Mark Peterson, a Korean Studies professor, shares on MBN's 'Kim Joo-ha's Day and Night' the driving force behind K-content sweeping the globe and his deep affection for Korea.
In the 36th episode of 'Kim Joo-ha's Day and Night' airing on August 1st, Mark Peterson declares that the beginning of K-culture stems from the Korean DNA for studying. He analyzes K-pop singers' synchronized choreography—where they match their fingertips, feet, angles, and movements—as a result of studying and striving to dance identically. He goes on to diagnose that Korea's passion for education has a 1,000-year history stemming not from post-liberation economic recovery, but from the civil service examination system of the Goryeo Dynasty, drawing admiration.
He then vividly recalls the moment he first stepped on Korean soil 61 years ago in 1965 for missionary work. He explains the arduous immigration process that took three days—departing from Salt Lake City in the United States, passing through San Francisco, Hawaii, and Tokyo before arriving at Gimpo Airport, as there were no direct flights at the time. He reveals that although it was a time of poverty, he was captivated by the strength to overcome that shone in people's eyes.
He also confesses a touching adoption story. At age 43, Mark Peterson adopted two Korean daughters. He shares the adoption process after his wife's two failed pregnancies and the reason he turned away in fear before going back again. Seven days after returning to the adoption agency, he held a baby in his arms and expresses the love he intuited, and at his heartfelt recollection of waiting 17 years and 7 days, both Kim Joo-ha and Jo Jae-eez wipe away tears. He then shares a family photo taken with his two daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren, adding warmth and emotion.
He also names Admiral Yi Sun-sin as the only person he thinks is truly great on Earth, mentioning his meticulous strategy using the advantages of ships and cannons and citing research cases by the U.S. Navy. He reveals that he possesses an old 500-won banknote with a turtle ship depicted on it, a business card holder inscribed with 'Pilsa Jeuk Saeng, Pilsaeng Jeuk Sa,' and even a genealogy of the Deoksu Yi clan at home, astonishing those on set.
'Kim Joo-ha's Day and Night,' a new-concept issue maker talk show, airs every Saturday at 9:40 p.m.
