On August 26, Dcn. Andrew Kang, LC, was ordained to the transitional diaconate in Seoul, South Korea, the last step before his potential ordination to the priesthood next year, just in time to for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul!
Years ago, Dcn. Andrew left his home in South Korea for the United States, seeking freedom from the rigid expectations of his culture, his family, and his Catholic faith. But what he found was a joyful and liberating charism that transformed his life and led him to the priesthood.
“My path to the priesthood began with a rebellion.”
Growing up, Dcn. Andrew often felt stifled by what he saw as the rigid expectations of Korean culture and the faith of his traditional Catholic family, he shared in an interview with Aleteia. He left Korea for the United States in search of freedom from both his family and his faith, but here, he found, through the Legionaries of Christ, a “living, joyful, and liberating Catholicism.” This encounter enkindled his faith and set him on the path to the priesthood; in 2013, he entered the LC novitiate in Cheshire, Connecticut, and professed his first vows in 2015.
But during his formational process, Dcn. Andrew faced a major hurdle: fulfilling the compulsory military service required of all male Korean citizens over the age of 18. After having studied humanities for two years at the novitiate, his priestly formation was put on hold as he returned to Korea for a year and a half of military service. This time only confirmed and deepened his vocation to the priesthood, and he went on to continue his formation in the Philippines and then Rome.
Regnum Christi in South Korea
In Korea, where Catholics account for 11% of the total population, the Church is distinguished by a dynamism that is expressed in pastoral initiatives, mission, and a remarkable legacy of martyrs whose light continues to inspire the world.
Regnum Christi arrived in Korea thanks to the invitation of Cardinal Emeritus Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk, who welcomed the Legionaries for their charism and spirituality that could enrich the diocesan Church there. The first Legionary community in Korea formed in 2006, and today, there are four Legionaries of Christ in Korea, whose pastoral work has been key in keeping the local mission alive.
Yet the charism of Regnum Christi and the Legionaries of Christ, which promotes shared leadership and active participation of the laity, often contrasts with traditional Eastern culture.
“Korean society tends to follow a single leader and a single opinion, so the Church in Korea relies heavily on priests,”
“However, young people looking for new ways to live their faith are attracted to the authenticity and spirituality of Regnum Christi. Although they may not yet fully understand the lay apostolate, they feel inspired by the genuine witness of Regnum Christi.”
“The lack of authentic love and acceptance prevents young people from being themselves. Although Korea presents itself as a perfect and successful country, many young people suffer—Korea has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world.”
“Most of the Korean martyrs were lay people who, despite having little contact with priests, were willing to give their lives. Today, their deep faith and courage continue to be a great inspiration, and many of them have already been canonized or are on the road to sainthood. I hope that both the East and the West will see in these martyrs a model of a life of faith in our secular age, where following Christ still demands courage and sacrifice.”
After his time away in Korea, the Philippines, and Rome, he is very happy to be returning to the US for now, where he will be serving ECYD in Louisiana and working wholeheartedly to contribute to Christ’s mission.
Throughout his formation, Dcn. Andrew has also been actively engaged in digital evangelization. On Instagram, he has been blending elements of Korean culture, like K-pop, with his love for the Catholic faith, as a way to bring the Gospel to a new generation. Follow him on Instagram @coreano_lc.