Interview: Open Doors secret fieldworker with North Koreans

A secret Open Doors fieldworker shares what life is like for North Korean Christians, how the church grows in North Korea and how to pray.

Lydia Lee* supports North Korean refugees in a neighbouring country, and shares what she is seeing of the North Korean church’s resilient faith, and how Open Doors fieldworkers help.

What is daily life like for North Koreans?

Daily life for an average North Korean citizen has both similarities and differences compared to life in other parts of the world. Adults go to work, attend regular meetings, and take care of their families. Children attend schools where they receive education in various subjects.

However, there are stark differences between North Korea and elsewhere. The most significant difference is the level of political and government control. North Koreans are under constant surveillance and control by government officials, informants, neighbours and even family members who monitor their activities and speech.

People can only receive extremely limited information from government-controlled media and propaganda. They are not allowed to travel abroad and even within their own country without government permits. North Koreans are subject to intense propaganda and ideological indoctrination from a very young age.

In 2024, the government announced stricter regulations and increased crackdowns – including the execution of about 30 young teenagers for watching a South Korean drama on a USB drive – which cause North Koreans to feel more terrorised and scared.

How do people find Jesus in North Korea?

It is a sad reality that it is not possible for most North Korean citizens to hear about Jesus. Usually, even Christian parents wait until their children are old enough to keep their faith secretly. Christian parents often try to teach the gospel to their children in wise ways, like telling them Bible stories or singing hymns in disguised tones.

That’s because Christianity is completely forbidden in North Korea, and there are no churches or Christians who openly profess their faith. Those who are discovered to be Christians face severe punishment such as being tortured, interrogated, sent to a labour camp or imprisoned for life in a political camp.

In some cases, like Joo Min’s, those who spend time outside North Korea – as foreign workers, students, or illegal refugees – may have chances to hear and accept the gospel in other countries. Despite the regime’s efforts to brainwash them, it is God who opens North Korean Christians’ ears and eyes to realise the truth of God’s words. Many believers testify to this.

How do Open Doors fieldworkers help?

Open Doors distributes Bibles and Christian materials for the spiritual growth of the church and also provides food supplies, medicines and living essentials for their physical survival. There are Open Doors safe houses and shelter ministries outside of North Korea dedicated to providing Bible training and support.

It is very significant to train those Christians who may return to North Korea. They can share the gospel with their families and close friends, potentially forming Christian small groups and churches within the country. Ultimately, it is God who makes this possible. Open Doors’ ministry is only possible with God’s presence and power to carry out its mission.

What is the church like in North Korea?

The church in North Korea operates in secrecy. We estimate there are between 300,000- 500,000 believers in the country – many in prison or labour camps. Some are descendants of Christians who were persecuted and banished in the 1950s and 1960s. Underground Christians rarely have opportunities to gather with other Christians, and worshipping together is rarely possible or only possible with other family members or close friends.

Despite persecution, nothing and no one can stop the church from growing. There are dedicated believers who came out like pure gold even in the midst of difficulties. They are eager to hear the Word of God, despite the high risk, and many secretly listen to Christian radio programmes at night. Following Jesus in North Korea demands complete and unwavering dedication, regardless of the dangers involved

 “We are steadfastly following the pilgrimage, unwavering in our commitment,” one church leader told me. “This is made possible by embracing Esther’s confession, ‘If I perish, I perish,’ which has become deeply rooted in our secret church.”

Despite the struggles to survive, secret believers and church leaders in North Korea are encouraged and strengthened by the prayers and support of all the fellow workers and supporters around the world.

How can Open Doors supporters pray for North Korean Christians?

We ask the Lord to provide North Korean believers both spiritual and physical strength to endure and maintain their faith firmly and strongly through all challenges. Pray that God will inspire North Korean believers in spreading His Word throughout the nation, so that people in North Korea may witness His amazing love and almighty power.

Please also pray for our Open Doors fieldworkers who help North Korean believers and refugees. Pray that God will provide them with comfort, strength, wisdom and His presence as they carry out their work for His Kingdom. North Korean believers are deeply thankful for your support and prayers.

*Name changed for security reasons