Biography
Protasius Chong Kuk-bo
About Protasius Chong Kuk-bo
Protasius Chong Kuk-bo was born into a noble family in Songdo in 1799. After difficulties involving his grandfather, he moved with his father to Seoul, where they worked for the government. He learned Catholic teaching and received baptism as an adult.
The priest Pacificus Yu placed him in charge of a house near Hongsalmun, where Catholics visiting Seoul could stay while seeking the sacraments. Protasius and his wife cared for the visitors. The critical biography describes a household burdened by poverty, illness and the deaths of all their children.
Protasius and his wife were arrested during the persecution of 1839. After punishment and further questioning, he renounced Catholicism and was released. Back at home, he regretted that decision. Other Catholics encouraged him to return to the authorities and retract his denial.
He repeatedly went to the criminal court, asking to be taken into custody again. Guards turned him away. Eventually he waited along the official’s route and made his request directly. The official ordered his arrest, and he was returned to police custody.
The bishops’ conference account describes fellow Catholic prisoners welcoming him back. He was punished again while already weakened by illness. He died in prison in May 1839. The account remembers his return to Catholic practice after an earlier denial, rather than a life without fear or failure.
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