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Imprisoned Church Leader Released!

Voice of the Martyrs Korea, Release International, Church in Chains 20 November 2025

A hill is behind Deacon Jang Moon Seok. — Deacon Jang Moon Seok
Photo: VOM Korea

In November 2014, Deacon Jang Moon Seok (also known by his Chinese name, Zhang Wen Shi) was kidnapped in China while ministering in the town of Changbai, which is located near the country's border with North Korea. Following his abduction, the church leader was transported to North Korea where he was subsequently sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment.

Deacon Jang, along with a pastor named Han Chung-Ryeol, had been regularly hosting North Korean visitors in Changbai, offering them warm clothing, food and other necessary provisions. Although it is illegal for North Koreans to cross into China without permission from governing officials, many do so in hopes of receiving needed medical care or purchasing practical goods that could be resold in their homeland. Sadly, in April 2016, only 15 months after Deacon Jang's kidnapping, Pastor Han was lured out of his home and tragically stabbed to death.

According to Dr. Hyun Sook Foley from Voice of the Martyrs Korea (VOMK), a number of the visiting North Koreans became Christians through the ministry of these dedicated Christian leaders. "Some returned to Deacon Jang's home repeatedly for more Bible training," she states. "Deacon Jang and Pastor Han also taught them how to share their faith with their loved ones. Their goal was always to see North Koreans return home."

Throughout the years, VOMK and its ministry partners organized letter-writing campaigns, urging the North Korean government to free Deacon Jang. Finally, after more than a decade of captivity, the believer was released from prison on November 5th and permitted to return home to China.

One of VOMK's primary ministry outreaches involves sharing the message of the Gospel with North Koreans. In a recent video interview, the Korean mission's CEO, Dr. Eric Foley, spoke of the organization's expanding radio broadcasts which are being used to reach the citizens of their extremely restricted neighbouring nation. To hear his discussion with VOM Canada's podcast host, Greg Musselman, go to the video, "North Korea: Gospel Radio Penetrates the Hermit Kingdom."

Let us rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters in East Asia and other areas of the world by giving thanks to God for His faithfulness in securing Deacon Jang's release after so many years of imprisonment.
As this released believer begins the process of readjusting to life and ministry in his home community, may he experience emotional healing, relational restoration, spiritual and physical strength, as well as further guidance.
Ask God to open more incredible doors of opportunity so the Gospel can effectively reach the people of North Korea, while providing protection and wisdom to all who are courageously sharing His Word.

Current Ministry Project
VOMC assists in the education and training of North Korean Christians to enable them to reach fellow North Koreans with the Gospel wherever they are found. VOMC also works with proven ministry partners who are broadcasting quality radio programs to equip and encourage believers of the North Korean underground church.

Project Fund: Underground Church
Country Information
Population
26,072,217 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Racially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese

Religion (%)
Juche (99) Christian (1)

Leader
Kim Jong-Un (2011)

Government type
Dictatorship, single-party state

Legal system
Based on Prussian civil law system with Japanese traditions and Communist legal theory

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for North Korea
Pray for the safety of the country's refugees – including those who are hiding in various parts of China, as they are frequently being hunted by Chinese and North Korean agents. Ask the Lord to also protect and strengthen believers faithfully serving within North Korea, granting them wisdom as they seek ways to effectively communicate the hope of the Gospel so the church can continue to grow. And like the Apostle Paul, may the country's primary political leader, Kim Jong Un, experience a profound life-changing encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ who is longing to extend love, mercy and forgiveness toward him (Acts 9).

North Korea News

Imprisoned Church Leader Released!

Deacon Jang Moon Seok
Photo: VOM Korea

In November 2014, Deacon Jang Moon Seok (also known by his Chinese name, Zhang Wen Shi) was kidnapped in China while ministering in the town of Changbai, which is located near the country's border with North Korea. Following his abduction, the church leader was transported to North Korea where he was subsequently sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment.

Read more...
Christian Radio Broadcasts Expanded

Photo: Pexels / Anthony Shkraba Production

While the "radio" may be considered almost obsolete technology in some areas of the world, Voice of the Martyrs Korea (VOMK) acknowledges that it's an effective means of sharing the Gospel message in North Korea. Despite the significant risks involved, an estimated 20 percent of North Koreans regularly listen to foreign broadcasts using headphone radios. Although Christian broadcasting is illegal in this highly restrictive nation, the use of these radios allows individuals to listen to programs discreetly or alone in the dark, reducing the likelihood of detection by onlookers who may report them to the authorities.

Read more...
Court Ruling Permits Balloon Launches

Photo: VOMK

Since 2005, The Voice of the Martyrs Korea VOMK has used large balloons to carry Bibles and Scripture pamphlets into the restricted nation of North Korea. However, in 2020, the South Korean government passed a law criminalizing the use of balloons after negotiations with the North Korean government. (See this report for more details on the restriction.)

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Balloon Launches Officially Banned

Photo: VOMK

Since 2005, The Voice of the Martyrs Korea (VOMK) has used balloon launches as an effective way of getting Bibles into North Korea. Recent surveys indicate that an increasing percentage of North Korean defectors have also been given access to the Scriptures. Many of those Bibles may well have come through VOMK, whose distribution outreaches sent approximately 600,000 Bibles into the country over the years. It has been the only major organization supplying religious materials across the border.

Read more...