I vividly recall the time I met Rev. Ilduk Kim in Glenside, Pennsylvania. She had arrived with three other pre-ministers from Korea, and we gathered to embark on our ministerial studies at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, eager yet uncertain of what lay ahead. At the time, I only knew that Ilduk was the granddaughter of Third Head Dharma Master Daesan, a lineage that seemed to carry immense honor as well as significant responsibility. But as I got to know her, I discovered that Ilduk embodied the essence of faith and dedication inspired by her grandfather in a way that profoundly influenced me.
Rather than shrinking in the face of challenges, Ilduk consistently faced them head-on, drawing strength from the wisdom of her spiritual mentors. Her resilience and unwavering faith were more than just admirable, they served as living lessons in perseverance. This strength became even more apparent when, years after our ordination, Ilduk reached out to me with unexpected news.
In 2016, she applied to become a Buddhist chaplain for the US Navy. It all began with an email from a navy recruiter, who contacted her after she updated her LinkedIn profile, asking: “Are you interested in Buddhist chaplaincy in the Navy?” The timing of this message coincided with her grandfather’s 18th memorial service—a sign that she saw as auspicious, compelling her to apply.
Although the news caught many by surprise, it wasn’t out of character for those who knew her well. Ilduk had always been someone who met the unknown with strength. The role of a navy chaplain, especially for an Asian female Buddhist, was both rewarding and daunting, yet she approached it with the same resolve she had shown throughout her spiritual journey. Reflecting on her motivation, she shared, “My grandfather, Venerable Daesan, was my role model for entering the priesthood, a living example of unlimited wisdom and compassion. His teachings on realizing world peace through mindfulness practice and interfaith dialogue have become my platform.” Her family’s unwavering support also played a pivotal role in her decision, despite initial skepticism. When her brother first learned of her interest in becoming a Navy chaplain, he exclaimed, “Are you crazy? You don’t even like exercising!” Over time, however, he recognized it as the right path for her, hoping that she would bring comfort to all she encountered, even in brief moments.
On one of my visits, while she was stationed in Virginia, Ilduk shared the hardships of life at sea—months away from home, cramped quarters, cold drafts, and limited internet access, often compounded by loneliness. “It was a very lonely path. From the Won Buddhist community, I am a stranger walking an unknown path in the military. From the Navy chaplain community, I am a stranger because I am not Christian. Although I am a chaplain, there are times when people don’t refer to me as one.” Through these trials, Ilduk’s faith became her anchor. She explained, “Practicing faith is like connecting to a Wi-Fi network. You have to put in the effort to stay connected. As a minority, I’ve learned how crucial and difficult it can be to maintain faith in a constantly shifting environment.”
What sustained her the most was the meaningful interactions she had with sailors and marines, guiding them through difficult times with mindfulness and meditation techniques. Her gentle yet firm approach became a lifeline for many, offering relief from the stress of military life. “I taught the British Royal Navy mindfulness every Tuesday evening while serving in Bahrain. I still remember one sailor telling me, ‘Chaps, after your class last week, I slept like a baby for the first time in six months. Thank you.’”
Today, she is known not just by her Won Buddhist Dharma name, Ilduk, but also by her title: Lt. Cmdr. Saejeong Kim. Based at Camp Foster in Okinawa, she serves as the chaplain for Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. She is the first female Asian-American Buddhist chaplain to achieve this rank, breaking significant barriers in a predominantly male, Christian, and white field. Reflecting on her promotion to lieutenant commander, Ilduk said, “I am honored and humbled. I’m grateful to my Navy mentors who extended their compassion and insight along the way.”
One of her most notable achievements was organizing the Navy’s first-ever Buddhist Dharma service aboard the USS McFaul (DDG 74), leading to the official flying of the Buddhist pennant in 2022. This monumental moment symbolized the Navy’s growing recognition of religious diversity, especially for Buddhist service members. Thanks to her efforts, Buddhist chaplains will now be more visible and supported, and the US Marine Corps even introduced a Buddhist chaplain subdued collar insignia—yet another testament to her trailblazing work.
Her journey has not been without its detractors. “Some told me that the Navy didn’t need an active-duty Buddhist chaplain and suggested I serve in the reserve component instead. It diminished my work, but I persevered.” Her mantra over the past six years has been simple but powerful: to be fully present, with acceptance, gratitude, generosity, and dedication.
To honor her spiritual and cultural heritage, Lt. Cmdr. Kim chose to hold her promotion ceremony at the stupa of Ven. Daesan in South Korea. When asked why this site held such significance, she explained:
Since my family couldn’t witness my Navy career due to the distance, I asked Lt. Col. Southworth, my executive officer, if he could administer my promotion when he received orders to South Korea. My elderly father couldn’t travel to Okinawa, so this felt like the perfect opportunity. The stupa, which my mother and other Won Buddhist practitioners visit daily for prayer, is deeply meaningful to me. Ven. Daesan, my grandfather, was my inspiration for entering the priesthood, and the stupa, a memorial to the first three founding teachers of Won Buddhism, stands as a constant reminder of my spiritual path. As I continue to break new ground in the Navy, I wanted my promotion to be grounded in the teachings of the Buddha, which have guided me every step of the way.
Lt. Cmdr. Saejeong Kim’s story is one of quiet but determined revolution. She has shown that true pioneers don’t just break barriers—they redefine what’s possible. Her advice to others who might be following in her footsteps? “Everyone says ‘be yourself,’ but as a minority, it’s tough. We’re often expected to meet external expectations. I recommend creating an intentional zone of ‘no rush, no hurry, and no worry’—wherever you are.”
As a Dharma friend, I am deeply inspired by her journey. Rev. Ilduk’s promotion is not just a personal achievement but a shining example of hope for future generations of Buddhist chaplains. Her path proves that diversity and inclusion are not only ideals but living, attainable realities.
Related features from BDG
A Dharma Message for “May We Gather”
At the Heart of Buddhist Chaplaincy
A Buddhist Chaplain for the Tibetan Community in Toronto
Toward a Multi-faith Vision of University Chaplaincy in America: An Interview with Reverend Greg McGonigle
Buddhist Prison Chaplain: An Interview with Andrew Williams
