Korea’s First Patriarch, Jong Gyun Kim, Passes Away

Korean Version (Link)

Jong‑Gyun Kim, who served as the first patriarch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints in Korea, passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 89. His funeral service was held on March 19, and he was laid to rest at Daeji Memorial Park in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province.

Brother Kim was among the earliest converts to the Church in Korea, having been baptized in 1960. He devoted his life to faith and service. On March 8, 1973, when the Seoul Korea Stake was organized, President Spencer W. Kimball called him to serve as a patriarch, making him the first patriarch in Korea. At the age of 37, he was known to be one of the youngest patriarchs in the Church worldwide at the time. Over the next four decades, he gave patriarchal blessings to more than 500 members.

While serving as a professor at Kongju National University, Brother Kim faithfully fulfilled his calling as a stake patriarch, often traveling weekly to Seoul to minister to members. He was known to prepare diligently for each blessing, visiting the Seoul Temple beforehand to record the names of those seeking blessings and to pray in preparation. His life was widely regarded as an exemplary balance of faith and scholarship.

In June 2023, he participated in the Third Korean Church History Symposium, held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the organization of the Seoul Korea Stake. During the symposium, he shared memories of his interview with President Kimball at the time of the stake’s organization, leaving a profound impression on attendees.

A memorial service was held on March 18 at the Daejeon 1st Ward of the Daejeon Korea Stake, where family members and Church leaders gathered to honor his life and faith. His eldest daughter, Sun‑Hyung Kim, recalled, “My father placed gospel living at the center of his life and devoted himself to serving his family and the Church.”

Ji‑Soon Jeong, who previously served in the Daejeon Stake presidency, remembered that “although Patriarch Kim’s words were simple, they carried a powerful testimony,” adding that “even in his work as a biologist, he bore witness of God’s creation.” He also expressed gratitude for the prayers offered over the years for Brother Kim and his wife.

Yang‑Su Jeong, president of the Daejeon Korea Stake, said, “Patriarch Kim lived as both a scholar and a disciple of the Lord. Through the authority of the priesthood, his blessings conveyed the Savior’s love.” He added that Brother Kim’s legacy of faith “will continue to shine in the lives of many.”

Elder Woo‑Chul Lee, an Area Seventy in the North Asia Area, recalled Brother Kim’s humility, noting that the respect he showed to a newly called young bishop left a lasting impression. Elder Lee also quoted President Dallin H. Oaks’s teaching that families will continue together in the spirit world, offering comfort and hope to those left behind.

Born in Daejeon in 1936, Brother Kim earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Korea University. As a Fulbright scholar, he later earned a PhD in biology from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he received a top dissertation award. He served as a professor of biology education at Kongju National University, later becoming dean of graduate studies before retiring in 2001.

Brother Kim is survived by his wife, Do‑Jung Choi, and their three children—one son and two daughters. All of his children have served full‑time missions, continuing the legacy of faith and service he exemplified.

Church leaders and members reflected that through the life of Patriarch Jong‑Gyun Kim, the enduring value of faith and service is clearly seen, and that his devotion will be long remembered in the history of the Church in Korea.