Young Bok Kim

Biography

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, where I completed my secondary education and mastered the fine art of eating kimchi with every meal. After my mandatory military service (where I realized I wasn’t going to be the next K-pop sensation), I headed to Sydney, Australia, to brush up on my English skills and develop an appreciation for Vegemite.

Next, I found myself in Geelong, Australia, studying Theology at Reformed Theological College. With a Bachelor of Theology degree in hand, I moved to the U.S. to dive deeper into the mysteries of divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. This set me on a path to Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I earned a Master of Arts degree focusing on the Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East.

Never one to do things halfway, I pursued a Ph.D. in Northwest Semitic Philology at the University of Chicago, proving that even ancient languages can be thrilling (or at least coffeefueled).

I’ve taught everything from Old Testament courses to biblical languages at various institutions, and even ventured into online teaching, where I learned that biblical Hebrew can make friends from all over the globe.

In my pastoral life, I’ve been a Sunday School teacher, completed a pastoral internship, and was licensed to preach. My roles have included preaching, mentoring, and leading Bible studies— basically, all the fun parts of church life without the potluck cleanup.

Throughout my career, I aim to blend scholarship, teaching, and pastoral ministry, spreading Christ’s love and maybe even a few laughs along the way.