Kathryn Heang Nan Kim

“‘Hallelujah!’ Kathryn Haeng Nan Kim shouted as she boarded the plane to America for the first time.

After more than 15 years of praying for the opportunity to come to the United States, the moment had finally arrived. Filled with joy, she turned back toward the crowd behind her and praised God before stepping onto the plane.

For those who knew Kathryn, the moment captured exactly who she was: bold in faith, passionate in spirit, and unwavering in her belief that God would provide.

Born in Seoul, Korea, Kathryn grew up during the Korean War. As a child, she remembered American soldiers handing Hershey’s chocolates to children while helping protect her country. Long before she ever stepped foot in America, she believed it was a country blessed by God and dreamed that one day she would live there herself.

Music became part of her life almost as early as faith. At 5 years old, she began singing in a children’s choir. By age 12, she was studying opera music, and by 15, she had already won three first-place awards in major vocal competitions across South Korea. She later became the first female choir conductor in Korea and performed as a guest soloist for the U.S. Army on numerous occasions.

But even more than music, Kathryn was defined by her faith. As a young woman helping support her family through hardship, she developed a deep relationship with Jesus Christ that would shape the rest of her life. She prayed regularly at a hidden prayer house on a mountain, boldly asking God for provision for her family and for a path to America.

Years later, that prayer was unexpectedly answered. After a recording of Kathryn singing was sent to the United States, she was accepted into the California Institute of the Arts without formally applying. The dream she had carried since childhood had suddenly become real.

At CalArts, Kathryn studied music with the support of Marni Nixon before continuing at Biola University. Kathryn continued her operatic training with Eleanor Steber, soprano, and Martin Rich, conductor, both with the Metropolitan Opera. In 1976, through a match arranged by her older sister, she married Dr. Timothy Kim. Together they built a life centered around ministry, music, and faith. Timothy accompanied Kathryn on piano and organ while she sang, and together they traveled to churches sharing their gifts and their love for God. For decades, they served as choir conductors in Maryland churches and produced several musical recordings together.

Kathryn and Timothy later raised two children, Grace and Eugene, whom she loved deeply and prayed for fervently. As a mother, Kathryn filled her home with energy, laughter, music, encouragement, and faith. She celebrated her children wholeheartedly and believed deeply in the calling and purpose on their lives, often long before they could see it for themselves.

She had a gift for bringing joy wherever she went. Whether speaking to a cashier, encouraging someone at church, or meeting a complete stranger, Kathryn treated people with warmth, curiosity, and generosity of spirit. Her children learned from watching her that joy was something meant to be shared freely with the world.

And if Kathryn loved you, she fed you.

Perhaps because she knew hardship and hunger growing up during and after the war, feeding people became one of the purest ways she expressed love. She never did anything halfway. If you came to her home for a snack, she would not hand you a single apple — she would prepare an entire fruit platter large enough for ten people with Grand Marnier sabayon sauce. Birthdays became full productions. Thanksgiving dinners felt like feasts. Decorations were never simple; they were joyful, elaborate, and overflowing. Kathryn was extra in every way, and the people around her were loved abundantly because of it.

If Kathryn knew it was your birthday, you could expect her to sing to you in her full operatic voice as loudly and passionately as possible, whether you wanted the attention or not. At graduations, when the audience was invited to join in singing a short musical excerpt, she did not sing quietly along like everyone else. She sang with full voice, with complete confidence and joy — simultaneously embarrassing her children and amazing everyone around her.

And when Kathryn encountered something beautiful, whether in nature, music, or life itself, she was often overcome with emotion. Sometimes she would begin to cry and loudly break into song, singing “This Is My Father’s World,” seeing beauty not simply as something emotional, but as evidence of God’s presence and goodness.

To her family, she was more than a mother. She was a constant source of belief, prayer, joy and encouragement. She taught those around her to dream boldly, trust God fully, care deeply for others, and never be afraid to give generously of yourself.

Kathryn’s life was marked by perseverance, devotion, and unwavering faith. She will be remembered for her powerful voice, her strength, her love for her family, and the bold faith that carried her from a small prayer house on a mountain in Korea all the way to America — still proclaiming, “Hallelujah.””

The Funeral will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00am at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. The family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall. She will be buried at Mount Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery.