Kenneth Kyu Sup Chung

October 15, 1925 – January 26, 2025

Kenneth Kyu Sup Chung, a distinguished former naval officer, diplomat, and pillar of the Korean American community in the Washington, D.C. area, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia. He was 99.

Born on October 15, 1925, in Hamneung Village, Hwanghae Province, Korea, Kenneth was the son of Kwang Ho Chung and In Yeon Kim. His early life was shaped by the turbulent era of Japanese occupation and the aftermath of World War II. At the age of 20, Kenneth bravely escaped communist expansion, making a perilous journey on foot to South Korea. With determination and resilience, he entered the newly formed Korean Naval Academy, graduating as a member of its first class in 1946.

Kenneth served with valor as a naval officer during the Korean War, playing a critical role in safeguarding national treasures and protecting South Korea’s assets from invading forces. Rising through the ranks to Rear Admiral, his military career laid the foundation for a life devoted to public service.

In 1955, Kenneth began his diplomatic career as Naval Attaché to the South Korean Embassy in the United States. That same year, he met and married the love of his life, In Sook Choi, with whom he would share nearly 70 years of marriage. Together, they raised a loving family while Kenneth served in key diplomatic posts worldwide. His roles included Charge d’Affaires in Nairobi, Kenya; counselor to London, England; Consul General in New York City; and Ambassador to Tunis, Tunisia. As First Minister to Washington, D.C., Kenneth strengthened ties between South Korea and the United States, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike.

Following his retirement from the Foreign Service in 1974, Kenneth immigrated to the United States and established Chung Enterprises, where he dedicated himself to mentoring Korean American small business owners. His commitment to community was evident in his roles as Chairman of the Korean American Scholarship Foundation and advocate for the Korean Veterans Association.

Kenneth’s Christian faith was central to his life. A founding member and elder of McLean Korean Presbyterian Church, he was a compassionate leader and tireless servant to his congregation. He also partnered with organizations like the Anacostia Gospel Church to extend his faith-driven mission to underserved communities.

Kenneth will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, faith, and community. He is survived by his beloved wife, In Sook Chung, and their children: John and his wife Ellie, David and his wife Linh, Peter and his wife Mina, Margaret and grandchildren, Michael, Paul, Claire, Chloe, Zeno and Dahlia and great grandchildren, Emmie, Luca and Julian, whose lives he enriched with his wisdom, humility, and boundless love.

A celebration of Kenneth’s remarkable life and legacy will be held on February 14th at McLean Korean Presbyterian Church, with interment to follow at the National Memorial Park in Falls Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Korean American Scholarship Foundation or the Family Counseling Center of Greater Washington in Kenneth’s honor.

Kenneth Kyu Sup Chung leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, faith, and kindness, inspiring all who were fortunate enough to know him.