Chong Up Kim

Chong Up Kim

Chong was born in Seoul, South Korea, on 5 January 1941 to Baek Ryong Kim and Yang Sun Ham and was the second oldest of six siblings.  He was married to Yong Soon Chung for over 56 years and had two children (Mimi Marie Kim and Dean Sunny Kim). 

Before moving to the United States in 1975, Chong served in the Korean Army as a military police officer.  Chong, Yong and their two children came to the United States sponsored by Yong’s older sister (Diane Kyu Nam Copeland) and her husband (James Copeland) who served in the United States Army.  Six years later, Chong and his family were naturalized as United States citizens on 29 October 1981.    

Chong and Yong lived the majority of their lives in Lansing, Kansas, where he worked at a few manufacturing plants, then owned and operated several Korean restaurants.  Chong studied and practiced Korean martial arts and taught Taekwondo for several years before venturing into the restaurant business.  He enjoyed music and loved to sing like the rest of his siblings who were all music lovers and great singers.  He enjoyed fishing, watching action movies, and loved his dog Jerrongi.  Chong was an excellent cook and enjoyed making large Korean meals, but we all think that his greatest love was eating Korean food with Kimchi-jjigae being his favorite.     

Chong and Yong served the Lord and went to church religiously together for decades until mobility issues hindered their ability to travel.  For the past 10 years, Chong and Yong lived with their son; two years in Denver, Colorado, six years in Vero Beach, Florida, and two years in Brighton, Colorado, until his passing on 23 November 2025 at home at the age of 84.    

Chong is survived by his wife Yong Soon Kim, daughter Mimi Marie Kim, son Dean Sunny Kim, dog Jerrongi; along with his five siblings in South Korea (one older brother, one younger sister, and three younger brothers).  He is preceded in death by both of his parents.  Chong was a husband, father, son, uncle, brother, grandpa, and friend to many.  He will be missed and always remembered.  Rest in peace Dad.  We love you! 

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