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Rev. Billy Kim wins Korea-US Alliance Grand Award
Rev. Billy Kim, chairman of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC)-Korea, speaks after receiving the 2025 Alliance Grand Award at the award ceremony in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of FEBC-Korea
By Kim Se-jeong
Rev. Billy Kim, 91, also known as Kim Jang-hwan, chairperson of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC)-Korea, received the 2025 Alliance Grand Award on Wednesday in recognition of his contributions to strengthening ties between Korea and the United States.
“Pastor Kim Jang-hwan has dedicated his life to the advancement of the ROK-U.S. alliance. He was particularly instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the Wall of Remembrance, which was added to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.,” the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation said in a statement issued after the award ceremony, held on the sideline of the ROK-U.S. Alliance Veterans Conference in Seoul.
Completed in 2023, the Wall of Remembrance stands as a symbol of the alliance between the two countries.
Kim expressed gratitude for the honor.
“I don’t deserve this award, but I accept it on behalf of all Koreans who support the Korea-U.S. alliance,” he said.
Lim Ho-young, chairperson of the foundation, said Kim’s lifelong efforts to strengthen the alliance serve as an inspiration to younger generations. “We are honored to recognize him and his dedication,” Lim added.
Born in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, in 1934, Kim worked as a houseboy for the U.S. military during the 1950-53 Korean War. His employer, Sgt. Carl Powers, later helped him travel to the United States, where he studied for nine years.
“When I asked what I could do to show my gratitude, he told me to spread the word of God and the importance of democracy,” Kim recalled during the ceremony.
He became a Christian while studying in the U.S. In 1973, Kim translated for U.S. evangelist Billy Graham during his crusade in Seoul, earning the nickname “Billy.” In 2000, he became the first Asian president of the Baptist World Alliance.