John Lee Tae-seok

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John's band in Korea 2009

John Lee Tae-seok (1 January 1962 – 14 January 2010) was a South Korean Catholic priest, doctor, and musician who dedicated his life to helping the people of Tonj, a small village in South Sudan. He is remembered for his humanitarian work, providing medical care, education, and music lessons to the local community. His life and work have been the subject of the documentary film "Don't Cry for Me Sudan."

Early Life and Education

John Lee Tae-seok was born in Busan, South Korea. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in music and aspired to become a musician. However, after witnessing the suffering and poverty in the world, he decided to pursue a career in medicine to help those in need. He graduated from the Catholic University of Korea's College of Medicine and later joined the Salesians of Don Bosco, a Roman Catholic religious institute dedicated to helping young people, where he was ordained as a priest.

Work in South Sudan

In 2001, Lee was sent to Tonj, South Sudan, by the Salesians of Don Bosco. South Sudan, at that time, was in the midst of a civil war that had devastated the country. Lee began his work by providing medical care to the people of Tonj, treating diseases and injuries that were often life-threatening due to the lack of healthcare facilities in the region.

Recognizing the importance of education for the future of the children in Tonj, Lee also started to teach various subjects, including English and mathematics. He believed that education was key to helping the community break the cycle of poverty and violence.

Moreover, Lee introduced music to the children of Tonj, teaching them how to play instruments such as the guitar and the piano. He formed a small orchestra, which became a source of joy and hope for the community. Music lessons also provided the children with a sense of normalcy and an escape from the hardships of their daily lives.

Legacy

John Lee Tae-seok passed away on 14 January 2010, after battling cancer. His death was a great loss to the community of Tonj and to all who knew him. However, his legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the Salesians in South Sudan and the lives he touched. The documentary "Don't Cry for Me Sudan" has helped to spread his story and inspire others around the world to take action and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Lee's life is a testament to the impact one person can have on the lives of many. He is remembered not only for his humanitarian work but also for his deep faith, compassion, and the joy he brought to the people of South Sudan through music.

See Also

• Salesians of Don Bosco
• Catholic Church in South Sudan
• Healthcare in South Sudan
• Education in South Sudan
• Music of South Sudan