Joungwon Alex Kim
My Dearest Dreams A luminous chronicle of a life’s contributions to the history of modern Korea
€24.90*
-
Art.num./ISBN: 9781565915299
-
Publisher: Hollym
-
number of pages: 256
-
binding: Hardcover
-
Year: 2025
-
Language: English
-
Media type: Book
-
Author: Joungwon Alex Kim
Out of Stock. Available within 45 days
Product information "My Dearest Dreams"
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, another
inspiring story that sprouted in the midst of the war was published as a
book. Joungwon Kim’s journey began when he encountered war
correspondent Bill Boss from Canada, who opened his eyes to the world
beyond Korea. With just $300, he embarked on his studies in the United
States, ultimately earning degrees from Columbia University, Johns
Hopkins SAIS, and Harvard Law School. This book vividly chronicles his
encounters with key figures in academia, diplomacy, and law, painting a
compelling picture of the times. Compiled posthumously by Memorial
Association for Dr. Joungwon Kim in collaboration with the Aging
Communication Center, this book is available in both Korean and English,
with the English translation undertaken by his former student,
Professor Timothy Atkinson of Seoul Foreign Language Graduate School,
and reviewed by Charles Olmsted, former professor at Gimcheon
University.
A Trailblazing Life of “Firsts”
Joungwon Kim’s life was marked by a series of historic firsts: the first Korean student at Phillips Exeter Academy (p.40), the first Korean student body president at Harvard University (p.64), the first Korean author published in the world-renowned journal Foreign Affairs (p.109), the key figure behind the introduction of Korean politicians Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung to Washington’s political circles (pp.29, 115), and the first Korean lawyer to join a major Wall Street law firm (p.129). His journey across academia, diplomacy, and law offers a gripping narrative of ambition and service.
A True Noblesse Oblige: A Legacy of Giving
Inspired by his grandfather, who donated his entire fortune to local schools, Joungwon Kim lived a life of generosity. While at Harvard, he refused financial support from his parents, arguing that his tuition-over 20 times Korea’s per capita GDP-should instead be used to fund scholarships for 50 to 100 other Korean students (p.62). Despite earning two doctorate degrees from the most prestigious U.S. institutions, he relied primarily on scholarships and considered it his duty to repay this debt to society. Without seeking publicity, he quietly dedicated himself to philanthropy throughout his life.
What We Leave Behind and How We Are Remembered
Joungwon Kim’s final chapter was guided by the Aging Communication Center’s Legacy Project, which preserves personal histories as cultural heritage. This initiative donates significant life artifacts to museums and libraries, ensuring that individual legacies contribute to the collective good. His personal belongings-90 boxes of household items-were donated to seven charitable organizations, while 682 books and historical records were gifted to institutions including the War Memorial of Korea, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, the Presidential Archives, the Yongsan History Museum, the National Assembly Library, the Korea National Diplomatic Academy Library, and the National Library of Korea. Proceeds from book sales will be allocated to scholarship funds.
A Life Devoted to Korea and Democracy
About Joungwon Alex Kim
A Trailblazing Life of “Firsts”
Joungwon Kim’s life was marked by a series of historic firsts: the first Korean student at Phillips Exeter Academy (p.40), the first Korean student body president at Harvard University (p.64), the first Korean author published in the world-renowned journal Foreign Affairs (p.109), the key figure behind the introduction of Korean politicians Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung to Washington’s political circles (pp.29, 115), and the first Korean lawyer to join a major Wall Street law firm (p.129). His journey across academia, diplomacy, and law offers a gripping narrative of ambition and service.
A True Noblesse Oblige: A Legacy of Giving
Inspired by his grandfather, who donated his entire fortune to local schools, Joungwon Kim lived a life of generosity. While at Harvard, he refused financial support from his parents, arguing that his tuition-over 20 times Korea’s per capita GDP-should instead be used to fund scholarships for 50 to 100 other Korean students (p.62). Despite earning two doctorate degrees from the most prestigious U.S. institutions, he relied primarily on scholarships and considered it his duty to repay this debt to society. Without seeking publicity, he quietly dedicated himself to philanthropy throughout his life.
