CHARLESTON, S.C. (courtesy charlestonsouthern.edu) — Dr. Dondi Costin, president of Charleston Southern University, and Dr. Shinil Yoon, president of Kangnam University in South Korea, signed an agreement of partnership June 19.
The partnership grew from a relationship both universities have with Dr. Billy Kim, evangelist and chairman of the Far East Broadcasting Company-Korea. Kim spoke at CSU in the spring at the invitation of Costin. Kim then invited Costin to South Korea and introduced him to Kangnam University.
Costin said, “I am excited beyond words at what the Lord has made to develop. This partnership is going to glorify God. Students from CSU and Kangnam will learn together, worship together and study together.”
“This partnership is very important to us,” said Yoon. “We share the common goal to share the Kingdom of God. Dr. Costin visited Korea, and only four months later, all this has happened. God has worked through all of us.” Kangnam University is a private Christian university.
Up to 40 Kangnam University students will study at CSU beginning in August in the Horton School of Music. Yoon said, “We are starting with the music exchange program and hope to expand into other programs.”
Also assisting with the partnership to provide a home away from home for the students will be Charleston Korean United Methodist Church, located just blocks from CSU. Ki Hung Kim, an elder, said the church would welcome the students and provide a comfortable experience for them.
Pastor of the church, Rev. Yon Taek Bae, is a graduate of Kangnam University. He said the pianist at the church is a Charleston Southern graduate, so CSU and Kangnam have already been in partnership.
Costin presented Yoon with a crystal vase engraved with the seals of both schools and Ephesians 2:10.
“We look forward to what God is going to do with this partnership,” said Costin.