이태석 신부 영화 "부활" 개봉... 신부님 제자 45명 의대 진학
Father John Lee Tae-seok gained national attention when a documentary on his work in war-ravaged South Sudan was released in 2010.
In one of the poorest countries in the world, the Korean priest nicknamed "the Schweitzer of Sudan" educated local kids and helped cure people with leprosy who were otherwise neglected.
He passed away from cancer ten years ago and now a film has been released to follow up on his students.
Our Kim Do-yeon has their story.
Father Lee Tae-seok, known as John Lee to locals, was a priest and a doctor who spent time working with kids and curing people with leprosy in South Sudan's city of Tonj...one of the poorest areas in the world.
That had to stop, however, when he passed away from cancer 10 years ago.
Students that depended on Father Lee were left in despair but have since gone on to follow in his footsteps.
45 are in medical school while others are in different inspiring jobs.
"Very poor little boy… I have a family now."
Father Lee's name is written in textbooks meaning that children who never even met him know his name.
"He helped the sick people... and helped the poor people."
He is also featured in the film 'Resurrection', a sequel to 'Don't Cry For Me, South Sudan'.
The director explains though...that the focus isn't just about the occupation of Father Lee's students.
"They've become those who give, but how are they living their lives... they are living the exact life of the father. It showed me what happiness is and what leadership really is."
With more than 30 years experience as a investigative journalist... the film's director was known for his harsh criticism of efforts to change the world.
"I learned that the best form of accusation is through love. I wanted to know if the tears of the students changed them. There was an enormous amount of change to their lives."
The South Sudanese find tears to be shameful, but the students are unable hold them back when they think of the late priest.
It may have asked "why do bad things happen to good people?", when he never returned to South Sudan one day.
But, by sharing the love that he gave, Father Lee has been resurrected and his legacy will live on.
Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News
