"Korean Messiah" book talk with author Jonathan Cheng

Before Pyongyang became synonymous with North Korea's Kim dynasty, it was known as the “Jerusalem of the East”—the most Christianized city in Asia. Home to the world’s largest Presbyterian missionary compound, it drew church leaders from across the Western world, eager to witness the explosion of faith in Pyongyang. From this intensely Christian society emerged Kim Il Sung—grandson of some of Korea's earliest Christian converts, son of a "Bible-woman" mother and an aspiring pastor father. Kim would become the founder of North Korea, one of the world’s fiercest persecutors of the Christian faith, all while presiding over the most extraordinary personality cult in history. Late in life, Kim would revisit his upbringing in the church, building a pair of Protestant churches in Pyongyang and inviting pastors like Billy Graham to the city to preach, and to pray with him.

On April 12, Korean Messiah (Alfred A. Knopf) author Jonathan Cheng explores this astonishing story. Based on twelve years of research during his tenure as the Wall Street Journal bureau chief in Korea (and currently China), Cheng examines the confluence of faith and power on the Korean peninsula, and poses a haunting question: How did an heir of Korea's remarkable Christian heritage become its greatest persecutor? Don't miss this rare conversation. Audience Q&A to follow. RSVPs encouraged.

This session will not address any political issues or viewpoints.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Korean Messiah Book Tour