Today Rotary weeps. The world has lost not only a leader of extraordinary promise, but above all, a man of rare goodness and grace.
SangKoo Yun was my dear friend. I was in touch with his family as the end drew near. And in the morning, when I called again, his son gave me the heartbreaking news that his father had slipped away just ten minutes earlier. The pain of that moment is one I will never forget.
He had been nominated to serve as President of Rotary International in 2026–27, yet fate willed otherwise. He will never hold that office, but in truth, SangKoo had already led us all — through his example, vision, humility and his service.
Born into an aristocratic family — his father was the first President of Korea — he carried that heritage with discipline but never with arrogance. Educated in the United States, with a master’s degree in architecture from Syracuse University and an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh, he built a highly successful company in construction materials and engineering. Queen Elizabeth II recognised him with the Order of Excellent Officer of the British Empire. He was honoured with the Friendship Medal by the President of Mongolia, and by his own President and Prime Minister with a meritorious commendation. He served his nation in the Army and his faith as a Senior Elder at the Andong Presbyterian Church.
Yet behind all these honours stood a man of extraordinary simplicity. He could sit on a mat in a remote village sharing a humble meal, or just as naturally command a grand stage in a tuxedo before kings and leaders. He brought the best of East and West into perfect harmony, and wherever he went, he made people feel seen, valued and respected.
His devotion to Rotary was boundless. He personally travelled to 36 countries to ensure projects were implemented and sustained. When we expanded our very successful breast cancer project in Sri Lanka, SangKoo extended his hand of support and personally came to witness the progress. He was willing even to travel six long hours by train to the far north of Sri Lanka to see for himself a project carried out in partnership with Korean institutions outside Rotary. He believed service required presence — not just funding or reports, but walking alongside those who served and those who suffered.
He also brought professional brilliance to Rotary. When he chaired the Host Organizing Committee of the RI Convention in Korea, he managed it with such skill that it generated a profit exceeding $2.5 million — an achievement perhaps unmatched before or since. That was SangKoo: principled, capable, determined and generous, always working not for himself but for the good of Rotary and humanity. I gave him a free hand at the convention, except for three ‘small’ conditions — to bring UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, to have the Korean pop star Psy perform, and to create a hologram of Paul Harris on the stage. He exclaimed, “Three small things!” But he delivered.
I thought, perhaps naively, that this same indomitable spirit would help him overcome the cancer that was devouring him. But alas, it was not to be.
To his beloved wife, Eunsun, who bore his struggles and triumphs with unwavering devotion, I extend my deepest sympathies. To his children and family, who shared him with the world, may you take solace in knowing that he lived with purpose and left a legacy few could equal. And to his mentor and guide, Past RI President D K Lee, I share in your grief at the loss of a protégé who was also like a son.
Goodbye, sweet prince. May a thousand angels lull you into your eternal rest. And may we, who remain, honour you not only with our words, but by walking in the path of service, humility and compassion that you showed us.
The writer is a past RI president