Not Forgotten

1. Arrest and the Shock of Detention

The moment the car pulled into the parking lot I knew I was in trouble.

Sudden apprehension. Kenneth Bae, a missionary disguised as a tour operator, was arrested in Rason, North Korea, during his eighteenth trip into the country. The arrest was triggered by the discovery of an external hard drive containing "disruptive materials," including mission work details and anti-DPRK videos.

Initial isolation. Taken to a secluded villa, Bae was stripped of his shoes and pants, left shivering in a cold room, and subjected to immediate, intimidating questioning by government agents. His government minder was also detained, highlighting the severity and secrecy of the situation.

Fear and uncertainty. The initial days were marked by fear for his tour group and family, lack of information, meager food rations, and physical discomfort, setting the stage for the psychological pressure tactics that would follow.

2. Interrogation and Finding Strength in Faith

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it.

Relentless questioning. Bae faced daily, hours-long interrogations where he was pressured to confess to being a terrorist plotting against the state. Officials like Mr. Park employed "good cop, bad cop" tactics, demanding written confessions and punishing perceived lies with physical discomfort like standing for hours.

Divine presence. Despite the pressure and fear, Bae found strength and peace through prayer and meditating on scripture. A profound spiritual experience, feeling the Holy Spirit's presence and warmth, reassured him he was not alone and would be protected.

Truth and consequences. He initially tried to portray himself as a businessman who made an accidental mistake, but eventually confessed to being a missionary. This honesty, guided by an inner sense of God's leading, shifted the interrogation but did not immediately lead to release.

3. The Misunderstood "Operation Jericho"

You plan on conquering Rason, and then what?

Spiritual warfare misinterpreted. A document on Bae's hard drive detailing "Operation Jericho," a plan to mobilize prayer for North Korea based on the biblical story of Jericho, was discovered and severely misinterpreted by the authorities. They saw it as a literal military invasion plan.

Accusations of subversion. North Korean officials, particularly Mr. Park, became convinced Bae was a dangerous criminal sent to overthrow the government through prayer, worship, and bringing in outsiders. They viewed the gospel message itself as a threat to their system and leadership.

Confession under pressure. Faced with death threats and intense pressure, Bae wrote a detailed confession, dictated in part by his interrogators, admitting to charges like attempting to overthrow the government through prayer and disrespecting the leadership, hoping it would lead to his release.

4. Trial, Conviction, and Labor Camp Sentence

I find the defendant guilty and sentence him to fifteen years hard labor.

Show trial. After months of pretrial detention and interrogation in Pyongyang, Bae was put on trial for violating Article 60 of the North Korean constitution (attempting to overthrow the government). The trial was brief, lasting only ninety minutes, and the outcome was predetermined.

Evidence presented. The prosecution presented Bae's signed confession, testimony from a North Korean woman he had discipled (Songyi), a statement from his friend Sam, and "evidence" from his hard drive, including a photoshopped image of a North Korean flag and video clips of starving children.

Fifteen years hard labor. Despite a doctor's assessment that he was unfit for labor due to multiple health conditions, Bae was sentenced to fifteen years of hard labor. This sentence, harsher than expected for a foreigner, was seen by North Korea as a message to the US and the world.

5. Life and Ministry in the Labor Camp

Work is the best medicine.

Harsh conditions. Bae's time in the labor camp was physically grueling, involving tasks like planting soybeans, breaking up coal ash, and digging trenches in extreme temperatures. Food rations were meager, leading to significant weight loss and exacerbating his existing health problems.

Constant surveillance and discomfort. He was prisoner 103, under constant watch by guards, even at night when the lights were never turned off. The physical pain, lack of sleep, and poor hygiene conditions made daily life a struggle.

Unexpected ministry. Despite the hardship, Bae found opportunities to interact with guards and officials, sharing stories about life outside North Korea and subtly introducing concepts of faith. His resilience and unexpected joy in suffering piqued their curiosity about his beliefs.

6. Hospital Stays and Glimpses of Hope

You are going to be here for a while.

Treatment for malnutrition. Bae was transferred to a hospital twice during his imprisonment, primarily for malnutrition and other health issues exacerbated by the labor camp conditions. These stays offered temporary relief from hard labor and slightly better, though still limited, care.

Contact with the outside. Hospital stays facilitated visits from the Swedish ambassador, who served as a liaison with the US government and his family. These visits brought letters, packages, and updates, providing crucial emotional support and a connection to the outside world.

The dog friend. A memorable, albeit poignant, connection was formed with a dog in the hospital courtyard, who seemed as isolated as Bae. This simple interaction provided a sense of companionship in his solitary confinement.

7. Family Advocacy and Public Awareness

The whole world now knows.

Family's tireless efforts. Upon learning of his conviction and sentence, Bae's family, particularly his sister Terri and son Jonathan, launched a public campaign for his release, defying his initial request for secrecy. They appeared on media outlets, started petitions, and contacted US officials.

High-profile involvement. The case gained national attention, drawing support from figures like former Ambassador Bill Richardson, Google chairman Eric Schmidt, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and even President Obama and Vice President Biden.

Dennis Rodman's impact. Basketball star Dennis Rodman's controversial visits and comments about Bae inadvertently amplified media coverage and public awareness of the case, although his remarks were initially hurtful to the family.

8. Surrendering to God's Will and Purpose

I give up my right to go home.

Wrestling with disappointment. Repeated disappointments, including cancelled visits by US envoys and the realization that hospital time didn't count towards his sentence, led Bae to a period of deep depression and questioning.

Embracing God's plan. Through prayer and reflection, particularly on scripture and books like The Purpose Driven Life, Bae reached a turning point. He surrendered his desire for immediate release and accepted his imprisonment as God's will and his mission field.

Shift in perspective. This surrender brought peace and a renewed sense of purpose. His focus shifted from his own suffering to seeing the people around him through God's eyes, fostering compassion and opening doors for deeper interactions.

9. Becoming a Missionary in Chains

I am a missionary, and this is the mission field you have given me.

Witness through suffering. Bae's unwavering faith, resilience, and ability to find joy and sing praises even in the midst of extreme hardship became a powerful testimony to his captors. His behavior challenged their understanding of his "crimes" and their own worldview.

Conversations about faith. Guards and officials, initially hostile or dismissive, became increasingly curious about the source of his strength and hope. Bae engaged them in conversations about God, the Bible, and the differences between life in North Korea and the West.

Building relationships. Despite the power imbalance and the constant surveillance, Bae built relationships with some guards, offering advice and discussing personal matters. His kindness, inspired by his faith, broke down barriers and created opportunities for genuine connection.

10. Enduring Hardship with Divine Presence

Where Jesus is, ’tis Heaven there.

God's faithfulness. Throughout his imprisonment, Bae experienced moments he attributed to God's direct intervention, from feeling the Holy Spirit's presence during interrogation to receiving specific foods he craved and surviving conditions deemed medically unfit.

Hope in suffering. The belief that God was with him, even in the darkest moments, sustained Bae. He found strength in hymns and scripture, reaffirming that his circumstances did not diminish God's love or presence.

Purpose in pain. His suffering became a means for God to work, opening doors for ministry that would not have been possible otherwise. Bae's imprisonment, though physically and emotionally devastating, ultimately served to advance the gospel in a uniquely challenging environment.

Last updated: May 31, 2025