In Memory of Dr. Kim, Duk Whang

Dr. Kim, Duk Whang, the founder of Eastern Social Welfare Society, has completed his natural span of life and passed away at 96 years of age on May 18th, 2011.

For those in the adoption community, Dr. Kim’s legacy is profound, but his services and those of Eastern are much broader. Kim Duk Whang saw that in the decades after the Korean War, there were thousands of children abandoned on the streets, children born with disabilities, young teenagers who are not able to continue their studies due to poverty, and lonely seniors, who all need a helping hand. In 1972, after retiring from the Ministry of Health and Welfare he established Eastern Social Welfare Society to give opportunity to those who needed it. Care for displaced children, the elderly and for the mentally and physically handicapped, as well as adoption services, are integral parts of Eastern’s organization.

Through the mission Dr. Kim had undertaken, he has changed and improved hundreds of thousands of lives. Because of his work at Eastern Social Welfare Society, more than 45,000 orphaned children have found loving homes. Their lives and the lives of their adoptive parents and grandparents will forever be changed. As the years pass and these children marry and become parents and grandparents, the lives that Dr. Kim will have touched will be millions.

This is a wonderful legacy that many New Beginnings’ families share a part of. Because of his work and his vision, the lives of the thousands of children New Beginnings have found homes for and their families are enriched forever. The work he has done and the work Eastern has done is something to be proud of and cherish.

I had the honor and privilege to know Dr. Kim. Until he was no longer able, when a child was to leave for his or her new home, Dr. Kim would be at the orphanage to say good bye and give a prayer and a blessing for the child. Pauline Park and I, Tim Sutfin, along with hundreds of others attended the funeral services for Dr. Kim, Duk Whang on Saturday, May 21, 2011. There were many wonderful things said about Dr. Kim, for me I will remember his gentle demeanor and kindness in spirit and in heart.

For any of our families and friends who have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Kim on your trip to Korea or on a Motherland Tour, we invite you to send us your photos and stories in remembrance of him. We will organize them a present them to Eastern.

Also, in honor of Dr. Kim, Duk Whang, a memorial fund will be established to help Eastern Social Welfare Society to continue the important work and legacy he left behind. Please make any donation to New Beginnings and all proceeds will be given to Eastern. All donations are tax exempt.

You may also read more here: ESWS Obituary, Dr. Kim Duk Whang