Kim Jung-wook: A Case of Arbitrary Detention & Religious Persecution in North Korea
Who is Kim Jung-wook?
Kim Jung-wook (sometimes spelled Kim Jeong-uk / 김정욱) is a South Korean Christian missionary. Before his arrest, he was working in Dandong, China (a city very close to the Chinese-North Korean border), providing aid and Christian ministry to North Korean refugees: sharing the gospel, offering shelter and food. USCIRF+2International Christian Concern+2
Arrest & Charges
Date of arrest: October 8, 2013, by North Korean authorities. The trigger was allegedly his bringing religious items into North Korea. USCIRF+2International Christian Concern+2
Alleged wrongdoing: According to multiple sources, Kim was accused of a variety of offenses including espionage, anti-State propaganda and agitation, conspiracy to subvert the State, and illegal activities related to religious materials. USCIRF+2International Christian Concern+2
Forced confession: In early 2014 (February), he was allegedly forced to confess at a press conference to establishing underground churches, among other things. USCIRF+1
Sentencing: In May 2014, Kim was reportedly sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor. USCIRF+2International Christian Concern+2
Current Status & Lack of Transparency
Since his arrest, his family has had no contact with him. His condition, health, and whereabouts are unknown. Korea Joongang Daily+3USCIRF+3International Christian Concern+3
Authorities in North Korea have not confirmed whether he is alive, or provided basic information about his detention. International Christian Concern+2NK News - North Korea News+2
South Korea’s government (Ministry of Unification) as well as international bodies have repeatedly called on North Korea to provide information and to release him (and other detained missionaries) unconditionally. Anadolu Ajansı+4The Korea Times+4NK News - North Korea News+4
International Response & Legal Findings
In March 2025, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) (under the UN Human Rights Council) declared the detention of Kim Jung-wook, and two other South Korean missionaries (Kim Kook-kie and Choi Chun-gil), arbitrary, in violation of international law. They called for their immediate release, reparations, and an independent investigation. NK News - North Korea News+2Korea Joongang Daily+2
South Korea has used this ruling to press North Korea diplomatically. The Unification Ministry has issued statements condemning the imprisonment and urging North Korea to comply. Korea Joongang Daily+2The Korea Times+2
The U.S. government has also raised concerns over his detention, citing it as part of broader human rights abuses in the DPRK. The Korea Times+2USCIRF+2
Related Cases & Broader Context
Kim Jung-wook is not alone. Two other South Korean missionaries — Kim Kook-kie and Choi Chun-gil — were arrested on similar charges in 2014, also given life sentences with hard labor, accused of spying, propaganda, etc. International Christian Concern+3Korea Joongang Daily+3NK News - North Korea News+3
Additionally, there are broader diplomatic and human rights issues:
The South Korean government refers to six South Korean nationals who have been detained in North Korea, among them the three missionaries. The Korea Times+1
Family members of the detainees have been recognized under South Korea's law as victims of abduction, giving them certain legal status and compensation. The Korea Times
There is consistent international pressure, through UN mechanisms, human rights groups, religious organizations, etc., to improve transparency, allow access, and to release those imprisoned unjustly. The Star+1
Legal & Human Rights Issues
Several legal and human rights concerns are prominent in this case:
Arbitrary detention – The UN WGAD found the detention arbitrary, which implies violations of international conventions on human rights, due process, fair trial guarantees. NK News - North Korea News+2The Korea Times+2
Freedom of religion or belief – Being a Christian missionary, his work is fundamentally tied to religious expression, which in many international treaties (e.g. ICCPR) is protected. North Korea’s treatment appears to violate that.
Due process concerns – Forced confession, lack of transparency, inability for family or legal counsel to have contact, unclear trial procedures are deeply troubling.
Incommunicado detention – Not permitted contact with family, no information about condition or location. Such conditions exacerbate risk of abuse and prevent accountability.
Life sentence with hard labor – Often associated in DPRK with penal labor under harsh conditions; when combined with lack of oversight, the risk to physical and mental health is very serious.
Challenges & Gaps in Current Knowledge
Is he still alive? No verified information as of latest reports. North Korea has not confirmed. International Christian Concern+2NK News - North Korea News+2
Condition / treatment: Virtually nothing is reliably known about his health, whether he is still able to communicate, location of imprisonment, etc.
Legal evidence & trial transparency: Very little is publicly known about the evidence used against him, or how the trial was conducted.
North Korea’s response: There have been no credible public statements from DPRK confirming or countering many of the claims.
Why This Matters
The case is emblematic of the broader human rights and religious freedom issues in the DPRK. Cases like this highlight how the regime treats religious practice (especially Christianity) as a threat.
It poses legal and diplomatic issues for South Korea, which has to balance relations and human rights obligations.
It is a point of concern for international bodies, NGOs, and religious freedom advocates. The reliability of international legal mechanisms (e.g., UN WGAD) depends on follow-through.
Outlook & What to Watch For
Diplomatic negotiations – Whether South Korea, possibly in coordination with other governments (e.g. U.S.), can secure concessions from DPRK regarding detainees.
UN and international pressure – Continued statements, resolutions, possibly sanctions or conditional aid related to human rights.
Media / NGO investigations – Any credible leaks, testimonies from defectors, satellite, etc., that might shed light on his condition.
Legal recourse or recognition – Increased recognition of the detainees’ status under South Korean or international law (e.g. victim of abduction, human rights legal status) which could impact compensation, advocacy.
Conclusion
Kim Jung-wook’s case remains one of the more distressing examples of religious persecution and arbitrary detention in North Korea. After nearly 12 years in detention, virtually nothing is known about his wellbeing or situation. The international community has formally condemned his detention, but North Korea has yet to provide basic transparency. The legal findings of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention classify his detention as illegal under international law, but without enforcement mechanisms, such declarations often remain symbolic unless tied to diplomatic or economic pressure.
