Korea has had a long history of Catholic martyrdom stretching back to the late eighteenth century. In recent times, Christians in North Korea have suffered hugely because of the communist regime. Venerable Fr Emil Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain captured by communist forces in North Korea, continued celebrating Mass, praying with prisoners, and ministering to the dying in prisoner camps before his death in 1951. His cause for canonisation is ongoing. His ministry revolved around the Eucharist under the most horrific conditions. Many missionariesincluding several Irish Columban priests stayed in Korea rather than flee andpaid the ultimate price.
In the course of the late 18th and over the 19th Century, thousands of Christians were put to death in Korea for their faith. During the ruling Joseon Dynasty Christianity was seen as a foreign threat to the political, social and religious foundations of the state.
