Korean Saints Day 20th September

Today is the feast day of some 19th century saints/martyrs from Korea.

Andrew Kim Taegon, (the first Korean born priest, left) 

Paul Chong Hasang below and companions named here

The story of the early homegrown Korean church and the astounding faith of these brave saints is here.

The Roman Catholic Church in South Korea has seen prodigious growth in recent years, increasing its membership by 70% in the past ten years.^[2] 

Part of this growth can be attributed to the Church's relatively positive perception by the general public for its role in the democratization of South Korea, its active participation in various works of social welfare, and its respectful approach to interfaith relationship and matters of traditional Korean spirituality. 

There are now over 5.1 million Catholics in South Korea — over 10% the population. South Korea (and by extension the Catholic Church in all Korea, north and south) has the fourth largest number of saints in the Catholic Church since 1984 as categorized by nation. 

 ICoat of arms North KoreaImage via Wikipedia

Human rights groups in South Korea say North Korea has stepped up executions of Christians, some of them in public.

The communist country, the world's most closed society, views religion as a major threat. 

Only the founder of the country, Kim Il-sung, and his son, Kim Jong-il, may be worshipped, in mass public displays of fervour. 

Despite the persecutions, it is thought up to 30,000 North Koreans may practise Christianity secretly in their homes. 

 Coat of arms South KoreaImage via Wikipedia

A report by a number of South Korean groups highlights one particular case of a woman allegedly executed in public last month, in a northern town close to the Chinese border.

She was accused of distributing Bibles, spying for South Korea and the United States and helping to organise dissidents. Her parents, husband, and children were sent to a prison camp. 

North Korea views any form of alternative social organisation as a competitor for its own, religion-like ideology. 

The US government says just owning a Bible in North Korea may be a cause for torture and disappearance.

More information on the current situation in North Korea from Release International here