2 receive scholarship honoring Sewol ferry victim

By Kim Se-jeong

A scholarship named for the late Danwon High School teacher Nam Yoon-cheol, one of the victims of the April 16 sinking of the ferry Sewol, will be offered to two people, Nam’s family said Monday.

Nam’s family set up the scholarship with money donated from the Digital Seoul Culture Arts University, where he was studying to become a Korean language teacher. The school conferred an honorary degree on Nam in July.

The beneficiaries of the “Nam Yoon-cheol Scholarship” are Jeong Soon-mi, an employee of Ansan City Hall in Gyeonggi Province and Yoo Seon-woo, a Danwon High School student. Both will attend the university from this year.

Nam’s parents attended an awarding ceremony on Monday, but declined to speak to reporters.

In a statement, released by the school, Jeong, who will study the same course as Nam, said, “I am honored to receive this meaningful scholarship. I have heard what he did to save students.”

She was chosen for her voluntary work at the mourning site in Ansan where millions had visited to pay their respects. Jeong served meals to visiting mourners. “I have heard about Nam’s interest in healing interracial households. I will carry on his spirit and help these people.”

Yoon also praised the teacher’s love for his students.

“This is a gift from my teacher who showed his love for us even when his life was in danger. I will study hard to return his gift.” Yoo will study architecture.

The ferry Sewol carrying 476 passengers capsized and sank in waters off the southwestern coast on April 16. Among 304 dead, more than 200 were Danwon High School students who were on their way to Jeju Island for a field trip.

Nine are still missing, among whom four are from Danwon.