Kim Family During The Korean War

KIM FAMILY - Diana's father's family

 When Steve Sungil Kim (Diana's dad) was 6 years old, the Korean War began.  Steve had an older brother and an older sister, making him the youngest amongst three children.  Jeungjobu (Steve's dad) was captured, separated and taken to prison by the North Korean army for believing in Jesus Christ.  North Korea saw his Christian faith as unacceptable and a threat, that he was taken to Korean prison then moved to a higher-security prison in Russia years later and (unconfirmed) likely died there.

Jeungjo Halmonee (Steve's mom) was left to care for her three children during the war and escape - the burden was too difficult.  Carrying family luggage, journeying with the kids they had to stop, rest and decide how to endure further.  His mother decided to continue on, taking both boys (older son Harry and Steve) because males were the family lineage of descendants.  The daughter was left to the care of Jeungojo Halmonee's mother-in-law with the intention of someday reuniting again.  However, the war had separated the daughter forever as she was raised and currently lives in North Korea.  Nearly 35 years later, in 1989 after a long investigative search, communication and legal clearance process - Jeungo Halmonee was able to reunite with her daughter in China for 1 day.  Eemo's (Steve's sister) personal family, health, even living status is unknown to this day.  Jeungjo Halmonee lived 94 years before dying from dementia on November 12, 2013, leaving her two sons, Harry and Steve Kim, 6 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren behind.  My faithful Halmonee was one who carried much burden and sorrow from family tragedy.  She was often found reading her bible and praying in her basement for hours of the day, which was her source of joy and peace.