Upon hearing of your passing, I was overcome with tears and regret for not having expressed my deepest gratitude to you in person. Only a year ago, we celebrated your 90th birthday, and I was certain we would be able to celebrate your centenary together.
As time passes, I find myself reminiscing about the days when I began my journey in particle physics under your guidance. I vividly recall you bringing papers to my office, exclaiming, “This is truly remarkable!” with a twinkle in your eye. Looking back now, I deeply miss the guidance you provided that allowed me to research freely, the way you carefully corrected my messy draft with a red pen, and above all, how you showed me that doing research in physics is the most fascinating thing in the world, not through words, but through your expressions and actions.
Looking back, your warm smile, brimming with a profound love for basic science, KIAS, and Korea, now holds even greater meaning. Even while undergoing dialysis several times a week, you nonchalantly remarked, “I’m fine as long as I have books,” masking the pain you endured.
Rest peacefully now, free from pain. Yet, if you can, perhaps whisper a hint about whether dark matter is indeed a new particle or if theories beyond the Standard Model can be tested within humanity’s reach. I will always be listening.
With love and gratitude,
