DR. KIM, DUK WHANG's RETIREMENT
Dr. Kim retired from his position as Chairman of the Board for Eastern Social Welfare Society in February of 2009, after an impressive 37 years at ESWS guiding its growth and direction.  Dr. Kim cited growing health concerns as the reason for his retirement.    Dr. Kim founded Eastern Social Welfare Society (then named Eastern Child Welfare Society) in 1972 and has been a strong advocate for Korea's less fortunate over the years. 

On May 20, 2009, adoptees, adoptive parents, social service professionals and government officials from around the world gathered in Seoul at a ceremony to honor Dr. Kim after he announced his retirement at the age of 94. Powerful testimonies were given of the international impact Dr. Kim’s dedication has made in the lives of children and families. Dr. Jerry Dillon, co-founder of Dillon International, gave the following speech during the ceremony:

     "The first time I met Dr. Kim, Duk Whang in 1972, he was already a well-respected national leader, who had served his country well, retired from Ministry of Home Affairs and Social Services.  He had channeled his talents to serve the disabled veterans and families caught in the grip of poverty.  It was evident that Dr. Kim could take retirement right then, as he had already accomplished more than most people do in a whole lifetime. He could have relaxed and enjoyed the years ahead at a much slower pace as an author and great historian.

     Instead, this amazing man introduced me to his dream as he had another lifetime of work to be done.  His dream was already blueprinted in the form of a world class nursery, clinic, hospital, school, and full service community center.  His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish best practices in social welfare services that continue today as the gold standard around the world.

     It has been said that “ No man stands as tall as when he bends down to help a child.”

     You are still the tallest man I know….morally, spiritually after God’s own heart, and professionally you have run the race and finished strong.  Please accept this plaque signed by the sister agencies of the United States and Australia."

 Dr. Kim responded to the crowd that had gathered to praise his work with his typical humility, offering his gratitude and a special thanks to the adoptive parents of children who needed homes.

Dr. Kim, Duk Whang stated:  "...I am still sorry to leave Eastern because daily work to see adoptees' excellent growth and share time with their families gives me the utmost pleasure and meaningfulness in life.  Looking back upon the past 37 years at Eastern, it has been everything in my life.  Really, finding homes for many Korean needy children, and seeing them growing into good members of society have been the greatest impression and fruitfulness."

Dr. Kim, Duk Whang with overseas adoption agencies' directors at ceremony

Dr. Kim, Duk Whang leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and selfless devotion to Korea's less fortunate children.  His legacy will continue through the good work of Dr. Kim, Jin Sook, President of ESWS and only daughter of Dr. Kim, (pictured at right with her father) and Dr. Kim, Doh Jong, the new Chairman of the Board for ESWS and youngest son of Dr. Kim, Duk Whang.

For more information about this very remarkable man, click here to read ESWS's tribute to Dr. Kim, Duk Whang and his life dedicated to serving Korea's less fortunate.