Kim Jong-ki | Today's AI Wiki

1. Early Life and Background

Kim Jong-ki's early life and family experiences, particularly a tragic incident involving his son, served as the fundamental catalyst for his later dedication to social activism. His educational background laid the groundwork for his initial career in the corporate sector.

1.1. Birth and Family

Kim Jong-ki was born on July 4, 1947. He is the father of Kim Dae-hyun, who was born in 1979. Tragically, Kim Dae-hyun passed away on June 8, 1995, after committing suicide by jumping from an apartment building. His son's death was a direct consequence of prolonged suffering from severe school bullying, an event that profoundly altered Kim Jong-ki's life path and ignited his commitment to preventing similar tragedies for other young people.

1.2. Education

Kim Jong-ki pursued his early education in South Korea, graduating from Mokpo Bukgyo Elementary School and Mokpo Middle School. He then completed his secondary education at Gyeongbok High School in 1966. Following high school, he advanced to Sungkyunkwan University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration in 1975.

2. Business Career

Before dedicating his life to social activism, Kim Jong-ki forged a successful career as a businessman, holding significant positions within major South Korean corporations.

2.1. Early Career

Kim Jong-ki began his professional career in 1975, joining the renowned Samsung Group. For the initial decade of his tenure, from 1975 to 1985, he served in the Samsung Group's Secretary's Office, gaining comprehensive experience in corporate operations and strategy. From 1985 to 1991, he assumed an international leadership role as the head of Samsung Electronics' Hong Kong branch, where he was responsible for overseeing the company's regional business operations. In 1991, he returned to Samsung Electronics as an executive overseeing strategic exports. Following his time at Samsung, Kim Jong-ki transitioned to the Shinwon Group in 1992, where he served as the Executive Director of the Planning and Coordination Office, further solidifying his reputation as a capable and influential business leader.

3. Anti-Youth Violence Advocacy

Kim Jong-ki's personal tragedy transformed him into a tireless advocate for youth protection. His dedication led to the establishment of the Blue Tree Foundation and various other initiatives aimed at combating school violence.

3.1. Genesis of Advocacy

The turning point in Kim Jong-ki's life and the genesis of his advocacy against youth violence was the tragic death of his son, Kim Dae-hyun, on June 8, 1995. His son, then a middle school student, committed suicide after enduring severe and persistent school bullying. This deeply personal loss spurred Kim to confront the pervasive issue of school violence, which was often overlooked or minimized in South Korean society at the time. He channeled his grief into a mission to protect other children from similar fates, recognizing the urgent need for a societal response to the scourge of bullying and violence in educational environments.

3.2. Establishment and Development of the Blue Tree Foundation

Driven by his profound personal experience, Kim Jong-ki established the Foundation for Preventing Youth Violence (FPYV) in 1995, serving as its first chairman. The foundation's initial mission was to raise public awareness about school bullying and develop programs aimed at fostering positive youth development and preventing violence. Over the years, the organization grew significantly, expanding its reach and impact. In 2019, the FPYV officially changed its name to The Blue Tree Foundation, continuing its core mission under a new identity while remaining a leading voice in the fight against youth violence in South Korea.

3.3. Major Activities and Contributions

Beyond his leadership of the Blue Tree Foundation, Kim Jong-ki has actively participated in and spearheaded various other social initiatives to address youth violence comprehensively. He served as the co-representative of the National Council for School Violence Measures, an influential body dedicated to formulating national strategies and coordinating efforts against school bullying. Furthermore, he held the position of co-chairman of the School Violence Committee, contributing to policy discussions and the implementation of measures aimed at creating safer school environments. Through these diverse roles, Kim Jong-ki has demonstrated a broad commitment to mobilizing various sectors of society in a nationwide drive that has significantly transformed both policy and behaviors towards building a gentler, non-violent society for young people.

4. Publications

Kim Jong-ki has authored publications that reflect his experiences and advocacy, offering insights into the issue of school violence and his personal journey.

4.1. Major Works

In 2013, Kim Jong-ki published his representative work, In the Name of a Father (아버지의 이름으로_{Abeojiui Ireumeuro}^Korean). Published by Eunnama, this book serves as a poignant account of his personal tragedy and his subsequent dedication to combating school violence. The central message of the book revolves around the devastating impact of bullying on victims and their families, while also serving as a call to action for society to recognize and address this critical issue. Its publication was significant in raising public awareness and empathy for the victims of school violence and inspiring collective efforts towards prevention.

5. Awards and Recognition

Kim Jong-ki's tireless efforts and significant contributions to youth protection have been recognized through numerous domestic and international awards, underscoring the societal impact of his work.

5.1. Domestic Awards

Kim Jong-ki's commitment to social change began to receive formal recognition in South Korea in the late 1990s. In 1999, he was honored with the Grand Prize at the MBC '99 Good Korean Citizen Award. His dedication to youth welfare was further acknowledged in 2002 when he received the 5th Youth Protection Award. In 2004, his extensive volunteer service was recognized with the Yujip Award, Silver Medal. A significant honor came in 2010 when he was awarded the Order of Civil Merit, Dongbaekjang (Camellia Medal), a high civilian decoration in South Korea for significant contributions to national development. In 2012, he received the Grand Prize at the 24th ASAN Award, a prestigious recognition for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to various fields.

5.2. International Recognition

Kim Jong-ki's influence extended beyond South Korea, earning him notable international accolades. In 2014, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Ashoka Senior Fellow in South Korea, joining a global network of leading social entrepreneurs. In 2018, he was awarded the 32nd Inchon Award in the Education category. Notably, he was a rare case, being both the first and the last non-educator to be selected in this specific category, highlighting the unique impact of his work on educational environments despite his background outside traditional academia.

In 2019, Kim Jong-ki received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, widely considered Asia's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. He was honored for his advocacy for the youth. The citation for the award specifically recognized him "for his quiet courage in transforming private grief into the mission to protect Korea's youth from the scourge of bullying and violence; his unstinting dedication to the goal of instilling among the young the values of self-esteem, tolerance, and mutual respect; and his effectively mobilizing all sectors of the country in a nationwide drive that has transformed both policy and behaviors towards building a gentler, non-violent society." This award underscored his profound impact on social change and youth well-being.

6. Legacy and Impact

Kim Jong-ki's advocacy has left a lasting legacy on Korean society, fundamentally altering perceptions of school violence and leading to significant policy and legislative changes that improve youth protection.