A Korean-American man from Los Angeles, Sungbum Jung, who had dedicated his life to helping orphans in Peru, has passed away after being in a vegetative state following a brutal robbery in 2020. His family and friends are expressing deep frustration with the Peruvian authorities' inadequate investigation and are appealing for the Korean-American community's support.

In December 2020, when the world was gripped by a pandemic, Sungbum left behind a stable life in the U.S. to support disadvantaged children in Peru. Originally, he planned a two-week mission trip through the church he attended with his wife, Emily. However, on the day they were supposed to return, he felt compelled to stay, believing there was more he could do for the children. What was intended to be a short mission extended, and a year passed with Sungbum and his wife dedicating their lives to the orphans.

Their life in Peru, while rewarding, was challenging. Without proper accommodations and food, the couple persevered for the children’s sake. Using their own savings, Sungbum repaired the orphanage, taught Korean, Taekwondo, and English. In early 2021, both contracted COVID-19, leaving them in critical condition. “Sungbum’s condition was so serious that I urged him to return to the U.S.,” recalls Emily. However, he couldn't bear to part from the children, devoting himself fully to them.

The couple even closed their Virginia-based insurance business to focus on their mission. But in January 2022, their lives took a tragic turn when Sungbum was deliberately rammed off his motorcycle and assaulted. Severely injured, he urgently needed intensive care, but Peru’s pandemic-overwhelmed medical system couldn’t provide the necessary support. In a vegetative state since the attack, Sungbum succumbed to his injuries last month.

The assailant has yet to be held accountable, according to his family. “Despite his innocence, Sungbum fell victim to a crime, yet Peruvian authorities remain irresponsible and unresponsive,” says Emily. “I’ll keep pressing for justice, so the offender is punished and justice is served.” She continues, “To honor his memory, we need the Korean-American community's support,” appealing for assistance. GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/ae6df066

— Reporter Hwang Eui-Kyung

<Hwang, Eui-kyung>