North Korea: The World's Worst Persecutor of Christians

Hello, friends, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus.

Today, I want to talk about something that absolutely breaks my heart—something that I believe should capture far more of the world's attention than it does.It's the persecution of Christians in North Korea.

For the 23rd consecutive year, North Korea has been named the worst persecutor of Christians in the world by Open Doors. Twenty-three years. Think about that. Nearly a quarter century of holding the number one spot for the most dangerous place on earth to follow Jesus. 

The conditions for believers inside this politically closed, spiritually dark nation remain what can only be described as "extremely harsh.” We're talking about an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians imprisoned for their faith right now—many of them tortured, and some reportedly used as subjects for biological and chemical weapons testing.

Let that sink in for a moment. Human beings—our brothers and sisters in Christ—being used as guinea pigs for weapons testing simply because they believe in Jesus.

Now, here's what troubles me: While the international community is legitimately concerned about North Korea's nuclear ambitions—and they should be—most of the world seems to be overlooking the ongoing and serious human rights violations being carried out by the repressive regime of Kim Jong Un.

We hear about missiles. We hear about nuclear tests. We hear about geopolitical tensions. But we don't hear nearly enough about the Christians suffering in labor camps. We don't hear about the families torn apart. We don't hear about the secret believers worshiping in constant fear for their lives.

Today, I want to shine a light on what's really happening there. Not just the statistics—though we'll talk about those—but the human reality behind them.

Among the many atrocities taking place in North Korea is one of purposeful neglect.

While Kim Jong Un and the country's elite live in absolute opulence—and I mean real luxury, friends—millions of ordinary citizens continue to suffer from chronic food shortages and malnutrition that have plagued the population for decades.

The disparity is staggering. The leaders feast while the people starve. It's a tale as old as tyranny itself, but that doesn't make it any less heartbreaking. And in this environment of desperate poverty and constant surveillance, Christians are trying to follow Jesus. Can you imagine?

To understand why Christianity is so viciously persecuted in North Korea, you have to understand their national ideology.

It's called Juche—essentially a form of personality cult that centers on the absolute worship of the Kim family. This isn't just political loyalty we're talking about. This is worship. State-mandated worship of human beings.

This ruling philosophy treats any religious belief—any recognition of a deity beyond the Kim family—as an existential threat to the regime. And they're not wrong to see it that way, because Christianity is a threat to their power. When you worship the one true God, you can't worship a dictator.

According to Open Doors, "Every religious activity is recognized as an insurrection to the North Korean socialist principles.” The government has been especially zealous—and I use that word intentionally—in its attempts to eradicate Christianity. They've taught the population that Christians are dangerous, crazy, subversive people.

So what does it actually look like to be a Christian in North Korea?

First of all, simply owning a Bible is illegal and can result in immediate execution. Let me say that again: owning a Bible can get you killed on the spot.

If a Christian's faith is discovered, one of two things happens: either they're killed immediately, or they're sent to a labor camp and treated as a political criminal, where they're punished with years of hard labor that very few survive.

And here's something that makes this even more horrific: the persecution doesn't stop with the believer only. North Korean authorities routinely round up the extended family of discovered Christians and punish them as well—even if the family members aren't Christians themselves. Even children. The youngest recorded detainee was only two years old at the time of arrest.

Two years old.

There are no church buildings. There's no Sunday morning worship. There's no Bible study in someone's living room. There's no Christian radio station or bookstore or coffee shop where believers can gather.

It's impossible to gather for worship or prayer. Even secret worship and prayer put Christians at enormous risk. Official spies could inform on you. Your neighbors could report you. Your child's teacher could turn you in.

And if you thought maybe things were getting better, let me tell you what happened in early 2024.

The government announced even stricter regulations and increased crackdowns. And then they made a public example. According to Chosun TV, authorities publicly executed approximately 30 middle-school students—teenagers, friends, just kids—for watching a South Korean drama on a USB drive. Several other teenagers were sentenced to life imprisonment or death for similar infractions.

If they'll do that for watching a TV show, imagine what they do to Christians.

This intensified climate of terror affects all North Koreans, but Christians face disproportionate targeting. They're considered enemies of the state at the highest level.

Now, you might think, "Well, at least if they can escape North Korea, they'll be safe.” But that's not true either.

North Korean refugees who escape the country are not safe. Those in China and other neighboring countries are at constant risk of being rounded up and forcibly repatriated—sent back to face punishment. Chinese authorities actively work with North Korean officials to return refugees. It's a coordinated effort to hunt down escapees.

