PeterYi Seung-hun, declared a Servant of God, played apivotal role in the founding of the Korean Catholic Church and is known as the firstbaptized Korean Catholic. In1783, while seeking truth beyond the boundaries of Confucian thought, heencountered Catholic doctrine. In 1784, he traveled to Beijing accompanying hisfather on a diplomatic mission, received baptism from a Catholic priest there,and returned to Korea to spread the faith and help form the early Christiancommunity. Considereda threat to the Confucian order, Catholicism faced harsh suppression. Duringthe 1801 Sinyu Persecution, Yi Seung-hun was arrested and pressured toapostatize but refused. After brutal torture, he was beheaded at the age of 45,giving his life in martyrdom.