A stranger’s kindness sparks hope in North Korea

The words that accompanied a stranger’s random act of kindness in North Korea has drawn surprise and speculation from locals. Was it a secret believer?

“Somebody loves you. Don’t thank me, but thank the person who gave me the heart to help you.” 

These are the quiet words said by a stranger to a mother and daughter stranded on the streets in North Korea, after he gave them food and enough money to return home. 

In North Korea, such stories are immensely rare, particularly given the stranger’s wording. It’s prompted rumours among locals, with people even wondering if the man is a secret believer.    

A mysterious encounter 

The incident happened in September according to NK Daily. The mother and daughter were on a trip from Jagang province to South Hwanghae Province to sell goods at a market, when their stock was stolen from them at Haeju Station. They reported it to the police, but nothing was done.   

“It’s very common in North Korea that police don’t actively get involved,” a source told NK Daily. “The mother and daughter didn’t know if they could recover their goods, and after having spent all their travel money far from home while they waited endlessly, they ultimately received no help from the state and ended up on the street.” 

News of their situation spread across the city, but no one came to help – except one person. As the couple expressed their thanks to the stranger, he uttered the mysterious words and quickly left. 

• What’s it like to be a Christian in North Korea? 

Is he a secret believer? 

“People who heard about what he said wondered what he was talking about, but people a bit familiar with the outside world whispered that what he said was not ordinary talk. They say the ‘person’ he talked about was the person talked about in religion,” the source said, referring to Christianity. 

Whatever the inspiration, the stranger risked far more than embarrassment or misunderstanding. In North Korea, any association with religion can trigger investigation. His simple statement, ‘Somebody loves you,’ could be interpreted as subversive – and any reference to God, no matter how subtle, could lead to the death penalty. 

And yet, he chose to act, revealing something deeper than a kind impulse. It showed that compassion and faith are still alive, even in a place where cruelty and control dominate. The story spread across the city, sparking a small measure of hope – that goodness exists beyond the reach of fear. 

“The latest incident was not simply a moving story, but has caused a minor sensation,” the source said. “With it being so hard to survive, many people just ignore those who have been placed in unfortunate circumstances, but the fact that there are people out there taking an interest in other people’s misfortunes and treating them warmly has offered society a bit of consolation and hope.” 

While Open Doors doesn’t know the man who helped the mother and daughter, secret believers have previously sent messages about supporting their neighbours. “We have a heart for the people in need. We aim to help them where we can. Some even save food and money, even though they don’t have enough. They still set aside a portion to give to those in even greater need,” writes a believer.  

Prayer and participation  

What moves people to such bravery? The believer’s parting words point to the answer: “Thank the person who gave me the heart to help you.” It is God’s Spirit who stirs their hearts.   

For those of us outside North Korea who regularly pray for and support our North Korean family, the gesture is a powerful reminder that unseen acts of faith are happening every day. Each time you pray, give or speak up for our North Korean family, you join that invisible network of courage. 

Open Doors works quietly through partners in the wider region to support North Korean believers with food, medicine, discipleship training and safe shelter. Your partnership helps sustain those lifelines. It ensures that when an underground believer feels prompted to act, they are spiritually and practically equipped to do so. 

Hope in the dark 

North Korea’s believers know what it means to trust God without visible results. They pray in silence, sing in whispers and often never see the outcome of their faith. Yet, through their courage, others catch glimpses of the gospel’s power. 

When a man risked everything to help a mother and her child, his small act told an entire community that love still exists. In a society built on fear, that message is revolutionary. 

Your prayers and generosity make that revolution possible. You may never know their names, and they may never know yours, but the body of Christ connects you. As one underground believer once said, “The fact that you support us is proof that God exists and that He has not forgotten us.”