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Biography

Joseph Im Chi-baeg

Portrait of Joseph Im Chi-baeg

About Joseph Im Chi-baeg

Joseph Im Chi-baeg grew up near the Han River outside Seoul and studied Chinese writing. He became acquainted with Catholics and helped them before joining their religion.

In 1846, his son Im Song-ryong was arrested with Andrew Kim Tae-gon. Joseph went to seek his son and was himself imprisoned. After transfer to Seoul, he received instruction and baptism from Andrew Kim.

He refused pressure to abandon his new faith despite severe punishment. The bishops’ conference dates his death in prison to September 20, 1846.

The Korean encyclopedia instead gives September 19. His precise death day remains uncertain.

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