'[1][2] Prominent figures in modern Korean history, such as Kim Kyu-sik, Ahn Chang-ho, and Choi Hyeon-bae, have been associated with this church.
[3] The Saemoonan Church was founded in September 1887 when Horace Grant Underwood baptized one person and appointed two elders in an organization of fourteen Koreans.
[8] Ironically, the unique external facade that remained from the architect's original plan led to the building's international recognition.
Lee Sang-hak received his doctorate from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, focusing on "Sin and Salvation Based on the Han Experience of Koreans."
He argued for shifting the Korean church's traditional judicial model of salvation to an image of healing, a stance that stirred some controversy.
Lee pointed out that overly punitive interpretations of the crucifixion may negatively impact those who have experienced han (deep-seated grief or resentment).