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North Korea is arguably the most dangerous place on earth to follow Jesus. If someone is discovered to be a Christian, the consequences are unimaginably stark: either imprisonment in one of its notorious labour camps, with little hope of release, or immediate execution. The same fate is likely to await other family members.
While the church buildings displayed in the capital Pyongyang might suggest a degree of tolerance, this is propaganda. The reality is very different. Christianity has no place in North Korea, a country where homage must be directed one way only: towards the Kim regime. With watchful eyes everywhere – even from neighbours and family – even the slightest hint of worshipping Jesus can have devastating consequences. Remarkably, believers do gather, but in utmost secrecy and at enormous risk.
Recent years have seen conditions worsen further for North Korea’s secret believers. This is largely due to the ‘anti-reactionary thought law’, introduced in 2020, which made it even clearer that being a Christian and owning a Bible is regarded as a serious crime. The law has reinforced just how much of a threat Christianity is seen to be by the country’s unbending regime.
The dangers facing Christians in North Korea are such that all believers are vulnerable to extreme persecution.
“Despite these dangers, the underground church in North Korea is alive. It worships not with sound, but with whispered prayers and memorized Scripture. Believers continue to follow Christ with quiet courage, deep faith and a willingness to give everything for the sake of the gospel.”
A North Korean Christian
While there have been some notable developments in North Korea in 2025, the overall situation remains largely unchanged. Many negative trends continue to affect the country and its people – including secret believers.
The regime has strengthened its military capabilities, engaged in selective diplomatic interactions, tried to develop tourism and implemented internal policy changes. Meanwhile, the everyday life of its citizens remains intensely harsh, including the devastating impact of its ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The agenda behind all this is unchanged: to strengthen the country’s self-reliance and its strategic positioning on the world stage. For North Korea’s handful of secret believers, that means continued repression and ongoing extreme danger.
Open Doors seeks to strengthen secret believers in North Korea through networks outside the country. This includes emergency relief aid, Christian materials, Christian radio broadcasts and shelter, and training for those who’ve fled the country.
Heavenly Father, we can’t imagine what life is like for our family in North Korea, but You know. Indeed, You are with them. Awaken this powerful truth in their hearts today, pouring fresh strength and hope into their spirits. Protect believers in secret gatherings and give Christians courage and ingenuity in their faith and witness. Soften the stance of the Kim regime to enable the country to be helped and influenced by the wider world. Amen.
