CAPE TOWN – The REALS Institute held its official opening ceremony on February 20 at 5:00 PM, marking a significant milestone for the research organization. Although the institute began its operations in January 2026, this belated celebration served as a formal dedication of its mission to study the African context through a Korean missionary lens.
The event was attended by nine missionary families, along with distinguished guests from South Korea. Notably, Dr. Bonjour Bay (Ph.D)—a Senior Fellow of the institute—and his wife, as well as Deacon Cho Jeong-Yeon and his wife, traveled from Korea to offer their special congratulations.
The ceremony commenced with a prayer by Rev. Hyun-tae Kim, Vice President of KOMICSA, followed by a sermon from Rev. Paul K. Han, Representative of WMF. The service concluded with a benediction by Dr. Jae-soo Kim. Following the service, attendees joined the plaque unveiling ceremony and cake-cutting celebration with the institute's researchers, Rev. Joung-Young Lee and Missionary Hyun-Joo Kim.
The evening concluded with a time of fellowship, solidifying the institute's commitment to serving as a bridge between Korean theological research and African field ministry.