Chu Ki-chol

Chu Ki-chol was a Korean Presbyterian minister who suffered martyrdom because of his opposition to Japanese demands that Christians pay reverence at Shinto shrines. The demand was one of many requirements imposed by Japan during its occupation of Korea (1905–45) to instill obedience and supplant Korean culture and religion. Chu was born to a Christian family in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, in 1897. He attended Osan School and Yonhi College, where he was influenced by Korean nationalism and Christianity. He dropped out of college due to poor health and participated in the March 1st Movement for the independence of Korea in 1919. He regained his sight after attending a faith meeting hosted by Kim Ik-du and decided to pursue a career in ministry. He enrolled at the Pyongyang Theological Seminary and became a deacon. He was ordained a minister in 1926 and served as one in Busan, Masan, and Pyongyang. Chu opposed Shinto practices forced on Korean Christians by the Japanese occupiers. He was first arrested in February 1938 and tortured in prison. Still defiant, the Pyongyang Presbytery relieved him from ministry and the authorities arrested him three more times. His last arrest was in July 1940. He died of torture in prison on 21 April 1944. After his death, the South Korean government has given recognition for him, including conferring upon him Order of Merit for National Foundation, Third Class. He was declared Independence Fighter of the Month in November 2007. Despite him being revered as a Korean nationalist, in his sermons he explained that his actions emanated from his Christian faith.