Class of ’94 사이다토토 offers aid and compassion in the wake of wildfire devastation
“Inspired by this effort, we hope to expand the Hanyang 사이다토토 community into a more compassionate network.”
From March 21 to 30, a massive wildfire swept through the Yeongnam region, claiming 31 lives and displacing over 3,000 people. Known as one of the worst wildfires in Korea’s history, it left deep scars on communities. In response, support poured in from across the nation—and among those who stepped up was the Hanyang University Class of ’94 Alumni Association, which provided both material and emotional support to victims.
The Class of ’94 Alumni Association was established last year on their 30th matriculation anniversary. Since then, they have maintained connections through various committees, including the Social Contribution Committee. The wildfire broke out just as the group was preparing for its official launch. It was Kim Soo-kyung (Department of Food & Nutrition, Class of ’94) who proposed that the group contribute to recovery efforts. “Even though our Social Contribution Committee wasn’t fully set up yet, I felt compelled to help in some way. Thankfully, everyone agreed without hesitation,” Kim said.
’94 Alumni Association demonstrates "Love in Deed and Truth"
In addition to Kim, the participating alumni included Kwak Chae-woon (Department of Business Administration), Park Hyo-seo (Department of Education), Lee Hee-jin, and Lim Yu-kyung (both from the Department of Orchestral Music), Cho Young-il (Department of Physics), Choi Sung-wook (Department of Medicine), Park Kwang (Department of Composition), Jung Jae-jin (Department of Political Science and International Studies), and Kim Jong-hak (Department of Chemical Engineering). Despite their busy lives, they prepared relief activities—those unable to join in person contributed through monetary and in-kind donations. Essentials, clothing, and kitchenware sent from alumni homes were delivered directly to residents in the disaster zones. Orthopedic surgeon Choi Sung-wook visited Seokbo-myeon in Yeongyang-gun, the most heavily damaged area, to provide medical care.
“I felt like I just had to do something,” said Cho Young-il. “We couldn’t solve everything, but when we thought of those suffering on the ground, we wanted to do whatever we could.” Lim Yu-kyung added, “I was heartbroken seeing the wildfire news, and when I heard about the alumni’s initiative, I knew I wanted to join in—even in a small way.”
The team carefully planned their efforts to ensure recipients felt respected and cared for. Upon arriving in Seokbo-myeon, they transported supplies and assisted with medical services led by Dr. Choi. Lee Hee-jin recalled an elderly woman who had trouble with her knee: “After treatment, she just sat there in silence for a while, then whispered, ‘My house burned down,’ before breaking into tears. Her emotional pain seemed far greater than her physical pain, and I fought back tears myself.”
The meaning of volunteer work
Volunteer work not only aided wildfire victims but also strengthened the bonds among the alumni themselves. “Seeing elderly patients leave with smiles after coming in with heavy hearts made all the effort worthwhile,” said Kim Soo-kyung. Cho Young-il added, “Even small donations were met with such gratitude. When we left, the residents packed snacks for us and gave us warm hugs—I felt so thankful in return.” Park Hyo-seo reflected, “Meeting people who had lost their homes and seeing both physical and emotional wounds firsthand made me think, ‘This is exactly where we’re needed.’ I’d come back here again and again if I could.”
The Class of ’94 Alumni Association aspires to grow into a group that matures together and gives back to society. With this first step by the Social Contribution Committee, they plan to pursue more structured and sustainable volunteer efforts moving forward. “We hope our small start can inspire the entire Hanyang University alumni network to become a more caring and united community,” said Kwak Chae-woon. “We believe even the smallest act can spark big change—and as the ‘Mighty Class of ’94,’ we’ll continue to move forward with warmth and joy.”
In closing, Jung Jae-jin shared, “I’ll never forget the moment we filled the village hall with generous donations. I hope fellow Hanyangians join in these meaningful activities and experience firsthand how powerful it can be to do something for others. It’s a gift not only to those we help—but to ourselves and our society as well.”