On the evening of the 23rd, Mrs. Kim Jeong-sook, wife of the late Baek Gi-wan (1933-2021), passed away at the age of 93, according to an announcement made by the Baek Gi-wan Foundation on the 24th. Born in Seoul in 1933, Kim was an educator who dedicated 43 years to teaching in elementary schools in the Seoul area after completing her education at the Seoul Normal School. She met Baek Gi-wan in 1957 and married him the following year, supporting her husband throughout his activism during a tumultuous time in South Korea.

Throughout their marriage, Kim maintained a supportive role for Baek, who was deeply involved in various movements for democracy and reforestation across the country. She was described by her daughter, Mi-dam, as a woman of 'warrior-like tenacity', juggling the responsibilities of teaching, caring for her family, and enduring the challenges posed by her husband's political struggles, including his imprisonments and the aftermath of torture he faced for his activism. This unwavering support was a hallmark of their partnership, as emphasized by Chae Won-hee from the Baek Gi-wan Foundation, who noted the couple's deep connection and Kim's dedication to maintaining the household amidst her husband's commitments to democracy.

The family shared that Kim is survived by her three children, including two daughters, Mi-dam and Hyun-dam, and a son, Il. Her funeral arrangements include a service at Seoul National University Hospital, followed by a burial at the Morang Park, where her husband lies. The couple's legacy, particularly their commitment to education and social justice, will be remembered by their family and the community they impacted during their lifetimes.