What We Leave Behind and How We Are Remembered
Joungwon Kim’s final chapter was guided by the Aging Communication Center’s Legacy Project, which preserves personal histories as cultural heritage. This initiative donates significant life artifacts to museums and libraries, ensuring that individual legacies contribute to the collective good. His personal belongings-90 boxes of household items-were donated to seven charitable organizations, while 682 books and historical records were gifted to institutions including the War Memorial of Korea, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, the Presidential Archives, the Yongsan History Museum, the National Assembly Library, the Korea National Diplomatic Academy Library, and the National Library of Korea. Proceeds from book sales will be allocated to scholarship funds.
A Life Devoted to Korea and Democracy
Throughout
his student years, Joungwon Kim displayed unwavering patriotism,
hanging a large Korean flag (Taegeukgi) in his dormitory to remind
himself of his homeland and family (p.48). Representing the United
States at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Helsinki, he
carried the Taegeukgi to promote Korea on the international stage
(p.93). During Korea’s pro-democracy movement of the 1980s, his book
Divided Korea became essential reading for social science students
(p.164). Upon returning to Korea in 1987, he played a pivotal role in
communicating the realities of Korean politics to the international
community, effectively serving as the foreign press spokesperson for the
United Democratic Movement (p.140).
About Joungwon Alex Kim
(1936-2023) Ph.D., J.D.
Born in Seoul in 1936, Joungwon Kim graduated from Kyunggi High School before embarking on a journey to the United States, becoming the first Korean student admitted to Phillips Exeter Academy. While at Harvard University, he made history as the first Korean student body president and garnered national recognition when he penned a rebuttal to a Boston Globe article titled “Korea a Costly Den of Thieves,” instilling pride in post-war Koreans during a time of national uncertainty.
He later earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and conducted research at prestigious institutions such as the Brookings Institution, the Washington Center of Foreign Policy Research, Columbia University’s Research Institute on Communist Affairs and Harvard Law School’s East Asian Legal Studies program. Transitioning into academia, he served as a professor at Rutgers University before pursuing a J.D. at Harvard Law School. As a lawyer at Mudge, Rose, Guthrie & Alexander, he earned the distinction of being the first Korean attorney on Wall Street.
In 1987, he returned to the Republic of Korea to contribute to its democratization. He served as Deputy Director for International Affairs at the National Security Planning Agency (now the National Intelligence Service), Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and President of the Korea Foundation. After retiring from public service, he continued his career as a university professor and international arbitrator at the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC. He passed away on January 25, 2023, and in accordance with his wishes, Memorial Association for Dr. Joungwon Kim was established.
Born in Seoul in 1936, Joungwon Kim graduated from Kyunggi High School before embarking on a journey to the United States, becoming the first Korean student admitted to Phillips Exeter Academy. While at Harvard University, he made history as the first Korean student body president and garnered national recognition when he penned a rebuttal to a Boston Globe article titled “Korea a Costly Den of Thieves,” instilling pride in post-war Koreans during a time of national uncertainty.
He later earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and conducted research at prestigious institutions such as the Brookings Institution, the Washington Center of Foreign Policy Research, Columbia University’s Research Institute on Communist Affairs and Harvard Law School’s East Asian Legal Studies program. Transitioning into academia, he served as a professor at Rutgers University before pursuing a J.D. at Harvard Law School. As a lawyer at Mudge, Rose, Guthrie & Alexander, he earned the distinction of being the first Korean attorney on Wall Street.
In 1987, he returned to the Republic of Korea to contribute to its democratization. He served as Deputy Director for International Affairs at the National Security Planning Agency (now the National Intelligence Service), Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and President of the Korea Foundation. After retiring from public service, he continued his career as a university professor and international arbitrator at the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC. He passed away on January 25, 2023, and in accordance with his wishes, Memorial Association for Dr. Joungwon Kim was established.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Remembering My Dear Friend/ A True Gentleman of This Era/ More Remarkable Than Any Movie/ A Life Shining Like the Stars/ Letters to My Father
Part 1: A Youth Full of Challenges and Dreams (1936-1953)
The Child with Two Names
The First Steps of Passion and Challenge Sparked by Sports
Living like a Refugee for the Second Time and Becoming a Fiery Orator/ Kim Young-sam: From Acquaintance to Family by Marriage
Study in the U.S. Made Possible by Canadian War Correspondent, Bill Boss
Part 2: Spreading Wings of Passion in the Unknown (1954-1957)
Leaping Towards a Dream: Phillips Exeter Academy
Insights from Living Between Two Nations
Choosing My Own Middle Name: Alex
The First Korean Student Representative at Harvard University
Defending Korea's Honor with the Pen
Part 3: Cherished Connections That Became the Compass of Life (1958-1970)
Meeting Carolyn and the Birth of My Daughter in New York
A Korean Representing the U.S. at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Helsinki
From Banker to Student: Pursuing Academia at Johns Hopkins University
Deepening the Study of International Politics with Professor Paul Linebarger
Part 4: Bridging Korea and the World as a Scholar and Lawyer (1968-1986)
Returning to Korea After 13 Years
Professor Jerome Cohen at Harvard Law School
Kim Dae-jung’s Washington Debut
President Park Chung-hee’s Astounding Focus
My Book, Divided Korea, Rejected in My Homeland
The First Korean Attorney on Wall Street
Part 5: Crossing the Gates of Knowledge, Striving for Justice (1987-2017)
Returning to Korea again for the Korean Democratization
Renouncing U.S. Citizenship… Sincere support from Korean Americans in the U.S.
