From war to mercy: South Korea’s Compassion story

An act of compassion became a movement after Korea was divided between the north and south by a brutal war in the 1950s– a division that remains to the present day.  

It was this war that sparked a pastor’s visit from the U.S. to South Korea. He was deeply touched by the plight of so many malnourished and homeless children on the streets. He knew he had to do something. His first act of compassion eventually became a movement, Compassion International – the second largest child sponsorship organisation in the world.  

Be moved by compassion – find out here how you can sponsor a child. 

Justin Suh, CEO of Compassion South Korea, meets a young child sponsored in one of the Compassion projects. Photo: Compassion

Now, South Korea is the first country to move from receiving Compassion sponsors’ support, to becoming a country of givers — sponsoring other children in need around the world. Dr Justin Suh is at the forefront of this transition. Born in Korea and educated in the U.S., Justin returned to Korea as a professor for six years before becoming the founding CEO of Compassion South Korea. His 23 years with Compassion is a call to help connect generous sponsors to vulnerable children. Justin explains that his frequent visits to the field countries where Compassion works have always motivated him. “To me, it's not a whole bunch of numbers, it's every child being transformed. That's the happiest encounter that I've ever experienced.” 

Justin Suh visits schools and churches across the world in his work to alleviate poverty and empower children through Compassion. Photo: Compassion

Justin knows the transformation that happens for children attending the Compassion centres is made possible by the generosity of each child’s sponsor, and it’s inspired by the dedicated teachers, project directors and pastors who are living out their faith for the children in their care. 

 "At the Compassion centres, it’s just like Jesus embracing the children, and looking at them directly, and saying, ‘God loves you and he must have a wonderful plan for your life!’ That inspires me!” 

The teachers communicate this compassion and offer hope to each child.  “I think that's the key to transformation. It's linking Jesus, God’s love, and his Word — directly to the children through the teachers. Compassion is more than a curriculum; it's the real human, heart-to-heart connection that transforms. 

From New Zealand alone, 7,629 children are sponsored by 9,954 sponsors.  

Justin sharing the work of Tearfund’s sponsorship partner, Compassion at Auckland Full Gospel Church in Auckland.  Photo: Tearfund

We're fighting against extreme poverty — the kind that asks, ‘Am I going to have one meal today?’ 

The Bible says, the Good Samaritan saw the stranger and had compassion. Really seeing —that is very, very important.  

“I always tell people that one-third of the world’s population is living in extreme poverty. To me, that is just a number. But can you imagine one child looking at you and pleading, can you help me? That makes a whole lot of difference. See, and be compassionate. That's where God's heart is,” says Justin. 

We can do more – we can be the channel of his blessings. In the Bible, even though God wants to save everyone, he always mentions children, widows, and orphans. That’s where God's heart is. 

Sponsor a child

Today, Tearfund partners with Compassion to bring Kiwis on this journey. Together we empower children around the world through good education, quality healthcare, and the support of a loving church community— so that those children to reach their God-given potential as they are known, loved and protected.