Won Taek Lee (Dr. Lee)

His Story

Childhood Memory

In his youth, Won Taek cherished the old stories spun by his grandpa. The nights were often prolonged as he eagerly listened to his grandpa's tales, earning him the affectionate nickname "Storyteller" when he entered elementary school, owing to his deep love for books. This endearing nickname ignited a dream within him—to become a writer. However, his father held different aspirations, envisioning a future for his son as a doctor. Won Taek, respectful of his father's wishes, reluctantly embarked on a journey into medical school. While at medical school, he discovered his inclination toward softer medical disciplines, such as psychology, rather than the more rigorous surgical domains.

Recent Accomplishments

At his hwangap (60/61st birthday), he set out to fulfill his dream of becoming an author. Yet, he found that writing a full book and navigating the complex world of publishing was a time-consuming endeavor. This realization prompted him to turn to poetry, but the challenge lay in translating it into English while maintaining the sweetness and harmony of the original text. This experience served as a catalyst for his current project—an Etymology dictionary that bridges the gap between Korean and English. The dictionary is currently a work in progress, with plans for publication at the end of July.

Words of Wisdom for Younger Generations

Won Taek advises younger generations not to take things lightly or approach tasks half-heartedly. He emphasizes that as time progresses, challenges may grow more formidable, making it all the more crucial to invest wholeheartedly from the start. A sincere, committed effort from the beginning can lead to many positive outcomes.

Shifting Perspectives on Happiness

As a child, Won Taek found happiness in life's simplicity. Living in the suburbs, he would visit his breezy ondoomagi with friends, planting fruits and vegetables together. Their collective efforts and the joy of nurturing plants filled his young heart with contentment. Now, his definition of happiness revolves around the small things in life. He takes time to appreciate the beauty in a tree, recognizing it as a precious form of life deserving gratitude. In his present view, happiness is intertwined with good health and a deep appreciation for the genuine joys found in his surroundings.