Now Reading
Canadian Missionary Pastor Sentenced to Life in North Korean Labor Camp

Canadian Missionary Pastor Sentenced to Life in North Korean Labor Camp

The pastor of a large Christian church in Canada has been sentenced to life of “hard labor” in a North Korean prison camp after he “confessed” to trying to overthrow the government. Activists, his family and his church say however, that the “confessions” were coerced, and Canadian officials are attempting to have Rev. Hyeon Soo Lim freed through diplomatic channels.

Lim was arrested last year while making a humanitarian trip to North Korea, where his church runs an orphanage and nursing home. Lim, who serves as the head pastor of Toronto’s 3,000-member Light Korean Presbyterian Church, emigrated to Canada from South Korea 30 years ago, and made frequent humanitarian trips to North Korea through the years. In his “confession” Lim told reporters, “The purpose that I traveled about several parts of the country on the pretext of ‘aid’ was to build a base to overthrow the system of the country and create a religious state, taking advantage of the policies of the U.S. and South Korean authorities.” The North Korean government is arguably the most oppressive in the world, and outlaws any religious activity not sanctioned by its dictator.

Officials in Canada have been unable to visit the 60-year-old pastor and are concerned for his health. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the press, “The issues of North Korea’s governance and judicial system are well known. We are very concerned about someone being sentenced to life in North Korea.”

View Comment (1)

Leave a Reply

© 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Scroll To Top

You’re reading our ad-supported experience

For our premium ad-free experience, including exclusive podcasts, issues and more, subscribe to

Plans start as low as $2.50/mo