The story of Br. Sanguu Kan, L.C., born in South Korea and training in the Legion of Christ to become a priest, it is a story marked by research and renunciations, the culture shock, faith and perseverance. Arrived in the United States speaking neither English nor Spanish, experienced loneliness and internal questions about his identity. cultural, but he also discovered a charisma that transformed his life. His take on Korean culture - its beauty, its shadows and the pressure on youth - provides the necessary sensitivity for the dialogue between cultures. With evangelizing creativity and a solid awareness of the value of the laity, today he encourages others to evangelize also in the digital world. On the eve of the next World Youth Day to be held in Seoul in 2027, His experience helps us to understand the spiritual, cultural and social context that will welcome thousands of young people from all over the world.
H. Sanguu Kan, L.C., how did you discover that God was calling him for vocational discernment in the Legion of Christ?
I never intended to become a priest, although some of my relatives were priests and nuns. When I visited Sacred Heart Vocational Center Scott in Indiana to study in the United States, I met Fr. Raily, L.C., who transformed my percepcis priesthood: that of a soldier of Christ. At the vocational center I discovered the charisma and I immediately identified with the Legion's mission of Christtransforming society in order to the glory of God. See his enthusiastic dedication for the Kingdom inspired me to discern my vocation to the Legion.
What difficulties did you have to face in order to respond to this vocational concern?
Living as a Korean in the Legion, for me, has been an experience in which I have worked and learned to cultivate humility. At the beginning, not knowing English or Spanish made me feel like I was a a little ignorant and isolated. Many times I asked myself: Can I be a good Legionary as a Korean? Do they trust me? Can I share the joy of following Christ with my family and friends in Korea? Since there are few Asians in the Legion, at times, the reached thinkr which does not me was going to sentgo to heard nor that the experience would result in distant. However, I gradually realized that it was not & was through thise challenge that I discovered that humility is the key to go forward and live more fully my vocation like legionarii.
When you decided to leave Korea, what aspects of youth culture and reality marked your discernment and how did the path to the Legion open up for you?
Korean culture deeply values order and harmony, virtues that helped the country overcome poverty after the Korean War. Koreans are hardworking and down-to-earth, and I believe the world is attracted to Korean culture (K-pop, K-dramas, K-beauty) because it reflects that sense of order and harmony. However, when harmony becomes superficial, it destroys diversity. In Korea, the individual is often forced to sacrifice himself or herself for society, trying to fit into an image of perfection. This 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 and, as a result, it has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world.
What has been the path of the Regnum Christi in Korea since your arrival and what challenges have marked your growth?
Regnum Christi came to Korea at the invitation of Cardinal Emeritus Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk, who welcomed the Legionaries for their charism and spirituality that could enrich the diocesan Church. The Legionary community began in 2006. In the years of renewal and discernment of the CongregacióIn addition, the advance of the Regnum Christi in Korea went through a lull, although it eventually took off again.; today four legionnaires remain present and committed to evangelization. With their constant work, the sections of Regnum Christi in Korea remain alive and committed to the mission.
How have the people of Oriente to a charisma strongly marked by the West?
Our charisma often contrasts with traditional Eastern culture. Korean society tends to follow a single leader and a single opinion, whereas our charisma promotes shared leadership and active participation of the laity. This was difficult to accept at first, since the Church in Korea relies heavily on priests. However, as young people look for new ways to live their faith, are increasingly attracted by authenticity & spirituality ofl Regnum Christi. Although we have not yet fully understand the lay apostolate, feel inspired by the genuine witness of the spirituality of the Regnum Christi.
The next World Youth Day will be in Korea. From your point of view, what elements of the faith lived in Korea could inspire the rest of the world?
One of the greatest treasures of the Korean Church is the spirituality of its martyrs. Most of them were lay people who, despite having little contact with priests, were willing to give their lives for Christ. Their deep faith and courage remain a great inspiration. Today, many of them have already been canonized or beatified and others are on the road to sainthood. I hope that both East and West will see in these martyrs a model of faith in our secular age, when following Christ still demands courage and sacrifice.
You have been very active in social networks, you even participated in the Digital Missionaries Jubilee. Why is it important that more and more consecrated people take the step into the digital world?
Honestly, I do not believe that all consecrated people should be active in social networks. In fact, I prefer that religious and consecrated people devote more time to prayer, Bible reading and personal encounters that bring others to the Church. Evangelization in social networks is not an obligation, but a vocation. Social media can be harmful in many ways, but, as consecrated men and women, we have a responsibility to help people use it well and to support evangelization wherever it occurs, even in the digital world. Still, I believe that social networks are primarily a space for the laity, while consecrated persons belong fully to Christ.
What do you do in the social networks?
I believe reels on Instagram to promote the digital mission. I want to encourage others to share their faith on social media in simple and creative ways. My reels are easy to imitate and show that any Catholic can evangelize digitally. To the people that follows me, likes my content because I present faith through everyday life, humor, and youth culture, and many say that my reels have a very «Korean» style. I think what attracts people most is their simplicity and their Christ-centered message.
How do you organize your time so as not to get lost in thes networkis social when spiritual life demands spaces of silence and, if applicable, also spaces of community life?
Balancing time is a big challenge; that's why I don't think all consecrated people should be involved in social media. To understand and connect with people online, I need to spend more time there than many religious. But I have a fixed schedule for social networking, which helps me set priorities and protect my time for prayer and community life.
Este jubilee that we had to live What message of hope would you give to this polarized and politicized world?
My message of hope is simple: God loves you always! Remain strong in Christ. I have noticed that few people really know this Good News, and even fewer live it authentically. When a true follower of Jesus says, «God loves you, even unto death,» those words have power. The world needs witnesses who live that truth with sincerity and joy.
