The man behind "The Hand of God" | An exclusive interview with Yongsung Kim

For centuries, the iconic imagery of Jesus Christ has often leaned into the "Man of Sorrows." We see Him weighed down by the cross, crowned with thorns, or weeping in Gethsemane. While these depictions honor His ultimate sacrifice, world-renowned artist YongSung Kim felt something was missing: the joy that Christ brought into his own life.

In an exclusive interview with Scripture Central, Yongsung opened up about his transition from a "ship without a mast" to one of the most beloved Christian artists of the modern era. His goal is to show a side of the Savior that many don't yet know.

A Purpose Found in the Light

As a young man, he describes himself as introverted, struggling with deep feelings of inferiority and a lack of purpose.

"I hadn't realized the value of my life... I was just wandering around aimlessly," Kim shared.

Everything changed when he encountered the Jesus. Realizing that Christ died for him personally gave Yongsung a sense of his "preciousness" that he had never felt. This newfound self-esteem sparked a question that would change the course of his art: Why are there no paintings of a happy Jesus?

The "Beautiful" Savior

Yongsung recalled visiting Christian bookstores and seeing only "heavy and solemn" depictions of Christ. He felt a disconnect between the suffering figure on the canvas and the "beautiful person" who had brought him so much happiness.

Right then and there, he made a promise with the Lord. He wouldn't paint landscapes to earn a living anymore; he would resume a mission to paint a "beautiful type of Jesus"—a Savior who smiles, reaches out, and radiates hope.

"The Hand of God"

One of Kim’s most famous pieces, The Hand of God, depicts Jesus reaching deep into the water to grasp Peter. 

"He knows all too well that we are such weak beings prone to sinning again and again," Yongsung said. "Yet, despite that, He patiently waits for us until the very end."

A Pilgrim’s Progress

Today, YongSung views himself as a fellow "pilgrim" on the way back to a heavenly home. He sees the word of God as the "navigation system" for his life and his art as a way to "feed the sheep" of the Lord across the globe.

"Without him, my life would have no meaning."

This interview comes after Yongsung Kim released a series of new paintings that can be found on Havenlight Art's website.