김재준

Kim Jae-jun was a prominent South Korean Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and democratic activist. He played a foundational role in the establishment of the Chosun Theological Seminary, which later became Hanshin University, and founded the Gyeongdong Church in 1945. Known for his progressive theological views, he was a central figure in the formation of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) after his excommunication from the mainstream Presbyterian Church in 1953. Throughout his later life, he was a vocal advocate for democratization and human rights, opposing the military dictatorship in South Korea. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 2002 for his contributions to the democratization movement and theological development.