The Story Of Daud Kim
The Story of Daud Kim is about a South Korean YouTuber who converted to Islam and documented his journey on social media. He faced backlash and criticism from some people in South Korea, but also received support from the Muslim community. His story has been an inspiration to many and has helped promote understanding and acceptance of different faiths.
Key Moments
Why Davud’s name was chosen?
When I converted to islam, people said I didn’t have to change my name, because I was born Catholic. So I changed the pronunciation of my name to doubt David.
Are you planning to move Muslim country in the future?
Yeah I think so because I feel comfortable in my country, but I think I should learn more in Islamic atmosphere and more knowledgeable Muslim people.
Turkey, Egypt, Arabia? I don’t know yet, I want to go to other countries too, like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, then after I travel around the world I can choose one country to live in.
Before Islam, what did you believe in?
When you’re a child, you go to church with your parents, but you don’t have that much belief because you don’t have chance to think deeply about this.
Why did you start questioning your beliefs?
I have a lot of musician friends so i had chance to go small concert in Indonesia jakarta. I've never known about islam at all because in Korea there's no knowledge about islam and I only know about terrorism. So I was really curious when I came to Indonesia and saw many girls who wear scarf and the guys who have the beard and pray.
When I was young i thought islam was dangerous, but when I came to Indonesia people were so kind and calm and always smiled and helped other people, so I got interested in islam and started a youtube channel where I upload cover music videos.
After that I felt like talking about my feelings in Indonesia, so I shared my feelings in youtube and many people advised me to learn Islam. So I slowly practiced islam, went to mosque, prayed in the mosque, and fasted in Ramadan, and my belief have grown.
Were you Muslim at that time? You’re practicing?
I don’t have belief in islam, but I want to learn more about other cultures, so I joined a meditation group. But I have a little bit depression, and Korean society is very competitive. When I practiced islam I felt like I found something I lost, because the school didn’t teach me why I was from, who I was, or where I was going. But Islam gave me the answer.
When I practice Islam, when I’m with Muslim friends, and when I pray, I realize that the purpose of my life is to obey Allah, and I feel gratitude to my creator. So I fast in Ramadan to honor my creator.
How did you give the Sahada?
Two years ago, after the Ramadan, I started to believe in god, but I wasn’t sure if I could be a Muslim because I live in Korea and the lifestyle is too different. Then a Korean muslim guy messaged me and asked me if he could help me.
And he answered me he understand about that like nobody is perfect nobody's perfect and even if you be a muslim it's not easy to have a perfect Muslim life but even if you do shahada and if you be a muslim you can change yourself slow step by step.
How was the feeling? (giving sahada)
When I found a masjid and did Shahada, everyone in the place congratulated me and welcomed me to Islam. I felt like a boon baby, and I can’t describe my feelings at the time.
What was your family’s reaction? (converting Islam)
I filmed it there’s a video, and my mom was so shocked that I was a muslim. I tried to explain to her that islam is not dangerous, and that I still love my family, but she was worried a lot, but she also started to understand about islam.
Other members of your family are surprised, but supportive, and have accepted Islam.
Has anyone converted to Islam because of you?
There is a website and an Imam number where you can learn about Islam and become a Muslim. Some of my subscribers have become Muslims through my videos.
What are the 3 biggest challenges you faced after converting to Islam?
When I converted to Islam, some of my friends rejected me, but I think if I have the right attitude, Allah will help me. I think if I have the right attitude, I have a lot of advantage compared to the guy who says this is Haram.
Aren’t you afraid of going to jail?
I’m from South Korea, and I can’t talk any anything I want, but I defend a lot of things to defend islam, and I don’t care if there is a disadvantage about this, I accept that.
What would you say to him (who wants to learn about Islam)?
Korean society is too comparative and people feel get depression easily. If you found the peace in Islam you can find the forever happiness.
What impressed you the most about our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)?
The Prophet Muhammad Sallam spread Islam to the world and now see it in places like Indonesia, Malaysia, the west of Africa, and even South Korea. I think this is the amazing thing and the Islam is the most fastest growing up Religion in the world.
What do you think is the biggest lie and the biggest truth in this world?
I think the biggest lie is you can’t do it, but the biggest truth is also you can do it because if you believe in god, the help of god, and the plan of god, you can do anything you set your mind to.
What is your biggest dream in this life?
I want to be a good person, a good Muslim, before I die. I think one of the biggest reasons for Koreans to commit suicide is because they don’t have belief in god, and because there’s no hope.
I think Korean society needs the belief that you have to deceive or lie to someone to avoid getting killed.
