Born in wartime conflict, driven by curiosity: Soo's journey from Japan to war-torn Korea to the United States and back to modern Seoul exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning in bridging cultural divides. A trailblazer who dared to challenge norms, Soo's work enriched East Asian studies and the foundations for enhanced global diplomacy. Through her resilient spirit and quest to establish truth, Soo inspired generations of global leaders with a legacy of cultural empathy.