And here's the devastating part: If it's discovered that a North Korean has become a Christian, or heard the gospel, or simply come into contact with Christians while outside the country, they will be singled out for especially severe punishment when they're sent back. So even in freedom, there's no real freedom. The threat follows them.

But friends, here's where the story gets absolutely remarkable. Despite these inhuman circumstances—despite the surveillance, the torture, the executions, the family punishment, all of it—Christianity continues to grow in North Korea.

Let that sink in. In the worst place on earth to be a Christian, the church is growing.

Open Doors estimates there are approximately 400,000 Christians in North Korea today. All of them following Jesus in complete secrecy. All of them risking everything. As one secret Open Doors fieldworker supporting North Korean believers stated: "Despite persecution, nothing and no one can stop the church from growing."

Isn't that powerful? It's a living testimony to what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Even in North Korea, Jesus is building His church.

Former prisoners report that some Christians are so courageous—and I mean extraordinarily brave—that they share the gospel with fellow inmates. They host silent prayer gatherings. They share contraband scripture at enormous personal risk.

The Light of Christ is shining in one of the world's darkest places. And darkness cannot overcome it.

Now, here's where I want to shift gears a bit, because I believe we're at a crucial moment.

President Trump has publicly stated his willingness to engage in renewed dialogue with Kim Jong Un. He's referenced their previous meetings and correspondence during his first term. He's talked about their relationship. And listen, I know the nuclear issue is critical. I'm not downplaying that. National security matters.

But friends, this diplomatic opening presents an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss.

The Trump administration is currently evaluating various scenarios for engagement with North Korea. Meetings are being discussed. Channels are being explored. Strategies are being developed. And as these discussions take shape, it's absolutely essential that human rights—particularly religious freedom—become a non-negotiable part of any diplomatic framework.

Here's the thing: President Trump has emphasized his personal relationship with Chairman Kim. He's talked about the letters they exchanged. He's described their conversations. He even stepped foot on North Korean soil—the first sitting U.S. president to do so. That's unprecedented. That's unique leverage.

This rapport could be used to address not only security concerns but also the unconscionable treatment of Christian believers. During his first term, President Trump demonstrated a willingness to raise human rights issues directly with authoritarian leaders. He wasn't afraid to have hard conversations. That same boldness is needed now. Maybe even more than before.

So here's what I'm calling for—what I believe we as Christians should be calling for:

First, make religious freedom a central component of any diplomatic engagement with North Korea, not a secondary concern or an afterthought.

Second, demand verifiable access for international human rights monitors to North Korean prison camps. No more closed doors. No more hiding the truth.

Third, condition any sanctions relief on measurable improvements in religious freedom and the release of prisoners of conscience. Real change, not promises.

Fourth, use both public and private diplomatic channels to apply consistent pressure on the Kim regime regarding the treatment of Christians. Make it a priority in every conversation.

Fifth, coordinate with allies in South Korea and Japan to present a unified front on human rights as an integral part of regional security. This can't be just America speaking up—it needs to be the whole region.

President Trump has repeatedly said he believes he can make deals that others cannot. He's positioned himself as the ultimate dealmaker. Well, this is his opportunity to use that diplomatic leverage not just for denuclearization—though that's important—but for the fundamental human right of religious freedom.

Think about the legacy that would create. Think about the lives that would be saved. Think about the testimony it would be to the world if America used its power to stand up for persecuted Christians.

The world is watching North Korea's nuclear program. But God is watching how His children are being treated. And the international community, led by the United States, has both the moral obligation and the diplomatic tools to demand change.

Now, I want to bring this home for a moment. What does all this mean for us? For you sitting in your car or your home or wherever you're listening to this?

It's easy to hear these stories and feel overwhelmed. It's easy to think, "What can I possibly do about North Korea? I'm just one person.” But friends, we're not powerless. Not at all.

First and most importantly, we must pray.

Pray for the transformation of hearts. Pray for Kim Jong Un and the other leaders of North Korea to encounter Jesus Christ personally, experiencing the life-changing power of the Gospel.

Can you imagine if Kim Jong Un came to Christ? Can you imagine the doors that would open for the Gospel in that nation? Nothing is impossible with God….just look at Kings Nebuchadnezzar, Darius and Cyrus during Daniel’s days. Don't underestimate what God can do when His people pray.

But let's not stop with prayer. There are practical things we can do:

Support organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, and International Christian Concern. They're doing real work to help North Korean believers.

Write to your elected officials. Let them know you care about religious freedom in North Korea. Ask them to make it a priority.

Raise awareness. Share these stories. Share this podcast. Don’t let the persecuted church be forgotten.

