Bornin Gangwon-do in 1909, Father Lee was ordained in 1936 and served devotedly in 풍수원(Pungsuwon) and 양양 본당(Yangyang Parish). He supported the poor andstrengthened the faith of local Catholics. After the liberation, despitecommunist persecution, he remained with his flock, saying, “A shepherd cannotabandon his sheep. I will go with every believer, without exception.” Whilesheltering priests and faithful seeking to flee south, he was arrested by NorthKorean forces in 평강(Pyeonggang) in 1950 and imprisoned in 원산(Wonsan). He continued praying in confinement and was martyred at age 41,leaving a profound witness of sacrifice and love.