Chong Soo Pyun

Birth date: Mar 7, 1933 Death date: Jul 13, 2016

Dr. Chong Soo Pyun, PhD, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loving family. He led a remarkable life, full of professional accomplishments, personal success and community service. Dr. Pyun was born in 1933 in Seoul, Read Obituary

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Jae Kim

470w ago

I am very saddened by the news that Professor Pyun passed away.Professor Pyun was an old friend of my late father’s, going back to the time of the Korean War when they were military officers. I remember meeting him (as a kid) vividly when he visited my family in Seoul in the 1970’s. My parents also visited him and his family in Memphis in the 80’s. They welcome my parents like their family, and my parents brought back wonderful photos with them in Memphis. Professor and Mrs Pyun again visited us in Sydney when our family moved to Australia.I have not met with him in person since then, but it must not be a coincidence that I myself became a professor of finance after 20 odd years later. Perhaps, he has been my role model without me knowing. He must have touched my life although I have not met him since my younger years.Around 2005, as a junior academic in Australia (I was an econometrician then), I was working on the variance ratio test. Noticing that Professor Pyun had written several important papers in this area, I sent an email to him attached with my working paper on the application of variance ratio test to financial markets. I was not sure if he would remember me. But he did, to my surprise. He was kind enough to be a joint author of the paper, and elevated the paper to a much higher level. This initial research inspired me further and I have subsequently written a series of papers on the variance ratio test and its applications to financial markets. Since then, my academic career took a big leap. I still thank him sincerely for his help, guidance and encouragements. Without them, I would not be where I am in my professional career now.I sent him emails from time to time to say hello and he always replied with good humour and jokes. I could feel his energy and positive attitudes towards life. I was a bit worried though, when my last email earlier this year was not answered.Professor Pyun! Rest in peace. Congratulations to your successful life. I cannot thank you enough for your help. It was an honour to work with you as an academic. I picture you and my late father together in heaven, which gives me a smile.Our sincere condolences to Pyun family, from all of Kim’s in Australia and Korea.God bless you and Professor Pyun.Jae Hoon Kim, Melbourne, Australia

Charlie Charoenwong

479w ago

Dr. Pyun is my teacher who significantly shaped my view on life, work, and many other things. He is a man who had lived a full life. Please rest in peace.Charlie Charoenwong

Jeab

480w ago

As a doctoral student at the University of Memphis back in the days, I always remember Professor Pyun as a man who was trendy in all aspects of life (e.g. the way he talked, the way he dressed, the way he wrote, and the working projects he was pursuing) – A real wise man. His uncompromising energy never failed to impress and it kept everyone around him alert. While we had our differences, I have learned a lot from the man himself. A man I deeply respect.Have a great journey sir……God blessJeff Wongchoti

Sam Brown

485w ago

I HAD THIS MAN IN GRADUATE SCHOOL AT UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS, HE WAS SUCH A POOR TEACHER ONE STUDENT TRIED TO ASSAULT HIM. HE SHOULD HAVE NEVER TAUGHT AT ANY LEVEL.

Kyung Hee International Foundation

485w ago

Kyung Hee International Foundation purchased the Sweet Remembrance Spray for the family of Dr. Chong Soo Pyun, PhD.

Memorial Park

485w ago

Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Dr. Chong Soo Pyun, PhD.

Hong Y. Park

485w ago

I was shocked by the sad news. He invited me to come to Memphis for rounds of golf.I answered Yes, but never made it. He was a devoted member and leader for both KAFA and KAEA. We will miss his efforts making things right for official businesses. I pray for his family. Hong Y. Park

Korea-America Finance Association (Kafa)

485w ago

Korea-America Finance Association (KAFA) purchased the Sentiments of Serenity Spray for the family of Dr. Chong Soo Pyun, PhD.

Young C Kim

485w ago

A sage once said: when a friend dies, it is also something of you who also dies. That such is the case is particularly telling when the person involved is your best friend.Prof. Pyun and I go way back to 1960 in Seoul; we first met while taking the qualifying exams to study in the U.S. In journeying to the U.S., I was his shadow, because whereas he was then a repeat traveler to the U.S. from his days in the military, I was but a dork. I even fell for his nutty idea of taking the Greyhound bus from San Francisco to Boston. Ever since, I’d keep blaming him that I was so motion-sick and suffered from diarrhea that when I arrived in Boston, I was more than half-dead. He would still boast that I should be thankful to him because he helped me to save $50 in air fare.My wife and I played matchmakers between Dr. Pyun and my wife’s best friend, now-Mrs. Pyun. Even though our families lived far away geographically, we were never far apart from each other.Chong Soo’s boundless energy and enthusiasm, in professional as well as in personal life, have always been an amazement and envy to me. He energized all those around him; his zest for life was contagious. I tired myself asking him “When are you going to slow down?” “Are you ever going to retire?”After the discovery of his affliction, he spent lengthy periods in San Francisco area for treatment. And because now I too live in the same region, I had the good fortune of spending long hours with him.As the saying goes, what an old friend is good for is, you can afford to be stupid with each other. Whenever we got together, both early in our lives as well as toward the end of his life, we shamelessly and ceaselessly abused the maxim. We would dig up even the most embarrassing, trivial memories; and repeat telling them endless times, never minding the “not-again!” looks in the faces of our spouses.Before his illness, he used to lecture me how to live life. At the final stage in his life, he also showed me how one ought to face death: no regrets, no self-pity, with dignity and honor, with the sense of humor intact, and accepting of death as accepting of life. When my own time comes, I only hope that I can be even nearly like him.There is a favorite quotation of mine (attributed either to a native-American proverb or to Ralph Waldo Emerson): “When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you’re the one smiling and everyone around you is crying.” Chong Soo! Native Indians/Waldo Emerson would approve of the life you have lived.Farewell, my old friend. I weren’t be far behind in joining you.Young Chin Kim

Soku Byoun

485w ago

Professor Pyun has made significant contributions for the Korea-America Finance Association. His numerous intellectual contributiins and passionate devotions for the association are greatly appreciated. He is loved and missed beyond words.

Young C Kim

485w ago

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