Andrew Yeom Soo-jung was born in Ansong, South Korea, on 5 December 1943, into a Catholic family five generations deep — a direct descendant of Joseph Yeom Deok-sun, among Korea's first converts, and of Peter Yeom Seok-tae, martyred in 1850. He entered the seminary at fifteen and was ordained a priest on 8 December 1970 by Cardinal Kim Sou-hwan. He took a master's in counseling psychology at Korea University, taught at the Seoul minor seminary, became rector of the major seminary in 1987 and chancellor of the archdiocese in 1992.
In December 2001 John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Seoul; he was consecrated in January 2002. On 10 May 2012 Benedict XVI named him Metropolitan Archbishop of Seoul, also entrusting him with the titular administration of Pyongyang in North Korea. Pope Francis created him a cardinal on 22 February 2014, with the title of San Crisogono — the third Korean cardinal. He retired on 28 October 2021.
Consequential Quotes
I would like to be a gentle shepherd who cares for every lamb of the flock, capable of holding together the whole flock.
Major Works & Initiatives
Archbishop of Seoul
Led the world's largest urban archdiocese through rapid change.
Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang
Titular shepherd of the Church in North Korea.
Chairman of the Catholic Peace Broadcasting Corporation
Led the Church's media apostolate in Korea.
Controversies
On the record
No significant public controversies reported.