In the photograph, every member belongs to the medical profession, reflecting the family’s deep-rooted commitment to healthcare and scientific research.
Maeng Thae Won serves as a section chief and professor at Kim Il Sung University. His wife, Jo Sin Ok (on the right), holds a prominent position as a department head at a central hospital and is also a professor. Their daughter, Maeng Yu Gyong (on the left), is a researcher at Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences.
Maeng Yu Gyong shares her inspiration: “Growing up, I often heard people refer to us as a ‘family of doctors,’ which inspired me to pursue medicine. While I’ve discovered that scientific research is challenging, witnessing my parents’ lifelong dedication to it has strengthened my resolve not to give up.”
Maeng Thae Won has dedicated his career to studying catalysts, playing a crucial role in advancing the country’s chemical industry. He was honored with the February 16 Science and Technology Prize, the highest accolade of its kind in Korea, last February.
Jo Sin Ok, recognized as a Meritorious Person of Socialist Patriotism, is a leading expert in medical genetics in the country. Both she and her husband benefited from the socialist free education system, graduating from universities and achieving remarkable success in their scientific endeavors.
They always remind their daughter that earning a doctorate is not just an individual achievement but a symbol of the country’s expectations and trust in them.
Maeng Yu Gyong earned her doctorate in language pathology at the age of 33. She remarks: “A doctorate is just the beginning for me. I am committed to using all my knowledge and passion to contribute more to our country and its people.”
The family motto resonates with their shared aspiration: to become indispensable contributors to society.
