What happened to the nation once known as the “Jerusalem of the East”—and how are Christians still surviving under one of the most oppressive regimes in the world?

More than a century ago, Pyongyang was known as the “Jerusalem of the East.”

Christian revival swept through Korea. Churches multiplied, believers gathered openly, and missionaries were sent across the world.

Then communism took control.

Today, North Korea is one of the most dangerous places on earth to follow Jesus. The Bible is outlawed, children are taught to report Christian family members, and loyalty to the Kim dynasty has replaced worship of God.

Yet the Church has not disappeared.

In this special episode of The Deep End Podcast, Pastor Tim Hatch sits down with Dan Chung, co-founder and Executive Director of Crossing Borders and author of A Hard Freedom, to discuss Christian persecution in North Korea, the underground church, North Korean refugees, human trafficking in China, and the difficult journey from physical escape to true freedom.

📌 Key Themes & Insights

North Korea Was Once a Center of Christian Revival

Before the rise of the Kim dynasty, Christianity had deep roots in North Korea.

Pyongyang became known for its churches, worship gatherings, and missionary activity. Dan Chung shares the story of his uncle, a pastor trained in Pyongyang who was forced to hide beneath the floorboards of his home while members of his family were killed.

Communism did not simply introduce a new political system.

It deliberately sought to remove God and replace Him with the state.

Why Christianity Is a Threat to the North Korean Regime

North Korea is not truly irreligious.

Its people are taught to worship the nation’s leaders, trust the government for everything, and accept state propaganda as absolute truth.

Christianity threatens that system because it declares that Jesus—not the government—is Lord.

It teaches that every person is made in the image of God, that human dignity does not come from the state, and that freedom is found through Christ.

That is why Christians, pastors, churches, and even possession of a Bible are treated as threats.

The Underground Church in North Korea

Despite decades of persecution, evidence of Christian faith continues to survive.

Dan shares the story of a North Korean woman who recognized the Christian hymn “Fill My Cup, Lord” because her grandfather had secretly sung it to her years earlier.

That small memory became a reminder that the Gospel had not been completely erased.

The Church in North Korea may be hidden, but it is not dead.

Jesus is still at work in one of the darkest places in the world.

Why Escaping North Korea Is Only the Beginning

North Korean refugees often discover that physical freedom does not immediately produce emotional or spiritual freedom.

They emerge from a society built on fear, propaganda, government dependence, and distrust. Many struggle to understand that they have been lied to their entire lives.

Some are terrified of Americans because they were taught from childhood that Americans and Christians were monsters.

Crossing Borders helps refugees process trauma, experience Christian community, and learn what it means to live beyond the control of the regime.

Freedom is more than crossing a border.

It is learning to live without fear.

North Korean Women and Human Trafficking in China

Many North Korean refugees who escape into China are women.

Because China does not recognize them as refugees and cooperates with North Korea, these women have virtually no legal protection. Many are sold into forced marriages, sexual exploitation, or other forms of trafficking.

Crossing Borders works underground to build Christian communities where women can receive practical help, healing, discipleship, and support from one another.

Dan tells the powerful story of a woman who had participated in trafficking others but later confessed, repented, and was embraced by the very women she had harmed.

That is the power of the Gospel.

Jesus offers both justice and mercy.

What North Korea Teaches America About Freedom

The conversation also carries a warning for Americans.

Freedom should never be assumed.

North Korea demonstrates what can happen when government becomes the ultimate provider, authority, educator, and source of truth.

A society that erases history, divides families, controls information, and teaches children to trust the state above their parents creates the conditions for totalitarianism.

Pastor Tim challenges Christians to value religious liberty, personal responsibility, family, Christian community, and the freedoms many Americans now take for granted.

📖 Theological Insights

Human beings are made in the image of God and possess dignity that no government can give or take away.

Jesus Christ is the true Lord, which is why totalitarian governments view Christianity as a threat.

Political freedom is precious, but only Christ can provide complete spiritual freedom.

The Gospel creates communities of generosity, forgiveness, healing, and mutual care.

No government can extinguish the Church of Jesus Christ.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

🌎 Cultural Relevance

This episode speaks directly into several urgent conversations:

Christian persecution in North Korea

The underground church and secret believers

The history of the Pyongyang revival

Communism, totalitarianism, and government propaganda

North Korean defectors and refugees

Human trafficking of North Korean women in China

Religious freedom and the dangers of state control

The difference between political freedom and spiritual freedom

Dan Chung’s ministry through Crossing Borders

His book, A Hard Freedom

North Korea is not merely a distant political crisis.

It is a human rights crisis, a religious freedom crisis, and one of the defining moral issues of our time.

Future generations may ask what the world knew—and what the world did.

💬 Join the Conversation

What can Christians learn from believers who continue following Jesus under extreme persecution?

How can the Church support North Korean refugees and persecuted Christians?

👉 Watch the full episode, share your thoughts in the comments, and join the conversation.

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📘 Learn More and Help North Korean Refugees

Learn more about Dan Chung’s work through Crossing Borders and discover how you can support North Korean refugees, trafficked women, and Christian communities.

👉 Visit Crossing Borders: https://crossingbordersnk.org
👉 Read Dan Chung’s book: A Hard Freedom

🙏 Share the Hope

The North Korean government may outlaw the Bible, persecute Christians, and demand complete loyalty from its people.

But it cannot stop Jesus Christ.

The Church is still alive.

The Gospel is still reaching people.

And even in one of the darkest nations on earth, the light of Christ continues to shine.

Share this episode with your family, friends, church, or small group and help others understand the reality of Christian persecution in North Korea—and the hope only Jesus can provide.