King’s Cross Staff
Sangmin Lee
Senior Pastor, Elder
Sangmin is a Korean American who grew up in Virginia and returned to Korea in 2005 with dreams of entrepreneurship, only to end up in seminary instead. He completed his MDiv at Torch Trinity in 2010 and is now working on a Doctorate at Covenant Seminary. Married to Lois since 2013, he is the proud and often exhausted dad of two spirited daughters. He loves coffee, doodling on his iPad, and still believes his hoop dreams are alive. Known for his facial hair and occasionally being mistaken for a hip hop artist, Sangmin enjoys creating new things, laughing with his family, and pastoring King’s Cross Church, which he planted in 2017.
David Lee
Associate Pastor
David was born in the States and grew up between Virginia and Southern California before moving to Korea in 2011 to help plant a church. He spent fourteen years there, earning his Master of Divinity from Liberty University and discovering his love for discipleship and helping people find real community in the church. He is married to Annie and is kept very busy by his three energetic children, Isaac, Elim, and Zoe, who ensure that “quiet time” remains mostly theoretical. When he does get a moment to himself, David enjoys watching movies and training Brazilian jiu jitsu, where he can finally grapple with someone who listens.
Esther Bae
Operations Director
Born in Korea, raised in New Jersey & Hong Kong, Esther has a heart for sharing Christ’s love with those from all walks of life. As Operational Director, she makes sure everything at King’s Cross runs smoothly, from services to community events. A strength coach and founder of a gym focused on holistic fitness, Esther is passionate about helping others grow stronger—both in faith and fitness—and loves creating spaces where people feel truly seen, supported, and loved.
Kezia Lewitra
Children’s Ministry Director
Kezia came to Korea in 2020 after meeting some incredibly warm Korean friends during her time with YWAM Australia, and she has been here ever since. Drawn to ministry and counseling, she earned an MA in Christian Counseling at Torch and is now tackling an MDiv at Chongshin. Kezia loves listening to people’s stories and has developed a big heart for kids, especially their unfiltered honesty and wonderfully strange questions. When she is not studying or serving, you can usually find her with a good cup of coffee, a pretty view, and a few of her favorite people.
Eunice Yun
Preteens Ministry Director
Eunice was born and raised in Korea but spent several years studying at a Bible college in the United Kingdom, where she surprised herself by genuinely enjoying the English food and weather. She loves working with children and brings a calm, cheerful presence wherever she goes. Music is her favorite companion, especially Bach and a bit of jazz, and she is always on the lookout for good quality food, coffee, and tea. If you meet her on Sunday, you’ll quickly notice her warm spirit and thoughtful care for both kids and families at King’s Cross.
Kanyuira Jakes
Ministry Intern
Originally from Kenya, Jakes is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Chongshin University. With a background in Economics and a heart for leadership and discipleship, he is passionate about helping the next generation grow in biblical truth, spiritual depth, and everyday wisdom. He loves seeing young people discover their purpose in Christ and step confidently into servant hearted leadership. Outside the classroom and ministry settings, Jakes enjoys cultural exchange, good stories, meaningful conversations, and exploring new corners of Korea one coffee shop at a time.
Our Elders
Paul John
Born and raised in India, Paul came to the United States in his teens and eventually found his way to Silicon Valley. He is married to Annie, and together they have a ten year old son, Aiden, who brings joy and energy into their home. Paul has a gift for conversation and can talk to anyone, and he is one of the best encouragers you will ever meet. His warmth and genuine care for people make him easy to trust and easy to love. When he is not spending time with family, Paul enjoys good food, good company, and finding ways to make others feel seen and uplifted.
Jae Lee
Born in Korea and raised between Korea and the United States, Jae has learned to move easily between cultures and people. He is married to Yeryoung and is a devoted father to Soomin and Sooah. With a career in tech, he thrives in innovation but is just as known for his quiet strength behind the scenes. Jae serves when no one is watching, doing the hard work that few notice but everyone depends on. Whether through his work, his family, or his relationships, he carries a steady heart for missions, community, and making a meaningful impact wherever God places him.