Additional Name(s): Kim Kuk-gi, 김국기
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: North Korea
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Sentence: Life Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: October//2014
Current Status: Unknown
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Humanitarian Work & Charitable Activities Proselytizing Activities Religious Activity Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Espionage Illegal Migration & Entry/Exit of Country Subversion
Kim Kook-kie is imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.
In October 2014, North Korean authorities reportedly arrested and forcibly disappeared Kim Kook-kie, a South Korean pastor who engaged in missionary work in Dandong city, Liaoning province, China, after he was allegedly lured into going to North Korea to see the existence of underground churches.
In March 2015, Kim Kook-kie was forced to confess his alleged crimes at a press conference. This was the first time authorities acknowledged having Kim Kook-kie in their detention.
In June 2015, it was reported that the Supreme Court had sentenced Kim Kook-kie to life imprisonment with labor for conspiracy to subvert the State (Art. 60 Criminal Code), espionage (Art. 64 Criminal Code), destruction and sabotage (Art. 65 Criminal Code), and illegal border crossing (Art. 221 Criminal Code).
Kim Kook-kie has had no contact with his family since his arrest.
Related Cases: Kim Jung-wook, Choi Chun-gil