Choon has an amazing life story from his time in Korea and now Australia. He is 73 years of age and has been a member of Grange for 39 years and during this time has influenced the lives of thousands of young people through training focusing on self-mastery and self-discipline. We love having Choon as part of our Grange family and thought members would like to hear his story.
Where and when were you born?
I was born in Hongcheon, Sungchungun in North Korea on the 3rd May, 1944 and the youngest of two brothers and a sister.
Tell us about your escape from North Korea?
In 1945 when WW2 ended, Kim Il-sung became the supreme leader of the Democratic People’s communists of Korea, commonly referred to as North Korea. He began a purge to rid the country of religious people. My father was arrested, tortured and martyred in the Korean War. My family then defected from North Korea during the Korean War in the ‘1.4 retreat. This war occurred between Communist and non-Communist forces from June 25th, 1950 to July 1953. At 4:00am on June 25, North Koreans crossed the 38th parallel with 180 Soviet-built tanks. It took North Koreans three days to destroy the South Korean army, and march into the capital of Korea, Seoul on June 29 (1950).
Where did you go to elementary school? Middle school? High school? College?
I studied at the Deokchon citizenship training school held in a church. After I had completed the fourth year, I transferred to the Kongju National University Primary school in their second semester of year four and then I graduated from Kongju High School where I was Head Prefect. We had to work to make money to pay for our school fees.
What was your profession and where did you work?
I joined the Army when I was 20 years old and was allocated to the United States Army (KATUSA) where I served for two years. I used to teach Taekwondo to the USA army personnel and was awarded the Best Soldier in Company in 1965. After leaving military duty I decided to study English literature at University and did a placement at Han-yang technical high school to get my English teaching certificate. As a result, I became an English teacher at the Namgang middle school in Seoul and taught seconds for 2.5 years.
While studying at University, I joined a Taekwondo class and enjoyed instructing my peers. I then started two Taekwondo club businesses at Singil-dong in 1967 and Shinlim-dong in 1968.
When did you move to Adelaide?
The manager of a Japanese Karate club invited me in May 1973 to teach Taekwondo in Adelaide. I opened a Taekwondo business on the 14th of September in 1973 in Adelaide which is called the Lee’s Taekwondo on Hyde Street. In 2000 I received an Australian Sports Medal to commemorate my Australian sporting achievement. In addition to my Taekwondo business I ran a restaurant, bakery and gymnasium.
Where did you meet your wife? Do you have any children?
My wife Hui-Soon and I have three sons – my eldest teaches Taekwondo in Adelaide, my middle child teaches English in Shanghai and my youngest lives in Sydney where he is attending missionary bible college to become a pastor. I now have six grandchildren – five boys and one girl.
When did you start playing golf?
Two of my Taekwondo students were Denis Ingham and David Bolton and they encouraged me to come out for a game at Flagstaff Hill in 1975 as Denis was the Pro at Flagstaff. I then stopped playing soccer and took up golf as I loved it.
What attracted you to join The Grange Golf Club?
Brian Flaherty was also one of my students and encouraged me to join Grange when Denis Ingham left Flagstaff Hill. I also moved to Glenelg from Burnside so was much closer. I used to teach Taekwondo from 6:00am – 11:00am, then I would play golf at Grange, then go back and teach Taekwondo at 5:00pm every day except Saturday. I held a single handicap for 20-30 years.
What is your first memory of The Grange Golf Club?
I remember joining Grange when Greg Norman won the West Lakes Classic.
What has been the biggest change you have seen at Grange during your time at the Club?
The biggest difference has been with the courses – they are much improved and I like them much better. We have the best Club Professional and best General Manager.
What is your most memorable moment at The Grange?
I have achieved five hole in ones with two at Grange – one on each course. I also really enjoyed the Women’s Australian Open and hosting one of the Korean players.
We would like to thank Lee for his time. What an interesting life he has led. His motto is to always be happy, confident and work hard to help people.