- Jul 27, 2009
- 19,039
- 12,568
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Female
- Faith
- Messianic
- Marital Status
- Private
Never-ending pressure and violence
The primary driver of Christian persecution in North Korea is the state. For three generations, everything in the country has focused on idolizing the leading Kim family. Christians are seen as hostile elements in society that have to be eradicated. There was hope that new diplomatic efforts in 2018—including the 2018 Winter Olympics—would mean a lessening of pressure and violence against Christians, but so far that has not been the case. Kim Jong Un has maintained his tight control over the populace, and dissent or worshiping anything else is not tolerated.
How Christians are suffering
If Christians are discovered, not only are they deported to labor camps as political criminals or even killed on the spot, their families will share their fate as well. Christians do not even have the slightest space in society, on the contrary, they are publicly warned against. Meeting other Christians in order to worship is almost impossible and if some believers dare to, it has to be done in utmost secrecy. The churches shown to visitors in Pyongyang serve mere propaganda purposes.
Examples
Due to the extremely difficult security situation, it is very difficult to share examples. Pastor Dong-cheol Kim (arrested in 2015) and two Korean-American Christian lecturers at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST), Tony Kim and Hak-song Kim (arrested in April and May 2017 respectively) were all accused of espionage but released ahead of the US-North Korean summit in June 2018. In a change of hiring policy, PUST is now reportedly looking for non-American staff, a logical consequence from the travel ban for US citizens.
Pray for North Korea
North Korea Photo Gallery
Stories from North Korea
June 28, 2019
Capitol Hill: Open Doors USA CEO calls out major abuses against Christians
Open Doors CEO David Curry was tapped as one of four speakers for a congressional hearing focusing on the right…
+ READ MORE
May 11, 2019
‘You Are God’s Child’—Mother in North Korea Reveals 30 Years of Secrets
In North Korea, Lee Joo-Chan's mother waited 30 years to finally reveal to him the family secret.
+ READ MORE
March 13, 2019
11 Christians Killed Every Day for Their Decision to Follow Jesus
In the top 50 most dangerous countries for Christians, a staggering 11 Christians die for their faith each day.
+ READ MORE
The primary driver of Christian persecution in North Korea is the state. For three generations, everything in the country has focused on idolizing the leading Kim family. Christians are seen as hostile elements in society that have to be eradicated. There was hope that new diplomatic efforts in 2018—including the 2018 Winter Olympics—would mean a lessening of pressure and violence against Christians, but so far that has not been the case. Kim Jong Un has maintained his tight control over the populace, and dissent or worshiping anything else is not tolerated.
How Christians are suffering
If Christians are discovered, not only are they deported to labor camps as political criminals or even killed on the spot, their families will share their fate as well. Christians do not even have the slightest space in society, on the contrary, they are publicly warned against. Meeting other Christians in order to worship is almost impossible and if some believers dare to, it has to be done in utmost secrecy. The churches shown to visitors in Pyongyang serve mere propaganda purposes.
Examples
Due to the extremely difficult security situation, it is very difficult to share examples. Pastor Dong-cheol Kim (arrested in 2015) and two Korean-American Christian lecturers at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST), Tony Kim and Hak-song Kim (arrested in April and May 2017 respectively) were all accused of espionage but released ahead of the US-North Korean summit in June 2018. In a change of hiring policy, PUST is now reportedly looking for non-American staff, a logical consequence from the travel ban for US citizens.
Pray for North Korea
- Pray that new diplomatic efforts will pay dividends, and will lead to a softening of the North Korean government toward its people.
- The situation for Christians is vulnerable and precarious. They face persecution from state authorities and their non-Christian family, friends and neighbors. Pray for their protection.
- Pray for strength and courage for Christians who suffer in prisons, labor camps and remote areas.
- Pray that God will prepare the underground church in North Korea to be a light for the country—and that they will be ready to share the gospel freely someday soon.
North Korea Photo Gallery
Stories from North Korea
June 28, 2019
Capitol Hill: Open Doors USA CEO calls out major abuses against Christians
Open Doors CEO David Curry was tapped as one of four speakers for a congressional hearing focusing on the right…
+ READ MORE
May 11, 2019
‘You Are God’s Child’—Mother in North Korea Reveals 30 Years of Secrets
In North Korea, Lee Joo-Chan's mother waited 30 years to finally reveal to him the family secret.
+ READ MORE
March 13, 2019
11 Christians Killed Every Day for Their Decision to Follow Jesus
In the top 50 most dangerous countries for Christians, a staggering 11 Christians die for their faith each day.
+ READ MORE
