Leadership Journal

As diplomatic relations between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the rest of the world deteriorate, Christians in the repressive nation continue to suffer sharp persecution. Though capital Pyongyang was once called the "Jerusalem of the East" because of its vibrant Christian population, things have dramatically changed for worse for the country's Christians.

According to persecution watchdog Open Doors, 50-70,000 of North Korea's 400,000 Christians are imprisoned in conditions that rank among the worst in the world. New leader Kim Jong Un is reported "more oppressive" than his predecessor.

Christianity Today has an excellent interview with journalist Melanie Kirkpatrick on North Korea's "Underground Railroad."

Also be sure to read CT's archives on North Korea and Christianity for even more background to the situation.