Establishing Diplomatic Relations Between Korea and Palau
“Ambassador Joungwon Kim Day” Proclaimed by the Mayor of Philadelphia
Meeting President Roh Moo-hyun, a Visionary Thinker
Serving as an Arbitrator at the International Court of Arbitration
Leading the Harvard Club of Korea
Part 6: Reflecting on Family at Life’s Twilight (2014-2023)
Lessons Left by President Kim Young-sam
My Grandfather’s Deep Dedication to Education
My Father, Like the Sea; My Mother, Like Sunshine
Carolyn: The Mother of Modern Georgian Law
My Daughter and Grandchildren
Epilogue: My Dearest Dreams
Acknowledgments
Remembering My Dear Friend/ A True Gentleman of This Era/ More Remarkable Than Any Movie/ A Life Shining Like the Stars/ Letters to My Father
Part 1: A Youth Full of Challenges and Dreams (1936-1953)
The Child with Two Names
The First Steps of Passion and Challenge Sparked by Sports
Living like a Refugee for the Second Time and Becoming a Fiery Orator/ Kim Young-sam: From Acquaintance to Family by Marriage
Study in the U.S. Made Possible by Canadian War Correspondent, Bill Boss
Part 2: Spreading Wings of Passion in the Unknown (1954-1957)
Leaping Towards a Dream: Phillips Exeter Academy
Insights from Living Between Two Nations
Choosing My Own Middle Name: Alex
The First Korean Student Representative at Harvard University
Defending Korea's Honor with the Pen
Part 3: Cherished Connections That Became the Compass of Life (1958-1970)
Meeting Carolyn and the Birth of My Daughter in New York
A Korean Representing the U.S. at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Helsinki
From Banker to Student: Pursuing Academia at Johns Hopkins University
Deepening the Study of International Politics with Professor Paul Linebarger
Part 4: Bridging Korea and the World as a Scholar and Lawyer (1968-1986)
Returning to Korea After 13 Years
Professor Jerome Cohen at Harvard Law School
Kim Dae-jung’s Washington Debut
President Park Chung-hee’s Astounding Focus
My Book, Divided Korea, Rejected in My Homeland
The First Korean Attorney on Wall Street
Part 5: Crossing the Gates of Knowledge, Striving for Justice (1987-2017)
Returning to Korea again for the Korean Democratization
Renouncing U.S. Citizenship… Sincere support from Korean Americans in the U.S.
Establishing Diplomatic Relations Between Korea and Palau
“Ambassador Joungwon Kim Day” Proclaimed by the Mayor of Philadelphia
Meeting President Roh Moo-hyun, a Visionary Thinker
Serving as an Arbitrator at the International Court of Arbitration
Leading the Harvard Club of Korea
Part 6: Reflecting on Family at Life’s Twilight (2014-2023)
Lessons Left by President Kim Young-sam
My Grandfather’s Deep Dedication to Education
My Father, Like the Sea; My Mother, Like Sunshine
Carolyn: The Mother of Modern Georgian Law
My Daughter and Grandchildren
Epilogue: My Dearest Dreams
Contact the Publisher
Hollym Corp., Publishers
15, Jongno 12-gil, Jongno-gu
03190 Seoul
Korea (Republic of)
15, Jongno 12-gil, Jongno-gu
03190 Seoul
Korea (Republic of)
Responsible Person in the EU
Korean Book Services
Prinzenweg 10
93047 Regensburg
Germany
Prinzenweg 10
93047 Regensburg
Germany