Kehidupan dan perjuangan umat Katolik di Korea Utara, negeri paling tertutup

Summary

The video script explores the unique and challenging life of Catholic believers in North Korea, contrasting it with the more open and thriving Catholic presence in South Korea. It details the history of Catholicism in North Korea, from early missionary efforts to the harsh persecution under the communist regime. Despite severe restrictions, some underground Catholic communities persist. The script also highlights the strained relationship between North Korea and the Vatican, touching on diplomatic efforts and the personal connections of South Korean leaders. It concludes with a hopeful prayer for peace and unity on the Korean Peninsula.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first Catholic missionary arrived in North Korea in 1794, following the baptism of the first Korean diplomat, Yesung Hoon, in Beijing.
• 😀 Catholicism spread in North Korea during the 17th century, with many scholars in the region being interested in Western doctrines.
• 😀 Despite being persecuted during the Joseon Dynasty, Catholicism continued to spread, albeit under strict government restrictions.
• 😀 After the Korean Peninsula was divided, North Korea's communist regime, led by Kim Il-sung, severely persecuted Christians, including Catholics.
• 😀 There are two Catholic groups in North Korea: one follows the Pope and the global Catholic Church, and the other is managed by the government.
• 😀 North Korea's Catholic Church is divided into five dioceses, but only three are relevant to the country—Pyongyang, Hamhung, and one under South Korea’s archdiocese.
• 😀 There are officially 13 parishes in North Korea, with most parishes in the country having to practice their faith in secrecy.
• 😀 There are 27 priests, 39 fathers, and 26 sisters providing pastoral services in North Korea, with some assistance from South Korea.
• 😀 The number of Catholics in North Korea is estimated to be around 3,000 as of 2017, significantly lower than the 50,000 estimated in 1950.
• 😀 Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, public worship is restricted in North Korea, and only a few state-controlled churches exist.
• 😀 Efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula have led to occasional outreach, including an invitation from Kim Jong-un for the Pope to visit North Korea, although it has yet to happen.

Q & A

What is the historical background of Catholicism in North Korea?

Catholicism first entered Korea in the late 18th century, with the arrival of Catholic missionaries. The first Catholic missionary arrived in 1794, and the doctrine of Catholicism began to spread across the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea, despite government opposition.

How did Catholicism spread in North Korea despite governmental restrictions?

Catholicism spread in North Korea through intellectual interest in Western doctrines, particularly in the 17th century, when scholars and practical learning enthusiasts were drawn to Catholic teachings. Despite persecution by the Joseon government and later by the North Korean regime, the faith persisted in underground movements.

What happened to Catholic communities in North Korea after its division from South Korea?

After the division of Korea into North and South, the communist government in North Korea, led by Kim Il-sung, persecuted Christians, including Catholics, who were viewed as collaborators with imperialists. Many Catholics were imprisoned or executed, and Catholicism became severely restricted.

What is the current status of Catholicism in North Korea?

Catholicism in North Korea remains largely underground, with an estimated 3,000 Catholics. The government controls a small official Catholic organization, but the majority of the faithful worship in secret due to restrictions on religious freedom.

How many dioceses are there in North Korea, and how are they governed?

There are five dioceses covering North Korea, but only one is directly governed by the Vatican under the leadership of the Pope. The other four dioceses are controlled by the North Korean government, which restricts the church's activities.

What is the role of the Catholic Church in North Korea regarding its relationship with the Vatican?

The Catholic Church in North Korea is divided. One diocese is directly under the Vatican's authority, while the others are under the control of the North Korean government. This division reflects the government's tight control over religious practices in the country.

What is the significance of the Pyongyang diocese in North Korea?

The Pyongyang diocese historically had a large Catholic population, but it is now severely restricted. It was once the center of Catholicism in North Korea, with over 360,000 Catholics recorded in the 1940s, but the current number of Catholics in the diocese is unclear due to government control.

How did the government of North Korea respond to Pope John Paul II's invitation?

In 2006, after a series of inter-Korean summits, President Kim Jong-un invited Pope John Paul II to visit North Korea. However, the visit never materialized, as the government did not pursue formal diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

What role did Pope Francis play in the context of North Korea's religious situation?

Pope Francis visited South Korea in 2014, but his invitation to attend Mass from the North Korean Catholic Association was declined. This highlighted the ongoing religious restrictions in North Korea. Additionally, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un invited Pope Francis to visit North Korea in 2018 as part of a peace initiative.

What is the situation regarding religious freedom in North Korea, especially for Catholics?

Religious freedom in North Korea is extremely limited. While the constitution nominally guarantees freedom of religion, in practice, the government tightly controls religious activities. Most religious practices, including Catholicism, must occur in secret, and few places of worship are allowed, all under government supervision.