Kim Soon-deok, 81, Jang Hwa-nyeo, 77, Park Hyang-im, 76, and Lee Sun-sook, 75, proudly received their diplomas last week after completing six years of elementary education, despite the challenges of managing farm work and health issues, according to the Maeil Business Newspaper.
The older adult graduates, from left, Kim Soon-deok, Jang Hwa-nyeo, Park Hyang-im, Lee Sun-sook, pose during the graduation ceremony at Goonseo Elementary School in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province, Jan. 9, 2025. Photo courtesy of Goonseo Elementary School |
During the ceremony, the women were warmly congratulated by teachers and classmates.
Kim Soon-deok expressed special gratitude to 13-year-old student Kim Min-keon, who had consistently supported and tutored them throughout their studies.
Kim said she decided to return to school after her children grew up, attended university, and got married. Although she had long dreamed of continuing her education, she hesitated, worrying about studying alongside classmates the same age as her grandchildren.
With her family’s help in researching admissions requirements, Kim and her friends enrolled at Goonseo Elementary School, which welcomed them amid a declining student population. While six older adults initially joined, two had to withdraw due to health problems, according to The Korea Times.
Their homeroom teacher, Park Jeong-jo, praised the four women as exemplary role models, noting their consistent attendance, missing class only for family memorial services.
Soon-deok has now enrolled at Gunam Middle School, determined to continue her education.
“Although I tend to forget things more easily at my age and even attended extra classes, there’s still so much I want to learn. I’m determined to continue studying in middle school,” she told The Korea Times.
Comments are closed.