Latest news with #Cho
Korea Herald
21 hours ago
- General
- Korea Herald
From sponsored child to World Vision Korea chief
Cho Myung-hwan reflects on journey of hardship, perseverance and paying it forward World Vision Korea President Cho Myung-hwan fixes his bow tie ahead of an interview at The Korea Herald's office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on July 7. (Im Se-jun / The Korea Herald) For much of his career, Cho Myung-hwan, president of international humanitarian NGO World Vision Korea, stayed quiet about two facts from his early life: that he was once a sponsored child, and that he struggled in school. An emeritus professor at Konkuk University and a long-respected authority in HIV/AIDS research, Cho first shared both publicly at age 60, during a lecture attended by some 3,000 people. 'I wanted to tell how someone without exceptional talent could work hard, earn a Ph.D., and help others,' he said in a recent interview with The Korea Herald. Now leading one of the world's largest aid organizations, Cho sees his life as living proof that even a small act of kindness — a modest donation or a few words of encouragement — can change the course of a child's future. "Sponsorship brings happiness to both the giver and the receiver," he said. "It can change one child's life and in turn, the world. I'm living proof." Sponsored child, unremarkable student Cho's is not a story of innate brilliance or rare opportunity, but of the quiet, powerful transformation that can happen when a child is told they matter. He was fortunate to have someone who did exactly that: Edna, his American sponsor, whom he affectionately calls his 'other mother.' From infancy, she sent powdered milk, toys, letters, and $15 a month. But more than anything, it was her unwavering encouragement that shaped his path. Even after the sponsorship officially ended at age 18, she continued writing and donating until her passing in 2001. 'She always asked in her letters what my dream was. When I replied that I wanted to be a firefighter, or a baseball player, when I was into baseball, she would write back, 'You'll be the best firefighter, the best baseball player in the world.'' Cho grew up in poverty, with his father having fled south during the Korean War. 'I still remember how I envied classmates for the sausage in their lunchboxes.' Though poverty often made hope feel like a luxury, Edna's support gave him something else. 'She let me grow without shame,' he said. 'She helped me believe that I have future.' Still, Cho said, he was an unremarkable student throughout school. When it came time to apply for university, a friend of his father who was then a professor at Konkuk University suggested he consider microbial engineering, a department that sometimes had unfilled seats. "He told me biotechnology would shape the future," despite it being an unpopular major at that time, Cho recalled. Cho said his journey to becoming a professor was, again, driven by sheer persistence. After completing his undergraduate studies at Konkuk University in Seoul, he went to the United States for graduate school, only to struggle with poor grades and eventually be expelled. It was an extremely difficult period, and having nowhere to go, he even studied on park benches, he recalled. Then, a professor introduced him to Charles Sterling at the University of Arizona, who accepted him into a Ph.D. program in HIV/AIDS research. Cho earned his doctorate and returned to Korea, later joining the faculty at his alma mater, Konkuk University. Calling himself the 'last-place Ph.D.,' he said that he just never gave up. At 49, Cho paused his academic career to study public policy at Harvard Kennedy School. 'I realized science alone wasn't enough,' he said. 'To help more people, you need policy, you need business.' Over the years, he served twice as president of the AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific and worked on global health and development projects. World Vision delivers emergency supplies at an earthquake-stricken site in Republic of Haiti. (World Vision) Cho assumed his current role at World Vision in 2021. Founded in 1950 during the Korean War to support war orphans and widows by Korean pastor Han Kyung-jik and American journalist-pastor Bob Pierce, World Vision has grown into the world's largest international NGO, operating in about 100 countries. With an annual budget of approximately 4.2 trillion won ($3.09 billion), it has helped more than 200 million children over 75 years. Over the years, South Korea has also undergone transformation, from one of the world's poorest countries to now the 12th-largest economy and from aid recipient to "donor nation." "Now is the time to show the world a warmer, more compassionate Korea. World Vision aims to be part of that journey," Cho said. World Vision Korea recently expanded its focus to address the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable children. 'Climate change affects everyone, but for children in fragile regions, it's a matter of survival,' said Cho. 