Kim Shin-jo, a North Korean assassin-turned-pastor, has died aged 82.
Undergoing a radical transformation, Kim became a Christian after being captured in South Korea in 1968. In what is known as the “January 21 Incident,” Kim’s special commando unit was shot down during an attempt to assassinate South Korean President Park Chung Hee.
The attack, which took place at the Blue House, South Korea’s presidential residence, saw 29 of Kim’s fellow commandos killed while he alone was captured.
After being held under close surveillance, Kim was released by the authorities to begin a life in South Korea having renounced North Korean ideology. Tragically, he later learned of his family’s execution back in North Korea.
In 1970, Kim became a South Korean citizen and married his wife, Choi Jeong-hwa, who was instrumental in his journey to faith. Years later when he was baptised at a church in Seoul, Kim testified: “I came to kill the President, but God chose to save me.”
Kim went on to establish the Christian Fellowship of Defectors for the Gospel which offered spiritual support, counselling and resources to other North Korean defectors.
Almost 20 years after the January 21 Incident, Kim marked a new anniversary as he was ordained as pastor of Sungnak Sambong Church. Speaking to VICE Asia in 2022, Kim said: “I am in my 80s and have found my peace … God has been with me to take all my pains away.”
