Guests celebrating the 1,000th episode of Christian radio network Far East Broadcasting Company's (FEBC) radio program "Billy Kim Show," hosted by its chairman Billy Kim, gather around a cake at the FEBC Art Hall in Mapo District, western Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of FEBC

The "Billy Kim Show," hosted by Dr. Billy Kim, chairman of the leading Christian radio network Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) Korea, marked its 1,000th episode last week.

The radio station celebrated the milestone at FEBC Art Hall in Mapo District, northern Seoul, Friday, inviting some 700 listeners and guests who previously appeared on the show, including former foreign minister Yu Myung-hwan and TV personality Kim Won-hee.

Billy Kim, 89, is known as the oldest radio host in Korea and has presided over the show since its inception on Jan. 28, 2005. Also known as Pastor Kim Jang-hwan, he has made significant contributions beyond broadcasting, including providing up to 400 container houses for Syrian refugees in 2013 and winning the 13th YoungSan Diplomat Award in 2021 for enhancing Korea's national image through cultural and humanitarian efforts.

For nearly two decades, the "Billy Kim Show" has welcomed around 1,000 guests from diverse backgrounds. They include former presidents Kim Young-sam and Lee Myung-bak, actors Lee Jung-jae, Han Hye-jin, and Lee Ha-nee, as well as current Vice Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Jang Mi-ran, the 2008 Olympic weightlifting champion.

Billy Kim smiles during an event celebrating the 1,000th episode of the Far East Broadcasting Company's (FEBC) radio program, "Billy Kim Show," at FEBC Art Hall in Mapo District, western Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of FEBC.

The program, airing every Friday, has maintained a perfect record, never missing an episode, even during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was challenging to invite guests to share their life stories. During that period, employees at FEBC, including security staffers, were featured on the show, earning praise for sharing their genuine stories.

"I started the program to communicate with our audience and share the stories of their lives," Kim said. "It was all God's grace that has allowed me to air 1,000 episodes over the past two decades. I am thankful to have met so many people, and I want to show my appreciation to them. I received grace and learned a lot of things from them ... The 1,000-episode milestone is the biggest birthday gift from God."

He added that he would like to continue hosting the show and spread the gospel for as long as his health permits.

The 1,000-th episode celebration was also joined by FEBC and FEBA (Far East Broadcasting Association) country directors and board chairpersons from 23 nations and territories. They joined the event after participating in the FEBC's annual International Council Conference (ICC) held at Daebu Island off Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, from April 15-19.

Among them, Eduard Kurylenko, director of the Ukrainian FEBC, shared the impact of their broadcasts, noting that despite the deep scars of war, over 1 million listeners find daily encouragement through the gospel.

Launched in 1945, FEBC broadcasts are heard in 152 languages airing from 260 stations and transmitters worldwide, spanning locations from Hong Kong to Ukraine. In Korea, its first shortwave broadcast took place on Dec. 23, 1956, shortly after the 1950-53 Korean War.