'While wealthier communities can adapt, children in poor areas suffer first and worst.' One example is the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration initiative to restore forests in Ethiopia. The project reforests degraded land, improves ecosystems, and helps communities build climate resilience — while offering carbon offset opportunities for global partners. The organization is also embracing new approaches to fundraising. On June 1, World Vision became the first NGO in Korea to accept cryptocurrency donations, partnering with Dunamu, the operator of the digital asset exchange Upbit. The group received 0.55 ether ($1,430) from a donor and sold it. Earlier this year, it received over 5 bitcoin and nearly 1 ether through the platform — equivalent to roughly 670 million won. Upbit matched up to 300 million won in donations. Looking ahead, the organization plans to experiment with fractionalizing artworks into NFTs, enabling donors to support causes by purchasing small digital shares. A child in Republic of Haiti smiles at a temporary shelter provided by World Vision. (World Vision) 'Dream until your dream comes true' Cho believes every life is precious and that no one is born without a purpose. "There was a time I felt useless," he said. "Poverty made me think I had no role in this world. But Edna's support helped me dream — and that brought me to where I am today." Now at World Vision, Cho sees his work as a way to finally give back the love and support he received from Edna and extend it to as many children as possible. 'Even helping just one more child live a better life, it matters.' "Sponsorship can help children live with joy and hope. I know, because I was one of them," he said. As the organization marks its 75th anniversary, Cho said the ultimate goal remains simple, yet bold: To create a world where organizations like World Vision are no longer needed. 'Our vision,' he said, 'is sponsorship that ends sponsorship.' rachelyj0213@
Japan Forward
a day ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
South Korea Anti-Japan Attacks Leave No Room for Bilateral Trust
このページを 日本語 で読む Lee Jae-myung was just inaugurated by South Korea as its new president on June 4. However, we are forced to recognize that his new administration is already launching attacks on Japan and churning out anti-Japan propaganda that distorts historical facts. He has also nominated Seoul's former United Nations Ambassador Cho Hyun as foreign minister. Meanwhile, Cho has said that he intends to demand an explanation from Japan about the use of Korean workers for what he calls "forced labor" in the Sado Island Gold Mines in Niigata Prefecture. These mines have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Lee administration has also demanded that UNESCO take action regarding another World Heritage site. Titled "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining," these industrial heritage sites were listed in 2015. There are 23 component sites, including Hashima Island (commonly known as Gunkanjima or "Battleship Island") in Nagasaki City. The South Korean government alleges that Japan has not admitted its history of "forced labor" in connection with these sites. Seoul's initiatives only rehash complaints that have been resolved in the past, and raising them again and again is unacceptable. Doyu-no-Warito, a site of open-pit mining, which has become a symbol of the gold and silver mines of Sado Island. (© Sankei by Kenichi Honda) During the Pacific War, many workers from the Korean Peninsula worked at numerous sites in Japan proper, including the Sado Gold Mines and Gunkanjima. At the time, the Peninsula was an integral part of the Empire of Japan. Their wartime labor was the result of a lawful nationwide mobilization that required the payment of wages. It was definitely not "forced labor" as the South Korean government suggests. The Lee administration should immediately desist from its unfounded criticisms of Japan. Japan's leadership should also strongly object to this behavior. In a written response he submitted for a confirmation hearing in the South Korean National Assembly, Cho said, "[Japan must correctly explain] its history of forcing Koreans to work at the Sado Gold Mines." The Sado Gold Mine became a World Heritage Site in July 2024. Nevertheless, after South Korea protested, Japan and South Korea held more talks. Both sides agreed to display panels at the local museum in Sado City explaining the harsh working conditions experienced by workers in the mines during the war, including workers of Korean origin. Nonetheless, Cho has also criticized this exhibition, saying it "lacks balance." A view of Gunkanjima, in Nagasaki, showing a cluster of ruins. (© Sankei) Cho coordinated the drawing up of the diplomatic pledges Lee made during the presidential campaign. And in May, Cho promised, "We will not move the goalposts." He thereby indicated an intention to maintain agreements previously concluded between the Japanese and South Korean governments, including those concerning historical issues. Hardly were the words out of his mouth before Cho changed his tune. Now, how can we be expected to believe anything he says? Furthermore, at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held in Paris on July 7, a South Korean representative criticized Japan's "lack of explanation" regarding Gunkanjima. He also called for the committee to look into the issue. The Japanese delegation objected, and the representatives of member nations voted to reject South Korea's request. Nonetheless, on July 15, the South Korean side returned with a similar motion. And it continues to criticize Japan. In his previously mentioned written response, Cho also emphasized that "we will develop Korea-Japan cooperation." However, if the Lee administration keeps launching anti-Japanese attacks, we will never be able to build a truly cooperative bilateral relationship in either security or economic terms. The South Korean government should also realize that such a course would not be in its own national interest. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
How Cadillac turns old newspapers into luxury car interior trim
