Northern-Asia Pacific Division President Tenders Resignation

The resignation of Kang Soongi, Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) president, was received by Erton Köhler, General Conference (GC) president, on September 28. Kang’s resignation will be presented to the GC Executive Committee.

Kang was elected NSD president at the 2025 GC Session, after serving as president of Korean Union Conference (KUC) from 2020-2025.

Kang presented administration with a letter of resignation while attending pre-meetings in the United States ahead of Annual Council. Division officers were informed the morning of September 29. As division president, Kang is also a vice-president of the General Conference.

“I have made this decision with a sincere desire to place the Church’s interests, unity, and mission above my personal position,” said Kang in his resignation letter. “Leadership carries responsibility, and I believe that responsibility should be approached with humility, integrity, and respect for the Church’s principles and processes.”

Kang’s resignation comes following losses from the KUC investment portfolio, with significant impact to the Korean Church employee retirement fund.

As far back as 2012, investments were made in private equity, venture capital, project financing, and other special consideration securities. Recent changes in the investment real estate market led to volatile conditions.

As part of the regular financial audit, General Conference Auditing Service (GCAS) assessed KUC’s valuation of the retirement fund investments. GCAS was asked to provide a preliminary report to KUC executive committee in August 2026.

The 2025 audit is ongoing and will be released according to policy.