Hwang Sa-yeong Alexius was renowned as a prodigyfrom childhood. He passed the civil service exam at age sixteen and was favoredby King Jeongjo, yet he abandoned a promising government career for theCatholic faith, to which he was deeply devoted. He was martyred during the 1801Sinyu Persecution. His “Baekseo” (Silk Letter), written to the Bishop ofBeijing to report the severity of the persecution, remains a precioushistorical document in Korean Church history.

His wife, Jeong Nan-ju Maria, was exiled to Jeju, and their only son, HwangGyeong-han, died in exile on Chuja Island.

Although his baptismal name was long believed to be “Alexander,” research inthe 1990s confirmed that it is correctly “Alexius.” His tomb was discovered in1980 by descendants and scholars, and the present burial site was established.In accordance with canon law, the tomb has not been excavated; hisbeatification cause is currently underway.