Korean War veteran newspaper reader Seoung Won Lee, who turned 100 this year, still begins each day the same way — by reading the newspaper.
Born on March 14, 1926, Lee has spent more than four decades reading the Korea Daily every morning since immigrating to the United States in 1984. Even at the age of 100, opening the newspaper remains the first thing he does each day.
“Reading the newspaper makes me feel calm and connected to the world,” Lee said. “My hearing isn’t as strong as before, so I prefer reading the paper over watching TV. Fortunately, my eyesight is still clear.”
A Life Shaped by War, Public Service and Immigration
Lee is a Korean War veteran newspaper reader whose life reflects a century of history. After serving during the Korean War, he built a career in public service, working for the Seoul Northern Police Station and eventually retiring as a senior police official after roughly 30 years.
Following retirement, Lee made a life-changing decision. In 1984, he immigrated to the United States to support his children’s education.
Life in a new country was not easy. Having spent his entire career in public service, Lee entered business for the first time, operating a liquor store to support his family.
Despite the demands of running a business, one habit never changed — reading the newspaper.
“Through the Korea Daily, I could stay informed about both Korea and the United States,” Lee said. “The newspaper helped connect me to the world.”
A Habit That Became a Lifelong Companion
Lee had enjoyed reading newspapers long before immigrating. While living in Korea, he subscribed to multiple publications, including the Korea Daily. After moving to the United States, however, he chose to continue reading that same paper — a decision that remained unchanged for nearly half a century.
Today, Lee lives at Grace Retirement Village in La Habra. The Korea Daily is the only newspaper delivered to the facility. After finishing it each day, Lee places the paper in the lobby so other residents can read it as well.
His relationship with the newspaper goes beyond readership. Lee also contributed as a writer. His opinion pieces were published in the newspaper’s opinion section twice, in 2018 and 2024.
“When my writing was published, I felt great joy,” Lee recalled. “It reminded me that my voice still has meaning.”
Celebrating a Century of Life
Lee’s family celebrated his 100th birthday on March 14 at a restaurant in Buena Park. Reflecting on a century of life, he expressed gratitude above all else.
“I’m thankful to have lived to 100 in good health and for my children who grew up well,” he said. “Every moment of my life has been a blessing.”
His daughter, Sarah Kim, said the newspaper has always been part of her father’s daily life.
[Courtesy of the family]
“Whenever the store was quiet, he always had the newspaper in his hands,” Kim said. “The Korea Daily was more than something to read — it was part of his life.”
She also recalled that even during a hospital stay last year, her father asked family members to bring him a copy of the newspaper.
Looking ahead, Lee shared a message about the role of journalism.
“I hope newspapers continue to look deeply into the Korean American community and shed light on struggles that are not easily seen,” he said. “Helping those in need — that is the most important role of journalism.”
