Editor’s Preface

Coordinates for life for the youth of our time who need hopes and dreams

In the 21st century, material affluence and growing demands for individual rights have caused people to pursue the material values of life, and society has been plagued by rampant mammonism which features several negative aspects, including confusion about values.

Under these circumstances, Chairman Kim Chang-In’s Practical Philosophy resonates with contemporary people, as it advises them to be wary of mammonism, where relationships are based on benefits and losses or worldly desires, and suggests alternative attitudes to address current issues.

The underlying thoughts of Chairman Kim Chang-In’s Practical Philosophy encompass representative Eastern ideas focusing on “heaven and earth,” “ancestors,” “the worship of heaven,” “virtue and vice,” “introspection,” “practice” and “divine retribution.” Depending on the specific principles, his philosophy bears a parallel to Buddhism, Confucianism and other methods of instruction adopted for tertiary education.

Decisively, however, Chairman Kim-In’s Practical Philosophy is differentiated in that he doesn’t just communicate his ideas. From the outset, Chairman Kim sincerely developed his philosophy based on repeated practice and action. Indeed, Chairman Kim’s pursuit and realization of the truth, with solid underlying principles, is based on his experiences, where he strictly fulfilled the practice of his theories in all matters.

“Practice” is the core of Chairman Kim Chang-In’s Practical Philosophy. Chairman Kim emphasizes that practice is the only discipline that leads to the realization of the truth and no other theories can outdo the power of practice. Explaining that “practice” in his philosophy specifically refers to insightful and genuine endeavors, he suggests that prayer and determination are crucial in the process of making such endeavors.

Advocating “self-reliance” and “self-respect,” Chairman Kim established Practical Philosophy by realizing the truth after years of in-depth consideration and practicing how to address his inner space, which governs his soul and spirit. He is firmly determined that it is his mission to widely disseminate his Practical Philosophy to the youth.

In respect for his determination, Jeju National University opened the Research Institute of Chairman Kim Chang-In’s Practical Philosophy in 2013. The institute has since conducted research on the academic values of his Practical Philosophy , and his great contributions to local advancement. The institute has also run educational programs for the young generation, with the goal of achieving a broad application and practice of the philosophy.

The contemporary youth in Korea are called the “give-up” generation because they are forced to give up many essential things in their lives, including having a relationship, getting married, being employed and having hopes. In publishing the 2nd edition of Chairman Kim Chang-In’s Practical Philosophy, I’d like to take the initiative in assisting young people, including the give-up generation, to regain their hopes and dreams, while broadly disseminating the helpful philosophy that could serve as the coordinates for life for the youth of our time.

In honor of Chairman Kim Chang-In’s Practical Philosophy, Jeju National University has established itself as a “university devoted to the basics and fully preparing students for the future” and has made strenuous efforts to nurture “‘glocal’ leaders who are open for communication with others, make challenges without fear, and embrace differences”.

I am confident and hopeful that Chairman Kim Chang-In will highly appreciate Jeju National University’s educational philosophy and concept of talent and continue to provide full support.

Chairman Kim, congratulations on the publication of the 2nd edition of Chairman Kim Chang-In’s Practical Philosophy. I wish you happiness and success in your life.

Song Seok-eon, President of Jeju National University

Editor’s Preface

Transmitting Practical Philosophy, created based on experience, to offspring

Kim Chang-In, now aged 80, is an iconic Korean expatriate who overcame all sorts of hardships and torment with his invincible spirit, and who finally achieved great success in a foreign country despite rampant prejudice and discrimination. Because Kim utilized his experience of extreme ups and downs in life into his own principles of living and Practical Philosophy, contemporary people will be deeply
moved by his ideas and thoughts and feel sympathy for them.
Kim emigrated to Japan alone at the age of 16. He has since cultivated his mind by respectfully bowing three times to the east for heaven, earth and his ancestors every day at dawn. He also learned from the trees that stand against frost and windstorms how to keep his mind imperturbable and consistent, and to practice self-restraint. Kim reflects that in his life, he has never given up his hopes and dreams, striving to achieve them with his strong willpower. He persuasively asserts that anyone who wishes to succeed should believe in his or her infinite potential. He also emphasizes in his philosophy that it is essential to be fully prepared to take on challenges at all times. In order to do so, you must be a pioneer who takes the road not taken, and always keep in mind that you are the main character in your world.
As a renowned and successful entrepreneur, Kim criticizes modern society, which has been predominated by materialism and egoism. To address contemporary issues, he insists that social leaders take the lead in building a peaceful world through the restoration of respect for life and human nature.
Kim stresses that ancestor worship and love-based kinship are the moral basics of humanity. Over the past years, he has donated a total of 21.4 billion won to Jeju National University and 3.5 billion won to the Central Association of Garak-Rooted Families for the cultivation of young talent and the education of the young generations.
As an exemplary figure who has fulfilled the corporate responsibility of entrepreneurs and the moral duties of the older generation, Kim opened the Kim Chang-In Practical Philosophy Education Center in the Garak-Rooted Families Hall, where he has helped educate the offspring of the Garak-rooted families to become the leaders who will bring a bright future to our nation.
I express my deepest respect for the generous philosopher who always spares no effort to help others. It is my greatest wish that the Republic of Korea will prosper and that we can achieve lasting peace, just as he has sincerely desired.

Kim Gi-jae, President of the Central Association of Garak-Rooted Families