Kim Deardorff playing piano before an arena audience

The story of Kim Deardorff

Found.
A life redeemed
by providence.

Left without a name. Carried through adversity. Called to share a story of hope, identity, and the faithfulness of God.

01

The beginning

Before he had a name,
he had a story.

Born in Korea weighing four pounds, Kim was abandoned as an infant. His life began without the assurances most of us take for granted—without a name, a family, or a clear future.

Yet even in that beginning, God’s providence was already at work. Kim’s journey would cross an ocean, pass through deep hardship, and ultimately become a testimony shared with hundreds of thousands.

Kim Yung Yong as an infant, identification number 4106, dated January 1, 1964
Kim Yung Yong · Korea · 1964

Adopted twice

An earthly adoption gave him a home.
A heavenly adoption gave him an identity.

“I ultimately discovered my true worth and identity through my relationship with Jesus Christ—as an adopted, born-again child of God.”

Kim endured years of emotional and physical abuse after his adoption and wrestled with self-worth, self-doubt, and identity.

Through faith in Christ, solitude, music, and waiting, he came to know the faithfulness of God’s love and everlasting care for His children.

Watch my story

Three minutes.
One remarkable journey.

Music

Where words end,
the piano speaks.

In 2010, Kim was invited to become the 26th international Kawai piano artist. His music carries the same message as his story: beauty can rise from broken beginnings.

Kim Deardorff with a Kawai piano
01

Pianissimo

Piano recording
02

Pianissimo 2

Piano recording
03

Pianissimo Christmas

Piano recording
04

New Beginnings

Piano recording
Music created for and with

Walt Disney World · NASA · Universal · Discovery Channel · Nissan

The story reaches others

One testimony.
Thousands of lives.

In 2009, Kim’s story was featured on Winter Jam, the world's largest Christian concert tour. He toured alongside leading Christian artists and used the platform to advocate for orphaned children.

5,000+new child sponsorships helped raise through Holt International
Kim Deardorff sharing his story with a packed Winter Jam arena
Winter Jam · 2009
Kim Deardorff speaking beneath a spotlight

Speaking

A story that meets people where they are.

From concert arenas and business gatherings to churches, adoption camps, and fundraising events, Kim shares an honest message of hope for anyone who has questioned their worth or wondered whether their beginning determines their future.

“It doesn’t matter where or how you start out in life. God has a purpose and plan for everyone.”
Invite Kim to speak →

In their words

What others have experienced.

“Kim captured our attention from the time that he began to speak. We were challenged and encouraged by hearing about the hand of God at work in his life.”
Lonnie ClouseLead Chaplain, Motor Racing Outreach
“Kim’s journey from being an abandoned child in Korea to a fulfilled adult and successful musician truly touched my heart. His life has become a beacon of hope.”
Gary N. GamerFormer President & CEO, Holt International
“I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the house. What an incredible speaker and what a fantastic man.”
Aaron WalkerFounder, View From The Top
Cover of FOUND: A Life Redeemed by Providence by Kim Deardorff

The forthcoming memoir

He was left in a garbage heap.
God already had a plan.

This is not simply a story about survival. It is a testimony to sovereignty—a journey from abandonment and adversity to music, ministry, and a life shaped by the providence of God.

Coming soon · FOUND

About Kim

Musician.
Speaker.
Storyteller.

Current portrait of Kim Deardorff

Kim Deardorff is a Korean adoptee, international Kawai piano artist, speaker, and media professional. Mostly self-taught in music and audio production, he has taught at two colleges and worked with a Grammy-winning producer, an Academy Award-winning singer, and a Hall of Fame songwriter.

Kim lives in Nashville with his wife, Sheri, and serves as Production Manager for NRBTV. His life and work share one enduring message: no beginning is beyond the redeeming providence of God.

The message

Your beginning
does not have
the final word.

There is purpose beyond the pain. Identity beyond rejection. And a faithful God who sees the whole story before we can see the next page.