98.8% Support for Reappointment of Pastor Kim Hana of Myeongseong Church Amid 'Wealth Succession Controversy'

by Seo Miteum

Published 22 Aug.2022 09:53(KST)

On the 26th, Myeongseong Church in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, is under access control due to the impact of COVID-19. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The reappointment resolution of Pastor Kim Hana as the senior pastor of Myeongseong Church in Seoul has been approved. The reappointment took place amid conflicts over the controversy of hereditary succession, as Myeongseong Church attempted to call Kim Hana, the son of the emeritus pastor Kim Sam-hwan.

On the 21st, at the joint assembly held in the main sanctuary of Myeongseong Church in Seoul, the resolution to reappoint Pastor Kim Hana as the senior pastor of Myeongseong Church was passed. Among 6,192 baptized and confirmed members aged 18 and over who participated, 6,119 (98.8%) voted in favor.

Previously, Myeongseong Church attempted to call Kim Hana as the senior pastor, but was blocked by criticisms that it violated the denomination’s law against hereditary succession. The conflict escalated to a lawsuit, and in January, the court ruled that “Kim Hana’s qualification as senior pastor is not recognized.” At the second trial held on the 19th of last month, the court postponed the verdict and ordered a clarification (explanation of facts). The main reason was that the calling procedure for Kim Hana as senior pastor had not proceeded since January 1, 2021.

Opposition also erupted. On the same day, the Church Reform Practice Solidarity held a press conference in front of Myeongseong Church’s World Gloria Center, raising voices of opposition. Kim Jeong-tae, executive director of the Church Reform Practice Solidarity, criticized, “Myeongseong Church is trying to win by exploiting legal loopholes with the help of a large law firm.” The Myeongseong Church Normalization Committee claimed regarding the approval of the calling resolution that “due to the prolonged hereditary conflict, many opposing members have left, and now only supporting members remain.”