Korea University will establish the "Lee Young-chul Scholarship." It is to commemorate Lee Young-chul, who built the Korea University favorite "Youngchul Burger" over 25 years.
Kim Dong-Won, president of Korea University, visited the memorial altar set up at Korea University Anam Hospital funeral hall on the 14th and, after paying his respects, told reporters that the university would create a scholarship named after the deceased.
President Kim said, "For decades, the owner showed much love to Korea University students," and added, "Every year, even in a difficult business environment, he donated scholarships for students."
He continued, "To honor the deceased's wishes, we will consider what Korea University can do, such as creating a scholarship in the deceased's name," and added, "The deceased's noble and warm spirit will remain forever in the hearts of the Korea University community."
In addition to establishing the scholarship, Korea University will fully cover the funeral expenses for the bereaved family and install a commemorative plaque on the Anam Campus to honor the deceased's wishes.
Starting from nothing and turning the 1,000-won "Youngchul Burger" in front of Korea University into a college-town favorite, Lee Young-chul died on the 13th. He was 58. He was reportedly battling cancer.
Around 2000, while in bad credit status, Lee started selling 1,000-won burgers from a handcart in front of Korea University with 22,000 won to his name. By about 2005, he was called a "success story" with 40 franchise outlets under his belt. Since 2004, he donated 20 million won each year to Korea University to provide the "Youngchul Scholarship" to students in need.
Youngchul Burger closed in 2015 due to management difficulties. Competition intensified as nearby eateries offering similar price ranges increased, and it was reported that attempts to upgrade the menu led to financial trouble. Afterward, Korea University students launched a crowdfunding campaign, where 2,579 people raised 68,115,000 won to reopen.
The memorial altar is set up in Room 102 of the Korea University Anam Hospital funeral hall, and the funeral procession is at 6:30 a.m. on the 15th. The burial site is Seoul City Crematorium.