North Korean defectors tell of growing Christianity, despite savage persecution

North Korea is usually ranked because the primary country for persecution of Christians and its notoriously secretive nature makes it very difficult to have a great idea of what exactly goes within the country. Separating fact from fiction shouldn’t be at all times easy.

Some Christians within the country have managed to flee to safer countries and have shared their experiences.

One such is Illyong Ju, who spoke to International Christian Concern, of how Christians in North Korea proceed to follow Jesus and even to evangelise to others, despite the chance of imprisonment, torture and death.

Illyong and his parents lived in a small house in Chongjin, where they’d secretly take heed to Christian radio broadcasts. Eventually he and his family were in a position to reach South Korea.

However, not all of his relatives were so lucky. His aunt’s family were condemned to live in a political prison camp when it was discovered that the aunt’s father-in-law was a Christian.

While little is understood obviously concerning the camps, a typical thread from defectors is the sheer brutality. Extensive forced labour, torture, rape, starvation and death are believed to be regular features of camp life. Children usually are not exempt from facing the identical punishments as their parents.

Illyong said that his relatives within the camp were eventually executed. A fellow defector, known only as Ms Kim, said she was raped and tortured in one in all the camps, where she also evangelised.

Ms Kim said her faith gave her strength during her time within the camps. “Jesus, I’m stuffed with pain at once, but how painful were you? You were crucified for me,” she told International Christian Concern. 

Despite the awful situation, Illyong said that Christians were continuing to multiply within the country and worship in secret.

“I need to say to the people who find themselves being persecuted, please don’t lose your hope. We are fighting for you, and our God is fighting for you — and we win. God has already won. So please don’t lose hope, and please stay firm.”

He added, “Our brave brothers and sisters, fellow believers in North Korea, are preaching the gospel. Even this moment. They are multiplying disciples. They worship on the mountains, hills, and underground.”