Nothing will stop faith.
A North Korean Christian who has escaped imprisonment twice is holding on to the hope of reuniting with his child and sharing the message of Jesus, highlighting the resilience of persecuted believers amidst rising anti-Christian violence globally. Jung Jik (a pseudonym for safety) was featured in the Open Doors US 2025 World Watch List, which documents the 50 countries with the most severe oppression against Christians. Despite the immense dangers, Jung, now living in South Korea, recalls his family’s Christian background, including his father’s conversion after fleeing North Korea, which eventually led to his own faith journey and subsequent escape.
The Open Doors report reveals that North Korea remains the most hostile country for Christians, with believers facing severe risks, including imprisonment, torture, and even execution if their faith is discovered. Despite this, about 400,000 Christians continue practicing their faith secretly in North Korea, and an underground church survives, where individuals experience miraculous healings and embrace Christianity. Jung’s own escape from imprisonment—once by climbing an electric fence and another time by seizing an opportunity when a guard was distracted—illustrates the extreme lengths some go to maintain their faith.
Jung’s hope remains focused on reuniting with his child and teaching them about Jesus, showcasing the ongoing determination of Christians in extreme persecution. Open Doors CEO Ryan Brown emphasized the perseverance of Christians like Jung, calling them a model for those in regions with religious freedom. Throughout history, the Church has thrived despite extreme persecution, and even in countries like Algeria, Afghanistan, and sub-Saharan Africa, where Christians face violence and discrimination, the Church continues to survive, albeit underground.
The 2025 World Watch List highlights the worsening situation for Christians in various countries, including rising violence in sub-Saharan Africa, with countries like Burkina Faso and Chad seeing more attacks due to Islamic extremist groups. Christians in regions like Yemen, Sudan, Myanmar, and northern Nigeria are especially vulnerable to persecution. Brown advocates for world leaders to prioritize religious freedom in their efforts to create stability and peace, arguing that addressing Christian persecution is essential for global peace.