Yoonseon was a much-loved member, and leader within the Chuncheon disability community.
She was an author, social worker, and dear friend to many, and is sorely missed.
Her contribution to Hello Project is greatly appreciated, and shared below in loving memory.
On my way to Hongcheon County, I saw this beautiful garden cosmos… I want to share the scent of autumn with you.
Yoonseon
Artist Statement
I like to write. It is difficult for me to speak because of my disability. So for me, writing is a means to communicate with the world. Through writing, I work, make documents, share my thoughts and tell my stories. I believe sincere writing moves people’s hearts.
I have a severe disability. But if I didn’t have any disability, would I be happier now? Would I sincerely pay attention to those who strive to survive every day while doing something meaningful, which I’m doing right now? Probably not. Of course, it is true that disabilities give me lots of hard times, inconvenience and walls to overcome in this world. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not happy. My disability leads me to live more diligently, to empathize with those who suffer and to do something meaningful.
So I want to tell the world that a disability is not a burden but a gift. That is because my disability enables me to shine more and to make this world beautiful.
Yoonseon
A Paper Doll’s Dream
by Yoonseon
A child was born and grew this big.
Born as the first girl of a family full of love,
She grew into a beautiful and purehearted child.
She learned to speak really fast.
At the age of three, she had a high fever and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Since then, she has lived with her disability.
Since the moment she remembers, she hasn’t walked alone
In her childhood, she dreamed of a miracle.
She thought that one day, a miracle would happen and
She would find herself healed after waking up in the morning.
But there was no miracle.
Realizing that a miracle doesn’t’ happen,
The child began to dream of something she could achieve herself.
And she learned hope.
She learned that despite this, she must do her best.
She believed that with willingness and enthusiasm, she could do anything.
In this way, she learned to stop caring about what others say
And to smile again.
She did her best day by day.
She didn’t allow herself to wander even for a moment.
She met so many good people and had so many happy moments.
Of course, she faced challenges from time to time
And she had to suffer.
But such challenges made her mature
And helped her have a better understanding of the world.
And the child grew up physically and mentally.
And she is now in her late 30s.
She lives her life today.
She does her best every day
For a better tomorrow.
Every day is so precious
Because what I do today may be someone’s dream.
Although I carry a heavy burden called “disability,”
I believe that on the day when I make my dream come true,
My name will become a hope for many people.
Photo Memories
Bio
I’m Yoonseon. I’m 39 years old and live in Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province. I have cerebral palsy. I work as a social worker at the Labor Support Center for Persons with Disabilities in Chuncheon City. The centre plans and carries out welfare and professional rehabilitation programs. It helps persons with disabilities work in a stable manner. Working at the centre, I hope that those with disabilities like me make their lives meaningful and happy.
