Bahk Eun-ji has been with The Korea Times since 2012, building a career across multiple desks. She began at the Business Desk, where she conducted in-depth interviews with key figures in Korea's corporate world. Later, she moved to the Politics & City Desk, focusing on education policy and social affairs. She later served as team leader of the digital content team, leading curation efforts on the newspaper’s homepage and reshaping print stories for social media audiences to enhance digital reach. Now back on the Politics Desk, she covers the National Assembly and the Ministry of National Defense, with a renewed focus on political developments.
Dayeon scholarship: A story of dedication and compassion
Choi Jung-sun / Courtesy of Choi
By Bahk Eun-ji
Choi Jung-sun, 63, who once struggled to pay for her education, is now helping others pursue their dreams. Through the Dayeon Scholarship, she exemplifies perseverance, gratitude and the quiet strength of community.
At 45, Choi enrolled in the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Korea National Open University (KNOU), despite already having a successful career and becoming a CEO without a college degree. Yet, prevailing social expectations around education drew her back to the classroom.
“KNOU gave me the flexibility to study while working,” she said. “Becoming a Korean teacher was my childhood dream. I loved the language so much that I never had to study for exams,” Choi said in an interview with The Korea Times.
But balancing full-time work with her studies was anything but easy.
“Studying alone wears you down,” she recalled.
It was only after joining study groups and student councils that she realized how much strength came from being part of a supportive community.
After earning her undergraduate degree, Choi went on to pursue graduate studies at Dongguk University. There, she met a younger classmate who had to take repeated leaves of absence due to financial difficulties. Moved by the student’s determination, Choi quietly paid the final tuition bill — a simple act of kindness that would later inspire the creation of the Dayeon Scholarship.
“It was heartbreaking to see someone so hardworking struggle just because of money,” she said.
The name "Dayeon" means "many connections" in Korean, reflecting Choi’s belief that relationships are life’s greatest asset.
“You can always make money, but finding good people is much harder,” she said.
Today, the Dayeon Scholarship supports students at both Dongguk University and KNOU — schools Choi calls her academic roots. She aims to assist aspiring writers and other creative minds from underprivileged backgrounds.
“The most rewarding moments are when our students publish their works,” she said.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Choi serves as CEO of Sanjain, a company specializing in landscape design and construction.
Despite her corporate role, her true passion lies in helping others realize their potential.
“Life is like climbing a mountain,” she said. “Once you start, you’ve got to reach the top. Don’t give up halfway.”
For those starting their academic journeys later in life, Choi offers a message of encouragement: “Don’t let your age hold you back. Surround yourself with good people — that makes all the difference.”