Supporting North Korean Christians: interview with an Open Doors secret fieldworker

An Open Doors fieldworker, Lydia Lee*, shares what she sees in the North Korean church, and how you can be part of God’s impossible plan.

What is life like for Christians in North Korea?

The church in North Korea looks nothing like churches in the rest of the world. Christians cannot gather openly, worship freely, or read the Bible without putting their lives at serious risk. Following Jesus in North Korea requires total commitment – a 100% dedication, even in the face of imprisonment, torture or death.

Because public worship is impossible, believers meet in secret, in very small and trusted groups. Often, it’s an older family member who quietly shares the gospel and passes down biblical teachings to younger relatives. When a Bible is available, it is hidden – sometimes buried underground – and brought out occasionally so that people can read and memorise portions before it is hidden again. Possessing a Bible is considered a capital offence, so memorisation is a vital part of discipleship.

In addition to face-to-face sharing, some believers secretly listen to Christian radio broadcasts that are aired during the night. These programmes, produced by Open Doors fieldworkers, provide biblical teaching and encouragement. But accessing them requires an illegal, modified radio – another serious risk.

Despite these dangers, the underground church in North Korea is alive. It worships not with sound, but with whispered prayers and memorised Scripture. Believers continue to follow Christ with quiet courage, deep faith and a willingness to give everything for the sake of the gospel.

Why are North Korean Christians at risk?

The North Korean regime does not tolerate worship of anything other than the ruling Kim family. Followers of any faith face extreme risk. From early childhood, citizens are fed propaganda that portrays Christianity as dangerous, foreign and evil. Fabricated stories are circulated in schools and state media depicting American missionaries poisoning children or stealing their organs. 

Many, especially those loyal to the regime, truly believe the propaganda and view Christians as enemies. Others don’t necessarily believe it but, in a society built on fear and survival, might still betray them: reporting a Christian to the authorities can result in rewards like food, favour or social advancement.

Despite these dangers, the underground church in North Korea is alive. Most remarkably, some North Koreans have come to faith in Christ despite never hearing the gospel in a conventional way. Underground believers testify that God personally opened their hearts to the truth. Though deeply secret and often isolated, their quiet faith persists – demonstrating that, even under the harshest repression, the power of the gospel cannot be entirely silenced.

What has changed in North Korea in the past year?

The overall situation remains largely unchanged. North Korea has strengthened its military capabilities, indicating a continued emphasis on self-reliance.

Humanitarian conditions remain dire. Hunger and malnutrition continue to plague the population, leading to many deaths throughout the year. Daily life in North Korea is dominated by government control and political indoctrination. North Koreans endure a life shaped by scarcity, surveillance and fear – yet even in this repressive environment, people quietly care for their families, share what little they have, and find small ways to endure. 

Why do North Koreans leave their country?

They may be disillusioned with the state, but the main reason they attempt to leave their country is simply survival for them and their families. During the 1990s and early 2000s, especially during the Arduous March – a period of famine and economic crisis – widespread starvation claimed the lives of millions. At that time, it was relatively easier to flee from North Korea, and many did it in search of food and safety.

Is it still easy to flee?

Escaping North Korea has become far more dangerous due to tightened border controls. They must use a large sum of money to ensure the guidance of a broker and to bribe border guards. Most people cannot afford it.

A more common method is to obtain a visa to visit relatives or to work in neighbouring countries. Many of these people overstay their visas because the limited time allowed is not enough to repay the debts they owe for their journey.

Unlike in the past, many people who leave North Korea today do so with the intention of returning. Staying in China or attempting the perilous journey to a third country like Thailand (and eventually to South Korea) is extremely risky and nearly impossible for most. Their decision to cross the border is usually driven by the dire conditions they face at home – poverty, hunger and lack of supplies.

How do Open Doors fieldworkers help?

There are safe houses and shelters near the border to reach and support them with basic necessities such as food, medicine and clothes. We offer thorough pastoral care, Bible training and special Bible studies for North Korean women who are trafficked near the border

Some of these believers may have opportunities to come back to our safe house for shelter and more biblical training. But for many others, the first visit could be their last chance to hear the gospel in their whole life. It is the very special and precious moment for our workers to share Jesus.

Some of the North Koreans we serve stay out of their home country long term; others plan to go back to support their families. They also bring the good news when they go back to the country.

What are the dangers of returning to North Korea?

The regime views defection as a serious crime. Any North Korean who is caught leaving or outside of the country is typically arrested and subjected to severe punishment, such as imprisonment in political or labour camps, torture, forced labour and sometimes execution.

Anyone who is caught endures a period of intense and brutal interrogation. North Korean officials ask prisoners who they talked to outside of the country, if they had contact with anyone and if they encountered Christians. This means Christians caught by authorities face an even harsher fate; they are often transferred directly to political labour camps without trial, where they have no chance of release and effectively disappear from the outside world.

How can we pray for North Korean Christians?

Let us pray that God would give them both spiritual and physical strength: the endurance to remain faithful, and the courage to live boldly for Christ, even in the face of danger. Ask the Lord to strengthen their hearts with unshakeable peace, and to let their hidden faith burn like fire – alive, growing and unquenchable.

Pray that God would inspire, guide and teach North Korean believers as they quietly share the gospel with those around them. Ask that His Word would continue to spread in miraculous ways, even behind locked borders, and that many in North Korea would come to witness His love and power.

Let’s also lift those who serve them – those who help North Korean believers and refugees outside of the country. Pray that God would fill them with wisdom, strength, comfort and the unmistakable presence of the Holy Spirit as they carry out their mission for His Kingdom. Pray that God would send us more faithful, humble and dedicated servants – those willing to go wherever God sends them, love those who are suffered, and carry the gospel with their lives.

Your prayers matter. God hears every word – not only for the North Korean church, but for all persecuted believers around the world. And the underground church in North Korea is deeply grateful for your support and faithful intercession.

*Name changed for security reasons