Electric vehicles don't produce "tailpipe" emissions, but the materials used to make them still have an environmental impact. To make that impact as small as possible, some automakers are turning to recycled materials. One of them is General Motors, which is using recycled material for interior trim, starting with the 2025 Cadillac Optiq compact electric crossover. "It's not just the materials we use, but how we are applying them in a really exciting way for the customer," Nina Cho, a colors, material, and finish designer who worked on the Optiq, said in a GM press release. "We took a new approach to interior materials application and placement." As an alternative to the petroleum-based plastics and synthetic textiles used in most car interiors, Cadillac chose what it calls "patterned accent fabric." Woven from yarn made from 100% recycled materials, it has a more interesting textured appearance that was designed to complement the different interior color schemes available on the Optiq, according to Cadillac. Cadillac is also putting a new spin on that traditional marker of automotive luxury-wood trim. An available "PaperWood" veneer is made up of equal parts tulip wood and recycled newspaper. Cadillac claims that letters from the newspapers are visible when viewed up close, although from a normal distance it looks like conventional wood trim. "The PaperWood veneer is made by repeatedly stacking the thin layer of the dark tulip wood with the recycled newspaper, and they essentially mill the laminates for use in the car from the stack," Cho said. "What's really special about this process is that the veneer is made up of different newspapers, so each trim piece is entirely unique to that vehicle." Cadillac's entry-level EV, the Optiq is slated to get a few updates for 2026, despite this only being its second model year. Highlights include a lower base price thanks to the addition of a new rear-wheel drive model to the lineup, plus the launch of the sporty Optiq-V. Meanwhile, some the Optiq's recycled interior materials are also making an appearance in the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq three-row electric SUV. Along with the Optiq and Vistiq, Cadillac's EV lineup includes the Lyriq and Escalade IQ, as well as the Celestiq, a hand-built sedan costing about $350,000. This gives Cadillac an electric lineup mirroring its gasoline crossovers-and they're selling well. In its second-quarter financial results, GM reported that Cadillac is now the number one luxury EV brand in the United States and that one of every four Cadillacs sold in the U.S. in the first half of the year was electric. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- South China Morning Post
South Korean police uncover bomb cache after father kills son at birthday party
What was meant to be a birthday celebration on Sunday in Incheon's Songdo neighbourhood ended in a shocking act of violence and the discovery of a cache of home-made explosive devices. According to police in South Korea , 63-year-old Cho fatally shot his 34-year-old son with a home-made shotgun during a family gathering attended by the son's wife, their two young children and several friends. The father fired two rounds into his son's chest and abdomen after stepping out briefly during the evening and returning with a gun he had crafted himself. After Cho fled the scene in a car, police apprehended him three hours later in Seoul's Seocho district. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered 10 more home-made firearms, 11 metal pipes likely intended as additional barrels and 86 rounds of improvised buckshot – some already loaded, according to Yonhap News TV. The investigation widened to Cho's home in Seoul's Dobong district, where police uncovered 15 improvised explosive devices. Constructed from plastic bottles filled with thinner and connected to timers and ignition devices, several were set to detonate at noon the next day. Authorities evacuated more than 100 residents and safely defused the explosives. When asked about his motive, Cho told investigators the killing stemmed from long-standing resentment between him and his son, rooted in a bitter divorce two decades earlier, Dong-A Ilbo reported.
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Junior doctor accused of toilet spying suspended as hobby revealed
The young doctor accused of filming hospital colleagues in a staff toilet has been banned from practising medicine in Australia almost a fortnight after he was charged by police. A spokesperson for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) confirmed that Ryan Cho's registration was suspended on Monday. 'Confidentiality provisions of the national law under which we operate limit what we can say publicly about an individual practitioner or matter,' the spokesperson said. Cho was arrested by police after staff at the Austin Hospital, in Melbourne's north-eastern suburbs, discovered a mobile phone in a staff bathroom allegedly recording them. Police later charged Cho with stalking and use of an optical surveillance device. The AHPRA spokesperson, when asked why it had taken several days for the junior doctor to be suspended, said the medical board is compelled to consider a practitioner's response before restricting their registration. Loading Public records show Cho graduated from Monash University in 2022 and was first registered as a medical practitioner in January 2023. The Age can also reveal that Cho was a prolific social media enthusiast who used Instagram and several Facebook groups to spruik his hiking adventures – which involved filming treks through remote locations such as the Grampians National Park in western Victoria. The 27-year-old also promoted content from Tasmania's famous Overland Track just days before his July 10 arrest. The doctor has since scrubbed his social media accounts, but snapshots of his online life remain thanks to cached webpages seen by this masthead.
