The upcoming episode of KBS2's 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret', airing on the 7th, will feature the cinematic life of Dr. Sunwoo Kyung-sik, who left behind a guaranteed life to serve the homeless and marginalized, including vagrants and alcohol-dependent individuals.
In 1997, a peculiar clinic in a narrow alley of Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, saw patients lining up even before it opened. At the entrance, unexpected breathalyzer tests were conducted, and the reception area displayed unusual notices like 'Welcoming those without resident registration' and 'Health insurance holders, please use another hospital.' The man behind this clinic was Dr. Sunwoo Kyung-sik, a former doctor from a prestigious American university hospital. Unlike any other hospital, this place was filled with daily scuffles and confrontations with patients. What exactly was happening in this clinic?
During his medical school days in Korea, Sunwoo Kyung-sik was a student who would vomit at the mere smell of blood. Despite being told that medicine was not suited for his personality and aptitude, he returned as an internal medicine specialist after studying in the U.S. However, witnessing patients being turned away due to lack of money in the early 80s, when there was no medical insurance, left him in despair. His sole creed became 'I will not be a doctor for a living.'
Despite warnings that he wouldn't last three months, Sunwoo Kyung-sik established a free clinic for the poor. His prescriptions were unique from the start. When Lee Chan-won mentioned, "Dr. Sunwoo's prescriptions included winter jackets, eggs, and even pocket money," the studio was abuzz. Oh My Girl's Hyojung expressed amazement, wondering if he ran the clinic as a hobby, while announcer Um Ji-in speculated if Dr. Sunwoo was part of a chaebol family upon seeing personal photos with Samsung's Lee Jae-yong.
Many of the patients at Joseph Clinic were alcohol-dependent individuals living on the streets. For those who were admitted and discharged over 60 times, Dr. Sunwoo offered more than just simple prescriptions. He persistently asked, "What did you do in the past?" and "What are your best skills?" in the consultation room. His desire to restore dignity by uncovering each patient's hidden talents translated into real actions. Lee Chan-won, moved by the story, said, "I'm tearing up," while announcer Um Ji-in remarked, "He truly saved lives."
The story of Dr. Sunwoo Kyung-sik, who practiced the true value of sharing, can be seen on 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret' airing at 8:30 PM on the 7th.
Reporter Se-yoon Jung, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr