Revd Hyeon Soo Lim, from Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was detained in January after arriving from China. He was accused of subversive plots against the state and attempting to spread religion.
Christianity in North Korea:
- Christianity widely persecuted
- True number of Christians unknown
- Up to 100,000 Christians placed in prison for faith
(source Operation World)
- Missionaries from other countries treated as criminals
Speaking at a service at the capital's Pongsu Church he is reported to have said: "I committed the gravest crime of insulting and defaming the top dignity and the leadership of the republic."
In the video posted on Nortk Korean website uriminzokkiri.com, he's seen reading from a script while a small congregation, which includes some westerners, look on.
The pastor goes on to say he'd been brainwashed by anti-communist propaganda and extreme religious education.
Pyongyang treats any foreign missionaries with deep suspicion although some are accepted for their humanitarian work.
Those who are arrested are often seen apologising or confessing. Many anti-persecution groups claim they are forced into giving statements against their will.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide says although religious freedom is non-existent; at least four state-sanctioned churches operate in Pyongyang. It believes these exist primarily for the benefit of foreigners and to present a false image of the situation. CSW claims most North Koreans will have never met a religious practitioner or seen a Bible or a church.
It is unknown what the pastor's current position is and if he is still being detained.
Watch the video here: