In memory of Hyo-yul Kim (1947-2024), known as Peter Kim, and his life of devotion and commitment
Hyo-yul Peter Kim (김효율) with Father and Mother Moon on Cote d’Azur, France 19th July 2009. Photo: FFWPU
Dr. Hyo-yul “Peter” Kim (김효율) left this world on 23rd December after a prolonged illness. His life was marked by unwavering commitment to the Family Federation and a close relationship to its founders, Father and Mother Moon.
He was born in 1947 in Jangheung, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, and was a dedicated member of the Family Federation. He joined the movement in 1965 and served in various leadership roles, including pastoral work and cultural affairs. In 1970, he was blessed in marriage to Mrs. Phyllis Yamato during the 777 Couples Blessing Ceremony officiated by Father and Mother Moon.
Dr. Kim became a special instructor to the family of Father and Mother Moon in 1970, tutoring their children. After relocating to the United States in 1974, he gradually assumed greater responsibilities as a personal assistant to Father and Mother Moon.
Dr. Peter Kim assisting Father Moon during his meeting with Premier Kim Il-sung in Heungnam, North Korea 6th December 1991. Photo: FFWPU
From 1990 onward, he served as their official English interpreter during numerous world speaking tours, including significant events such as the 1990 World Summit in Moscow and the 1991 special meeting Father and Mother Moon had with Premier Kim Il-sung in North Korea. In 2001, Dr. Kim interpreted for Father Moon during his 50-state speaking tour in the United States.
Beyond his interpreting duties, Dr. Kim held various executive positions, including CEO of the New Yorker Hotel, president of the U.S. Association of Korean FFWPU Missionaries, chairman of the Pacific Rim Educational Foundation in Hawaii, and vice chairman of the Hyojeong Global Unification Foundation. He also translated the book “Life in the World Unseen” into Korean, published in 1990.
Here is a message from Dr. Michael Balcomb, President of the Family Federation in Europe and the Middle East, on 24th December about Dr. Kim:
“Yesterday we received the news that our beloved elder brother and friend, Dr. Peter Hyo-yul Kim, has ascended after a long illness. […] Peter is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughter Yeonshim, son-in-law Jin Suh and their children.
Those of us who have lived in America will always remember Peter as the faithful and accurate translator of the True Parents’ words, both True Father and True Mother. And not only in America: he accompanied the True Parents on many of the most dramatic episodes of their ministry, including the visit to North Korea to meet Kim Il-sung in 1991, the arduous course in the Pantanal region of Brazil and Paraguay, the 50 Day-50 State ‘We will Stand’ Tour to Christian churches in 2001, and many more.
Difficult translation job: Father Moon speaking in Abuja, Nigeria 17th July 2011. Photo: FFWPU
I particularly remember Peter translating for True Father in 2011 in Abuja, Nigeria. It was a particularly difficult challenge. The event was billed as starting at 7pm, but, as is common in my birth country, didn’t really start until several hours later! After too many guest speakers and VIP introductions, True Father came to the stage to speak not long before midnight – and the translation equipment broke down right away. It was Peter who came forward to save the day, conveying Father’s message with accuracy and good humour despite the lateness of the hour. The President of Nigeria at that time, Goodluck Jonathan, has remained a staunch supporter of the True Parents ever since.
Earlier this year, Peter published a book of memoirs, entitled ‘Memories of Grace’ in which he recounts many precious behind-the-scenes insights from a lifetime of devotion and attendance to the True Parents. We highly recommend it to you.
We invite you to pray for Peter and his family during this time of transition.”
Text: Knut Holdhus
Featured image above: Dr. Hyo-yul Peter Kim, 21st February 2013. Photo: Segye Ilbo
Difficult translation job: Father Moon speaking in Abuja, Nigeria 17th July 2011. Photo: FFWPU
