Korean American missionary with cancer detained in Nepal on charges of spreading Christianity

A Korean American missionary detained in Nepal is drawing growing concern after it emerged that he is being held despite suffering from advanced cancer and other serious illnesses. The missionary, who requires ongoing chemotherapy, is reportedly not receiving adequate medical care inside the detention facility, raising alarm among church leaders and supporters.

According to the General Assembly of World Presbyterian Church, missionary Yongho Lee was arrested on January 31 in Nepal on charges related to “spreading Christianity.” He is currently being held at a detention facility in Kathmandu. The church confirmed the detention on February 8, several days after his arrest became known.

Church officials initially believed that local police had taken Lee into custody. However, the denomination later confirmed that Nepal’s immigration authorities are responsible for the detention. Woohyun Kim, secretary general of the denomination, said officials clarified the situation after making inquiries with local contacts.

Lee informed church leaders of his condition through an email sent on February 5 to Rev. Sangkeun Kim, a pastor affiliated with the denomination’s New York presbytery. In the message, obtained by the Korea Daily, Lee described his deteriorating health and the conditions of his confinement.

In his letter, Lee said he has stage 4 cancer and is battling multiple forms of the disease, including colon cancer, liver cancer, and lymphoma. In addition, he reported severe diarrhea that prevented him from drinking even water for two days.

He also said all electronic devices, including his mobile phone, were confiscated. As a result, he has been completely cut off from outside communication. According to the letter, a representative from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal visited the detention facility once to check on his health.

Lee wrote that his attorney advised him that active intervention by the U.S. Embassy would be the fastest way to resolve the case. In response, the General Assembly of World Presbyterian Church is urging supporters to submit petitions calling for embassy involvement.

Petitions can be sent to the U.S. Embassy in Nepal at kathmanduacs@state.gov. Kim said the church has also contacted the office of U.S. Rep. Norma Torres to request assistance.

Lee has worked in Nepal for more than a decade. In 2011, he founded a Korean language institute in Kathmandu, which became a base for his missionary activities. He also gained attention for participating in relief efforts after the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake.

In addition, Lee is known as an accomplished mountaineer who has reached the summit of Mount Everest multiple times. He previously operated a business in the United States. His family includes a son who works as a physician and a daughter pursuing a doctoral degree.

Nepal revised its criminal code in August 2018 to impose stricter limits on missionary activity by foreigners. Although the constitution guarantees religious freedom, the amended law criminalizes acts that encourage religious conversion or alter religious beliefs tied to caste, community, or ethnicity.

Foreign nationals found in violation may face criminal penalties. After paying fines, they can also be deported within seven days, according to the law.

BY KYEONGJUN KIM   [kim.kyeongjun@koreadaily.com]