Billy Graham Crusade That Drew Millions... Reopens After 50 Years

The 'Billy Graham Crusade 50th Anniversary Commemorative Event' will be held at 3 p.m. on the 3rd of next month at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.

The event was organized to commemorate the large-scale evangelistic crusade held by American pastor Billy Graham (1918?2018), who visited Korea in May?June 1973, 50 years ago.

His visit, during which he also served as a mentor to several former U.S. presidents, is credited with ushering in an era of Christian revival in Korea. The crusade held from May 30 to June 3 attracted a crowd of 3.34 million people.

Billy Graham's love for Korea was profound. During the Korean War, he reportedly visited U.S. President Truman and appealed tearfully, saying, "Are you going to give up when 500,000 Korean believers who trust in Jesus Christ are praying to save their country?" His appeal is credited with leading to the participation of 16 UN countries in the war.

According to the 'Billy Graham Crusade 50th Anniversary Commemorative Event Preparatory Committee,' the event will be divided into two parts: a commemorative concert and the main event.

The main event will proceed with a congratulatory video from President Yoon Suk-yeol and a congratulatory speech by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, followed by the opening prayer by Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church and co-chairman of the event, and a special praise session.

The main speaker will be Pastor Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s son. He was appointed as the head of the relief organization 'Samaritan’s Purse' in 1979 and currently conducts relief activities worldwide. He is also known to have close ties with U.S. political and business circles and played a significant role in facilitating meetings between former President Moon Jae-in and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The joint prayer will be led by Oh Jung-hyun, senior pastor of Sarang Church and representative chairman of the event, and the benediction will be given by Kim Sam-hwan, senior pastor emeritus of Myungsung Church and co-chairman of the event.