Sungkyunkwan head maintains 20-year bond over donated artifacts

A profound 20-year connection endures between Choi Jong-soo, head of Sungkyunkwan, and the late Fujizuka Akinao, a collector who gifted over 2,750 artifacts related to the renowned scholar Chusa Kim Jeong-hui. The collection includes letters from Kim Jeong-hui to his disciple Lee Sang-jeok, marked with the inscription 'Jangmusangmang' (장무상망), meaning 'let us not forget each other for a long time.' This sentiment transcends time, linking the past and present through Choi's dedication.

Fujizuka, who passed away in 2006, donated not only the Chusa-related materials but also an additional 15,000 items from Qing Dynasty and Joseon Dynasty periods. Choi Jong-soo was instrumental in persuading Fujizuka to make this significant donation. Even after Fujizuka's death, Choi has continued to honor his memory by visiting his grave every year on July 4th, the anniversary of his passing.

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I am only regretful that there is no other way to repay the precious heart shown by the deceased.

"I am only regretful that there is no other way to repay the precious heart shown by the deceased," Choi stated during an interview at Sungkyunkwan in Seoul. He emphasized the deep respect and gratitude he holds for Fujizuka's generosity, highlighting the collector's selfless act of donating valuable cultural assets without any expectation of reward. Fujizuka even offered 2 million yen for research purposes alongside the artifact donation, underscoring his commitment to the preservation and study of Korean history and art.

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Fujizuka-sensei passed away a few months after the donation. He did not expect any reward and even offered 2 million yen to be used for research.