North Korea’s ruling ideology, Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism, treats religion as an existential threat, resulting in the severe persecution of Christians and practitioners of shamanism with punishments including forced labor, imprisonment, torture, and execution. North Korean refugees in China who engage in religious activities and have contact with Christian missionaries and nongovernmental organization workers face severe punishment when repatriated to North Korea.
Source: A rally celebrating the success of a recent nuclear test is held in Kim Il Sung square, REUTERS / KCNA