Se Young Kang

Born in Iksan, South Korea, Se Young Kang earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Business Administration from Korea University. He went on to build a distinguished career in the construction industry, holding leadership roles on major international projects for one of South Korea’s leading construction firms throughout the 1970s to 1990s. His work took him to overseas offices in cities such as London, Los Angeles, and New York City, where he spent several years overseeing and contributing to large-scale development efforts.

In his mid-50s, Se Young and his family moved to the United States, where he responded to God’s calling to ministry. He enrolled at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to pursue a Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree, and it was during this time that he began serving as a campus minister at the University of Louisville. With a heart for reaching the nations through the next generation, he devoted himself to sharing the gospel with international students. He worked closely with members of St. Matthews Baptist Church and the Korean Christian community in Louisville to lead weekly campus outreach events held in lecture halls, where over 100 students would gather to receive a free lunch and hear a message from the Bible. What began with just 13 students grew into a vibrant and faithful ministry that continued for 18 years and touched countless lives. Beyond campus, he welcomed countless students into his home for Bible study and home-cooked dinners, creating a warm and open space for spiritual growth and fellowship.

His ministry extended in creative and compassionate ways through weekly Wednesday English classes, golf ministry outings, and various outreach efforts designed to build bridges of friendship and faith. Even after students graduated and moved away, Se Young and his wife, Euisoon, would often drive long distances across the country to visit them - offering prayer, encouragement, and continued spiritual care. Whether teaching in a classroom, sharing a meal, or walking alongside others in their faith journeys, he served with unwavering humility, conviction, and compassion.

A lifelong learner and lover of the arts, humanities, philosophy, and classical music, Se Young found his deepest joy in studying the Bible. He was known for his gentle spirit, deep kindness, and unwavering humility. He never raised his voice in anger and consistently put others before himself.

He is survived by his loving wife, his son and daughter-in-law, his daughter and her fiancé, two grandsons, one sister, and three brothers. He was preceded in death by one of his older sisters.

A viewing will be held at 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, followed by a memorial service at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the campus ministry at St. Matthews Baptist Church — a cause that Se Young held close to his heart.