The situation of persecuted Christians in North Korea

North Korea is, without a doubt, one of the countries where religious persecution reaches alarming levels, particularly against the Christian community. Under the totalitarian regime of Kim Jong-un, any religious manifestation is seen as a direct threat to the cult of the supreme leadership, an ideology that the North Korean government has imposed with an iron fist since the time of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the state.

Christians in North Korea face a brutal reality. Simply possessing a Bible, or praying in private, can result in arrest, torture and even execution. It is estimated that between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians are currently in forced labor camps, known as “kwanliso”, where they are subjected to inhumane conditions. These camps are equivalent to labor prisons where prisoners, including Christians, are physically and mentally exploited.

The regime’s paranoia towards any belief that competes with the cult of the Kim dynasty has led to extreme surveillance. Informant networks and state propaganda ensure that even family members of a Christian can be punished, following the policy of guilt by association. This systematic persecution has led the Christian community to practice their faith in secret, with clandestine meetings and using discreet means to share Scripture.

Despite this oppression, reports from international organizations indicate that the faith of North Korean Christians remains strong. Amid darkness and suffering, these people find solace in their faith, an act of silent resistance against one of the most repressive regimes in the world. The situation of Christians in North Korea is a reminder that religious freedom remains a right for which many risk their lives daily.