Korea University (KU) held a ceremony to celebrate Kim Ju Hyeon’s donation of 900 million won-worth of artworks, mostly ancient paintings and books, to KU Museum on March 14th at Inchon Chamber. A total of 334 paintings and more than 200 modern artworks include several national treasures and priceless cultural assets.

 

The Kim family’s love for KU has been passed down for three generations. Kim Ju Hyeon is the granddaughter of the late Kim Wan Sub, who formed a strong bond with KU through his lectures at the school in 1952. Before he passed away, he left behind a hefty number of rare books that later led to scholarships for students.

 

In addition, Kim’s son, Kim Jae Chul, a distinguished lawyer, has been continuing his father’s legacy by persuading his daughter, Kim Ju Hyeon, to donate the aforementioned artworks to KU. “Not only does KU excel in preserving artworks with the utmost care under the right temperature and humidity, but also their devotion to exhibiting and studying these works of art was the motivation behind this,” explained Kim.

 

In response, KU’s President Yeom Jae Ho expressed his gratitude by saying, “these artworks will be used to foster individuals with global perspectives who contribute to our country and the humanity.” The artworks are currently being displayed in an exhibition at the Central Library (Graduate School) and KU Museum.