Seoul (AsiaNews) - The Church and ordinary South Koreans are honouring Dr Kang Dae-gun, the "leper dentist", for his 33 years of service during which he treated more than 15,000 leprosy patients for free. The Catholic physician, who lives in the Archdiocese of Seoul, has always refused prizes and awards, but was honoured on his retirement.
Dr Kang ran a dental clinic but off duty, he treated people suffering from Hansen's disease, more commonly known as leprosy, more than 15,000 people in his long career.
Despite the risks associated with the disease, he provided 5,000 artificial teeth and operated on many patients, this according to the Archdiocesan Secretariat of Seoul, South Korea's capital.
On Monday, Dr Kang announced his retirement. A group of patients and supporters gathered at his clinic in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul to thank the 82-year-old for his great efforts against the social stigma that comes with the disease.
Among those present, Sister Emma Freisinger, who has worked for years with the sick, gave Dr Kang a plaque commemorating his work.
The dentist first began helping Hansen's patients in 1979, after he saw a leper thrown out of a private clinic.
"Kang never wanted to let others know about his service and refused awards or prizes that were offered to him from many organisations. But we have decided to hold this event to honour him, and inspire the younger generation with his lifelong work," said Fr Kim Deuk-kwon, who has supported the dentist for many years.
At first, his family did not support him, but later on became his most reliable backers.
The 82-year-old doctor, who addressed the gathering, said, "The late Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan once said that love is from the heart; his words helped me realise how important it is to love others from my heart."
Over the years, he added, "I had so much joy and gained so much doing volunteer work that I cannot express it in words. If I were born again I would definitely dedicate my life to this work one more time".