One Year Since the Passing of Park Seung-il: His Dream of an ALS Care Hospital Lives On

It has been one year since the passing of the late Park Seung-il, co-representative of the Seungil Hope Foundation, who dedicated his life to raising awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and pioneered the establishment of the world's first dedicated ALS care hospital. His enduring will continues to live on through the hospital's completion and operation, remaining a poignant memory for many.

Park Seung-il, an alumnus of Yonsei University, began his professional basketball career with Kia Motors in 1994. In 2002, he was appointed the youngest professional basketball coach at the time. However, shortly after his appointment, he was diagnosed with ALS, marking the beginning of a long and challenging battle with the disease. Post-diagnosis, he became an ALS ambassador and co-representative of the Seungil Hope Foundation, working tirelessly to raise awareness of the rare disease in South Korea. Notably, alongside singer Sean, he championed the construction of the first ALS care center in Korea, a facility unprecedented in its specialization globally.

During his life, Park Seung-il expressed his dream: "It feels like a dream that the ALS care center I've envisioned for 20 years from my sickbed is now entering the design phase." He conveyed his sincere gratitude to all donors and prayed for a future where ALS patients could live in a safer and better environment. Singer Sean, committed to fulfilling his promise to Park, co-founded the Seungil Hope Foundation in 2011 and served as co-representative alongside Park, becoming his voice and limbs in the pursuit of building the ALS hospital as quickly as possible.

Tragically, just months before its planned completion in November 2024, Park Seung-il passed away on September 25, 2024. Sean expressed his sorrow and affection on social media, writing, "Seung-il, you've worked so hard. The small ball of hope you shot has become a thread of hope for many." He lamented that Park would not be able to witness the near completion of his dream hospital. Sean also shared, "You must have been so frustrated for 23 years. Now, run freely in heaven. I have so much I want to say, but let's talk when we meet in heaven later. Seung-il, I'm sorry, I miss you, and I love you, my friend."

The 'Seungil Hope Care Hospital,' the fruition of Park's lifelong dream, has since been completed and officially opened in 2025. With an estimated budget of approximately 23.9 billion KRW, the hospital stands as a unique institution dedicated to ALS care worldwide. Although Park Seung-il passed away just months before its completion, the hospital, bearing the mark of his dedication, has been realized and is now operating as a sanctuary for patients. Currently, it extends its specialized care and rehabilitation services not only to ALS patients but also to those with related rare muscular diseases. The vision of a safe haven for patients, held dearly in Park's heart, has become a reality, providing a crucial sanctuary and treatment center for numerous patients and their families. On this one-year anniversary, many are remembering him and honoring his profound legacy.

Park Seung-il was a promising athlete, graduating from Yonsei University and excelling as a professional basketball player and coach. Despite his diagnosis of ALS, he never lost hope and pursued his grand vision of building an ALS care hospital alongside singer Sean. His dedication and courage inspired and brought hope to countless individuals.