Andrés Kim Dae-geon: The life of Korea's first Catholic priest featured in new film

The film “Nacimiento” has been released, chronicling the life of Andrés Kim Dae-geon, the first Korean Catholic priest and martyr. Born in 1821 during the Joseon Dynasty, Kim was a missionary, cartographer, and navigator who traveled through Macau and various maritime routes to spread his faith despite intense religious persecution.

Historical records note that between 1810 and 1840, violent persecutions targeted the Catholic Church in Korea. Kim was ordained as a priest while imprisoned and was subsequently martyred. He was among the 103 Korean martyrs canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984 during a visit to Seoul. The film depicts his journeys, including his time in Vladivostok and his efforts to navigate the Yellow Sea, highlighting the resilience of early Korean Christian communities.