Catholic Persecution of 1801
The Catholic Persecution of 1801, also known as the Sinyu Persecution, was a mass persecution of Korean Catholics ordered by Queen Jeongsun during King Sunjo of Joseon's reign. Beginning on 8 April 1801, the move was a cover for the political persecution of her opposing factions with in the government which were less hostile to Catholicism.
Notable events during the persecution included the Hwang Sa-yeong Incident. Hwang, a persecuted Catholic and nephew of renowned scholar Yag-yong Jung, was exiled for having been sympathetic to Catholicism despite later losing interest. He attempted to send correspondence to Catholic priests in Beijing detailing the persecution and pleading with the Qing dynasty to intervene on behalf of Catholics in Joseon, with Western ships if necessary. The letter was intercepted en route, and Hwang was executed on December 10.
At the conclusion of the persecution over 300 Catholics had been executed.
