Biography
Peter Yi Ho-yong
About Peter Yi Ho-yong
Peter Yi Ho-yong was born in Icheon and became a Catholic during childhood. After his father died, he moved with his family to Seoul. His sister was Agatha Yi So-sa. The Chinese priest Pacificus Yu appointed him a catechist.
In Seoul, Peter learned from Paul Yi Kyong-on, who continued teaching him until his own arrest in 1827. Peter later took responsibility for instructing other Catholics.
In February 1835, Peter and Agatha were arrested at Musoemak on the banks of the Han River. He endured severe punishment at the police and criminal courts. The encyclopedia records that he refused to sign a statement labeling Catholicism a harmful teaching, insisting that his religion was a true and holy way.
The bishops’ conference account reproduces part of a letter describing his questioning. Peter defended Catholics’ respect for parents. He continued praying during imprisonment and instructed a fellow prisoner preparing for baptism. Peter and Agatha occasionally met despite being held separately. They encouraged one another.
Peter became ill and died in prison in November 1838, before his sister. The sources disagree about the exact day of his death, so the date is retained here only to the month.
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