Biography
Agatha Chon Kyong-hyob
About Agatha Chon Kyong-hyob
Agatha Chon Kyong-hyob was born in Seoul in 1790. After losing her parents, she entered service at Eui-bin Palace. Her friendship with Lucia Pak Hui-sun introduced her to Catholicism.
She followed Lucia out of royal service and lived with her. Agatha devoted time to prayer and religious reading, and her example encouraged others to learn about Catholicism.
She was arrested with Lucia and Maria Pak during the persecution of 1839. The encyclopedia describes the authorities treating the former palace attendants especially harshly because of their education.
Agatha refused to deny her religion or identify fellow Catholics. The bishops’ conference account also records pressure from her brother to abandon her faith.
She was executed outside Seoul’s Small West Gate on September 26, 1839.
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