Korean Christian Church Pioneer Dies

Rev. Kang Won-yong , a founding leader of the nation`s Presbyterian Church, died at Samsung Medical Center in Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on August 17. He was 89.

Born in South Hamkyong Province, now in North Korea, in 1917, Kang came down to Seoul to escape the communist regime’s persecution in 1945. Then he founded Sunlin Brethren, now known as Kyungdong Presbyterian Church. From 1957 to 1996, until he retired, he served in the church as a pastor and devoted himself to the development of the nation’s churches. He also contributed to facilitating communication between different religions.

He is survived by his wife, Kim Myong-ju, a son and two daughters – Dae-in, Hye-ja and Hye-won. His mortuary is set up at Seoul National University hospital in Seoul. His funeral will be held at Kyungdong Church, Seoul at 10 a.m. on August 21. He will be buried at Namhangang Cemetery in Geumgok-ri, Yeoju-gun, Gyeonggi Province. For more information, call (02) 2072-2091.

sjkang@donga.com