Korean Martyrs
Zenit reports on the cause for canonization of John Song Hae-bung of Korea. Korea has had 10,000 martyrs since Christianity arrived at its shores in the 18th century.
This would most probably mean that Korea has the highest number of martyrs among Asian countries - more than even the Philippines, Asia’s only other (East Timor is the other) predominantly Catholic country. Christianity arrived in the Philippines with the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. I’m not certain if the Philippines has as many martyrs as Korea.
Christianity arrived in India during the first century A.D. when it was evangelized by St. Thomas the Apostle. Being a far larger country and with a 2000 year presence of Christianity, India probably hasn’t produced as many martyrs as Korea either. Why the dearth of martyrs in both India and Philippines? Certainly throughout the centuries both these countries have presented numerous opportunities for the faithful to witness to the faith.
Why does a recently evangelized country as Korea have more martyrs than older evangelized ones? It would indicate the zeal of the Catholics of Korea towards their faith to the extend of martyrdom. This passion also may result from the Korean people’s tenacious attitude. We see this attitude in their work ethics that propelled South Korea to be a hugely successful economic powerhouse.
Korea too is the only non-Christian Asian country to have elected a Christian President.
korea christianity
