 김대현 /애월중 졸업생 (61세) >
“졸업장을 받는게 처음에는 창피하다고 생각했지만 지금은 너무 감사하고 고마워요. 저의 (돌아가신) 모친이 좋아하실겁니다."

His behavior has been exemplary as a student: he studied aggressively and inspired his young classmates to study harder.

INTERVIEW
Jeong Ji-won / Aewol Middle School classmate
I really respect him. Even though he is much older than me, he was never absent from school nor neglected classes.
<인터뷰 : 정지원 / 애월중 동료 졸업생>
“저희도 학교 생활 하다보면 공부가 힘들때도 있는데, 저희보다 나이도 많으신데도 학교에 항상 열심히 나오시고 공부도 짬짬이 열심히 하시는거 보니까 정말 대단한 것 같아요. ”

His sons and daughters support their ambitious father.

INTERVIEW
Kim Hye-ri / Kim Dae-hyeon’s daughter
Whenever exam dates neared, I studied first and taught my father. I’m really happy he could finally graduate middle school.
<인터뷰 : 김혜리 / 김대현 씨 딸>
“시험볼 때 되면 제가 먼저 공부를 다 하고 아버지 오시면 가르쳐 드리고 했었는데, (졸업하시니까) 너무 기뻐요. 정말 기뻐요.”

He had to give up his studies as he was from a poor family. However, he never gave up his dream.

Now he is planning to enter an open broadcasting high school to continue on the road of learning.

INTERVIEW
Kim Dae-hyeon / Recent Aewol Middle School graduate
I don’t dream too big. I just hope to continue learning at a high school. Now that I don’t have to spend time on work and children, I can study more.
<인터뷰 : 김대현 / 애월중 졸업생 (61세)>
“큰 꿈은 없고, 이제 한다면 고등학교를 들어가야. 이제는 그렇게 직장과 다른 일, 자식들에게 매달리지도 않으니까 제가 하고싶은 고등학교에 가고 싶습니다. ”

[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Moon Ho-seong

Mr. Kim Dae-hyeon’s graduation certificate is a precious representation of a dream fulfilled.

Mike Balfour, KCTV