A hero is a simple man who, despite the odds, comes to aid his fellow human beings. Dr. Bong Hyun was a bona fide hero, except that he didn’t think so. He only did what any decent God-loving man would do for his friends, family and strangers who needed a strong voice of compassion to save their lives.

It was the winter of the Korean War in 1950, before General MacArthur withdrew American troops beyond the 38th parallel. Dr. Hyun realized the suffering that would be inflicted by North Korean communists upon his countrymen for welcoming Americans into their country. Like Schindler helped those persecuted in Germany during WWII, Dr. Hyun helped 100,000 people escape oppression and, perhaps, death.

Dr. Hyun flew in from his home in New Jersey in 2005, for an exclusive interview hosted by Anh Lottman, revealing the man behind the myth. For a man of such accomplishments, he was a gentle, unprepossessing soul who didn’t let hardships or impossibilities stop him from doing the right thing. He also had a deprecating sense of humor that warmed the heart.

In 2005, Dr. Hyun received a humanitarian award from the South Korean government for his acts in bravery and conscience. He also received an award from the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation. Not only was he a hero in his home country, but he was also an American hero. Dr. Hyun was the first Asian-American to take the medical exam in Pennsylvania during a time when there was a law banning Asians from practicing medicine, blazing a trail for a new generation.

After years of tireless dedication to medical research, teaching and community service, Dr. Hyun passed away surrounded by family and friends on November 25, 2007. Thank you for your courage, compassion, dedication and vision on behalf of your fellow man. People cross lines every day, and Dr. Bong Hyun was a champion of crossing the line to blaze new trails on behalf of God and man