One of requirement of TH501-01, Drew Theological School on September 15, 1982

When I graduated from Chang Chun Primary School at the age of twelve, my school adviser encouraged my mother to enroll me in one of the best middle schools in Seoul and Korea. However, since my father was often absent from home, my mother made the decision on her own. She was uneasy about the names of the two recommended schools, Kyungki and Kyungsu, and instead enrolled me in a middle school closer to home, which was also well-regarded. Despite this change, I excelled academically, achieving the third-highest grade among the four hundred new students in my class.

A few months later, I discovered that my mother had misunderstood the adviser’s recommendation. This realization led to resentment toward my parents, but it also instilled in me a profound lesson: Ignorance is poison. Determined to excel, I devoted myself to my studies and completed middle school in 1966.

In 1967, during my first year of high school, I took the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for college entrance in Seoul. Successfully passing these exams meant that I no longer needed to complete high school. Instead, I spent my time immersed in reading metaphysical philosophy and writing poetry, further nurturing my intellectual and spiritual curiosity.

In 1969, I chose to study theology at Seoul Methodist Theological Seminary. My initial inclination was toward philosophy, but I found it lacking in personal meaning. Before fully committing to Christian theology, I explored other religious traditions, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Hinduism. However, my Methodist background ultimately guided me toward Christian theological studies. I had no intention of becoming a pastor at the time; my sole pursuit was the search for truth.

After completing seminary, I had the opportunity to teach philosophy to college students at Pusan Industrial College and Pusan Union Theological Seminary from 1977 to 1980. This experience further deepened my engagement with both academic study and theological reflection, shaping my intellectual and spiritual journey.

After immigrating to the United States, I fully committed myself to theological study, answering what I believed to be God’s calling for my life. I enrolled in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program at Drew Theological School, determined to equip myself for pastoral ministry. While pursuing my studies, I was certified as a local pastor, allowing me to begin ministering even before completing my degree.

In 1985, after graduating from Drew Theological School, I was ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. This milestone deepened my sense of purpose and strengthened my commitment to serving God and the church. Later, I was ordained as an Elder in the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, marking the culmination of years of preparation, study, and spiritual growth.

My desire to enhance my ministry further led me to pursue a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree at New York Theological Seminary. I completed this program in 1995, gaining additional tools and insights to develop a more effective and transformative ministry. This advanced education allowed me to explore new ways of engaging with my congregation and addressing the spiritual, social, and pastoral needs of the community.

Through these years of study, God guided me and shaped my path, preparing me to fulfill my calling as a pastor and servant leader. Each step in my educational journey was a testament to God’s grace and to my unwavering commitment to His mission.