When you hear news about North Korea, don't just think about missiles and politics. Remember the Christians. Remember the 400,000 believers worshiping in secret.

And keep the eternal perspective, friends.

This life is so short compared to eternity. If we are asked to suffer—and Jesus promised we would—so that Christ will be glorified and so that other people will not suffer for eternity in Hell, shouldn't we be willing to obey? What's 20, 40, 60, even 80 years compared to forever?

Our North Korean brothers and sisters understand this. They're living it out right now. They're making the calculation and choosing Christ. Choosing to risk everything. Choosing to lose everything. And they're doing it joyfully because they know the math works out—eternity with Jesus is worth any temporary suffering.

You know what's amazing about the persecuted church? They show the rest of us what real faith looks like. They show us that Jesus is worthy. Worthy of our lives. Worthy of our suffering. Worthy of everything we have and everything we are.

When someone is willing to go to a labor camp rather than deny Christ, that says something. When someone is willing to die rather than stop sharing the Gospel, that testifies to the reality and power of Jesus. The world sees that kind of faith and has to ask: What do they have that's worth dying for?

And the answer is: Someone. Someone who already died for them. Someone who rose from the dead. Someone who's preparing a place for them in eternity.

So let me ask you something today: What are you willing to risk for Jesus? I'm not asking this to make you feel guilty. I'm asking because it's a question we all need to wrestle with.

We live in relative comfort and safety. Most of us have never been threatened because of our faith. We can go to church openly. We can own Bibles. We can share the Gospel without fear of execution. But are we using that freedom? Or are we so comfortable that we've become complacent?

The persecuted church challenges our comfortable Christianity. They show us what it means to truly follow Jesus, to count the cost and pay it gladly.

Brothers and sisters, I want to close with this encouragement.

The persecuted church in North Korea needs our prayers, our advocacy, and our unwavering solidarity. They are not forgotten. Not by us, and certainly not by God.

Their courage in following Jesus—despite the ultimate cost—stands as a testimony to the unstoppable power of the Gospel.

And one day—maybe soon, maybe not in our lifetime, but one day—Jesus is coming back. And when He does, every knee will bow. Even Kim Jong Un's. Even the North Korean guards'. Even the prison camp commanders’. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

On that day, our brothers and sisters who suffered in those labor camps will be vindicated. Their faith will be proven right. Their sacrifice will be shown to be worth it. And they'll hear the words we all long to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master."

Heavenly Father, we come before You to pray for an immediate end to barbaric treatment…an end to the torture, imprisonment, and execution of Christians. May this mistreatment capture international attention and may governments worldwide demand its end.

Shine Christ's light into the darkness. May Your light, Lord Jesus, continue shining throughout this darkened nation, penetrating even the most heavily guarded labor camps.

Provide supernatural strength for imprisoned believers. May Your presence be with Christians who have been imprisoned and those being tortured right now. Bring comfort, strength, and encouragement to families who have lost loved ones.

We pray for a bold witness for our North Korean and Chinese brothers and sisters who continue sharing their faith courageously, even in the face of fierce persecution and death. Give them divine appointments and supernatural protection.

Provide spiritual fortification. Help Christian believers remain strong in You, O Lord and in the power of Your might, standing firm in their faith regardless of circumstances.

We ask for Kingdom breakthrough. Continue to bring Your Kingdom to North Korea with great and awesome power. Holy Spirit, move among the people, drawing multitudes into relationship with Jesus Christ. May new believers be discipled even in the most difficult circumstances.

And Lord, we pray for diplomatic breakthrough. Give wisdom to President Trump, Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, and their administration as they consider engagement with North Korea. May human rights and religious freedom be prioritized in these critical conversations.

We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Thank you for joining me today for this difficult but necessary conversation. I know it's heavy. I know it's heartbreaking. But we can't look away. We can't forget. And we can't be silent.

Until next time, keep your eyes on the nations, remember those who are suffering, and live in such a way that Jesus is shown to be worth everything.

Sources:

Primary Organizations: Open Doors (2025 World Watch List), Voice of the Martyrs, International Christian Concern, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB)

News & Analysis: CNN, The Baptist Paper, CatholicVote.org, Christian Post, 38 North, The Diplomat, Foreign Policy, Lowy Institute

Key Statistics: 50,000-70,000 Christians imprisoned in North Korea; 400,000 estimated secret believers; 380+ million Christians persecuted globally (1 in 7); North Korea ranked #1 for 23 consecutive years

For more information and to support persecuted Christians: OpenDoorsUSA.org, Persecution.org (ICC), VOMRadio.net

To hear this in podcast form go to Spotify podcast