Joseph Yun Li-sun

The Pope sends a message to the Archdiocese of Seoul, which is preparing to celebrate the 'Month of Korean Martyrs' with pilgrimages and ceremonies. All "who participate in pilgrimages during this month, aided by the prayers and example of the martyrs, will deepen their communion with the Lord Jesus Christ."

As part of the "Month of Martyrs" in September, something the Korean Church has celebrated for several years, the Archdiocese of the capital has prepared a plan it hopes will raise awareness among the faithful about the city's holy places. Bishop Yeom: "There is so much to discover, and through the example of the martyrs we can enhance the dialogue with the Lord."

Parliament begins debate on the introduction of euthanasia in Korea. Archbishop Yeom to AsiaNews: "Unacceptable to stop necessary treatments of patients in the name of other interests. The government needs instead to help those who suffer. "

Bishops, priests, nuns and lay people from around the country want President Park Geun-hye's administration to start a real investigation into the criminal activities of the National Intelligence Service, which has been accused of meddling in last December's presidential election in exchange for economic favours. The situation reminds the Bishop of Suwon of when the country was under dictatorial rule, which was defeated.

The National Commission of Bioethics sends a "recommendation” to Parliament for the legalization of ending treatment for patients in a vegetative state and terminal phase. The Director of the Catholic Institute of Bioethics tells AsiaNews: "The risks of abuse of a patient’s will are very high. Measures are needed to ensure the dignity of life. "

On his return from World Youth Day, Francis announced a trip to Asia for 2014. Speaking to AsiaNews, Bishop Lazarus You Heung-sik said, "If he chose our country we would all be very happy. A visit by him to Korea would be a huge boost to missionary action, not only for the Korean Church but for all Asian Churches." South Korean authorities have already invited him. Even non-Catholics love him.

North Korea’s Parliament passes a constitutional amendment that identifies the country's government with the ruling family, attacks the "bourgeois who traffic in foreign currency" and eliminates the concepts of socialism and communism, replacing them with the delusional "Juche revolution."

On 15 August, as the world celebrates the end of World War II, the Korean Church celebrates with particular devotion the Assumption, which liberated the country from Japanese imperialism. In a message to the faithful, the archbishop noted that only by living all as "true Christians can we hope to see the end of the inter-Korean conflict".

Bishop Lazzaro You Heung-sik led 350 young South Koreans to the WYD with the Pope and the Catholic youth of the world: "We have experienced the love and closeness of the Brazilian people, we are ready to give back what received during the upcoming Asian Youth Day. " Now, a 10 day retreat with the Brazilian bishops to "reflect on the message and on the invitation of the Pope to move out to the margins."

At the East Asian Cup in Seoul, Pyongyang's team beats rivals 2 to 1. After the match, players gather in midfield to sing "praise and thanksgiving" to their country's dictator. South Korean fans still give them a round of applause after their victory.

The North Korean dictator invites foreign dignitaries and journalists for the 60th anniversary of the armistice with Seoul. But demands an astronomical sum for any talks. An AsiaNews source: "He must make cash, in the south of the country it gets worse every day."

The musician was the first pianist of the Pyongyang Symphony Orchestra, but fled after realizing that North Korea "is the only place in the world where art is exploited for repression." Engaged in the battle for human rights in his country of origin, he performs "to show that our people do not hate each other."