A report came out that President Yoon Suk Yeol has been seeking solace by reading the Bible during his time in prison. This revelation came from Pastor Jin-Hong Kim (김진홍), head of the Dure Monastery, who shared the news in his daily “Morning Meditation” messages.
In his January 22nd meditation, Pastor Kim said, “Yesterday, a secretary from President Yoon's office visited me with a request. They said the President wishes to read the Bible in prison and asked me to provide a Bible with my signature.” Pastor Kim responded, “I told them that they could purchase the Bible, and I would sign it and send it.”
He added, “This afternoon, I met with the secretary, carefully signed the Bible, and wrote down a verse.” The verse he selected was Psalm 37:23-24: The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
“I signed the Bible while imagining the President kneeling in his prison cell and reading the Word. I prayed for the President and for our nation,” Pastor Kim said.
Pastor Kim also recalled his own experience during the martial law period under President Park Chung-hee (박정희), when he led protests against the regime and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He said, “While in solitary confinement, I read and reread the Bible. During that time, I had a profound spiritual experience while reading Jeremiah 4:3-4, and I was deeply moved to tears.”
Notably, Pastor Kim has expressed his support for President Yoon in interviews with Christian Today regarding the current political situation, including the declaration of martial law and impeachment proceedings.
*This article is a revised translation of an article originally published by Christian Today.
