Su Hwa Keum, "From Juche to Jesus: A Study of Worldview Transformation Among North Korean Defector Christians in South Korea" (Pickwick Publications, 2025)

Summary

In From Juche to Jesus: A Study of Worldview Transformation Among North Korean Defector Christians in South Korea (Pickwick Publications, 2025), Su Hwa Keum explores the profound spiritual journeys of North Korean defectors as they navigate the transition from Juche ideology to faith in Christ. While many encounter the gospel during their escape, genuine transformation requires more than exposure – it is a deep, internal process. Through personal interviews and grounded theory research, Keum examines the key factors and processes that lead to lasting worldview transformation. She highlights how experiencing God enables defectors to “replace the logic of survival with the logic of grace.” A scholarly, insightful and deeply personal work, From Juche to Jesus sheds light on the journey of faith and renewal, offering a powerful perspective on how the gospel reshapes hearts, minds, and entire worldviews.

Comments

Your Host

Dave Broucek

Dave Broucek is a retired cross-cultural missionary/coordinator of continuing education/international ministries director, having served on the staff of two faith-based nonprofits, The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) and South America Mission (SAM). He holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois.
View Profile