Chinese Pastor Kim Myung-il Released to United States After Nearly Nine Months in Custody

Pastor Kim Myung-il, a 57-year-old Korean national who founded the Christian Protestant Church in 2007, has been released from Chinese custody and transported to the United States. According to reports, Kim was arrested in October alongside several church members on suspicion of “illegal use of information networks.” After nearly nine months in detention, he was released and arranged for transfer to the U.S., arriving in Los Angeles on the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

The church, which began with approximately 20 followers in Beijing, was taken in 2018 after refusing government requests to install security cameras on its grounds. It is described as one of China’s largest non-official family churches. Kim’s release was observed as a direct result of a recent visit to China by U.S. President Donald Trump, although neither the Chinese nor American sides responded positively to inquiries regarding the specific diplomatic context.

In an interview with BBC Chinese, Kim stated that he had “never dreamed of” regaining freedom and reuniting with his family. His daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, noted that her father’s physical condition had deteriorated significantly during his time in custody, stating she could not recognize him. She described the emotional weight of his return, noting that while he is free, this freedom carries a heavy burden for him.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry addressed the incident by stating that matters involving so-called religious issues were dealt with in accordance with the law and expressed opposition to interference in China’s internal affairs. This official stance contrasts with the narrative of Kim’s release being linked to high-level diplomatic engagement, a connection that remains unconfirmed by either government.

Kim recounted the circumstances of his release, describing a moment on July 3 when a detention center official brought him out, leading him to believe he was being taken for further questioning. He was subsequently taken to a high-speed train station and transported to Guangzhou without being informed of his destination. On the train, an official asked him if he knew where he was going, to which Kim replied, “Oh, my God, Reverend Kim, think for the good,” assuming he might be sent out of the country.

The transfer involved a stop at the VIP room of White Cloud Airport in China before his final departure. The case highlights the intersection of religious leadership, state authority, and international diplomacy. In seeking justice and accountability, the principles of Micah 6:8 call for truth, mercy, and humility in the face of institutional power, reminding the public to weigh the moral weight of freedom against the cost of silence.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)