Seoul: North Korea is considered one of the most secretive countries in the world. It is officially an atheist state. The ruling party sees religion as a threat to its authority. Instead, North Koreans are expected to show complete devotion to the ruling Kim family, who many view as godlike. There are believed to be a small number of Christians practising in secret inside the hermit kingdom, but entire families can be sent to prison camps for practising religion. Even owning a Bible can lead to detention or even death.

According to BBC, there are an estimated 33,000 North Korean defectors living in South Korea. The exact number of North Korean Christians living in the south is unknown, but it is believed that a significant number of defectors now identify as Christians. BBC correspondent Danny Vincent travels to the South Korean capital of Seoul to meet a family of defectors he first met a decade earlier while fleeing Northern China.

The journey of these defectors is fraught with challenges, as escaping North Korea often involves perilous travel through neighboring countries before reaching South Korea. The motivations for their escape are varied, but for many, the promise of religious freedom and the opportunity to practice Christianity openly is a significant draw.

The family Vincent reconnects with in Seoul represents just one story among thousands of North Korean defectors. Their experiences shed light on the harsh realities faced by those who dare to defy the regime’s strictures on religion and personal freedom. As these defectors build new lives in South Korea, they contribute to a growing community that seeks to preserve their faith and advocate for those still trapped in North Korea.