I first met Kyujin at the 2015 ARNOVA conference when I was a doctoral student. He was wearing a casual outfit and even a fancy baseball cap, which I liked. The next day, I encountered him wearing a suit in a session where my colleague presented. He asked a very critical question to the presenter in a very humble way, which I loved. After the session we had a short conversation, from which I was able to feel that he was truly listening to me with an open mind and heart. Since then, this beautiful man became my close friend, mentor, and brother.
I was fortunate to have him in difficult times in my doctoral life. He never judged or forced his opinions but offered warm and truthful advice. When I emailed him about things I was struggling with, he never wrote me back but called me immediately. He helped me prepare a job interview as if it was his job. He even told me what to eat at the dinner with the search committee, which I believe worked. When I got that job, we talked a lot about our plans, dreams, and things we would do together. But the time would not allow us to even start any of those. A month later, he was diagnosed with the cancer and he had to fight the illness until he left us.
My friend Kyujin was a sweet husband to his partner and a wonderful father to his two children. I still remember his eyes and smiles with full of proud when he was talking about his three-year-old son playing in a soccer club. I hope his children will always know how much he loved them and his beautiful spirit will live on through them. He used to say “research is most important, and the second important thing is research, and the third is research”. His last words to me were “hey friend, the first is family, and the second is family, and the third is family”, that came across so clear. Now my hope is that he rest in peace knowing that he was loved by many people and that he will never be forgotten.
Kyujin, you will always be with us in our hearts. I’ll see you again, my friend,