On 1 February 2026, Rev. Dr. Kang-Hee Han took up his position as Head of Unit East Asia at the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS).

Originally from South Korea, he has extensive experience in church ministry, academic teaching and international ecumenical cooperation. He is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) and served as senior pastor of a congregation in Seoul for many years. 

Alongside his pastoral work, he taught at two leading South Korean institutions known for their strong theological education and social engagement: Hanshin University and Yonsei University. He also worked with the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK), where he coordinated international partnerships and fostered the exchange with ecumenical organisations worldwide. 

His academic path also led him to Europe, where he earned his PhD in World Christianity from the University of Edinburgh in 2014. Since then, he has consistently combined theological reflection with practical ministry and international project work.

Rev. Dr. Kang-Hee Han has been connected with EMS for over a decade. During this time, he has been involved in peace initiatives and youth programmes, gaining a deep understanding of the organisation’s international network. 

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Han says, “I understand mission as a web of witness — a network of relationships through which the gospel is lived out by striving for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. I look forward to strengthening this perspective within EMS and developing it further together with our partners.”

In his new position, Han's focus will be on advancing peacebuilding efforts in East Asia. A key priority will be the Korean Peninsula, where the political situation remains fragile. At the same time, he is committed to strengthening theological exchange by developing new programmes for young theologians and facilitating dialogue.

Further expanding EMS’s international partnerships will also play a central role. Han takes a network-based approach, connecting churches and organisations across regional and cultural boundaries to foster mutual learning and shared responsibility. 

Rev. Georg Meyer, Head of Department Regions and Mission Associations at EMS, says: “We are truly blessed to have a colleague of such calibre join our team in the secretariat and look forward to Han charting new paths in order to strengthen relationships between East Asia and the rest of the EMS fellowship.” 

With Rev. Dr. Kang-Hee Han, an internationally experienced leader is taking on the role of Head of the East Asia Unit. He will contribute to deepening relationships between churches in Europe and East Asia, as well as strengthening EMS as a global network of exchange, solidarity and shared learning.