QSL from The Voice of the Martyrs Korea: Tuning Into a Clandestine Signal

Logging a Broadcast with a Mission Behind It

Shortwave listening continues to surprise me. On March 26, 2025, while scanning the 31-meter band, I tuned into something unexpected—The Voice of the Martyrs Korea on 7625 kHz at 2100 UTC. It’s not just another international broadcaster. It’s a clandestine station, aimed at reaching listeners inside North Korea, where access to outside information, especially religious, is tightly restricted.

The station uses shortwave radio to share Christian messages and the Gospel with North Koreans, bypassing the state-controlled media wall. Despite jamming attempts, these broadcasts go out regularly, supported by balloon drops carrying Bibles and literature across the border. It’s a mix of old-school DX intrigue and underground communications.

What I Heard That Day 

• Date: March 26, 2025
• Time: 2100–2130 UTC
• Frequency: 7625 kHz
• Language: Chinese
• Transmitter: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Reception Method: Remote via WebSDR
• SINPO: 54544

The broadcast began with a station ID, followed by a lengthy talk in Chinese by a female speaker—likely a report or sermon. At 2122 UTC, the speech ended and transitioned into a melodic Chinese song by a female vocalist. The program closed with another station ID and ended abruptly at 2130 UTC.

Reception quality was solid—just light fading and static, but no co-channel interference. For a clandestine station, the clarity was impressive.

A QSL That Tells a Story

I submitted a reception report shortly after and received a kind confirmation and QSL from Pastor Tim Dillmuth at VOM Korea. The QSL wasn’t just a card—it was a glimpse into a broadcast effort that mixes risk, faith, and radio in a way few others do today.

A Note on VOM Korea

The Voice of the Martyrs Korea is part of a larger international network working to support persecuted Christians. Their focus in Korea is on outreach to the North, using radio and other unconventional means. While their mission is spiritual, the way they use radio makes them an interesting subject for DXers, regardless of belief.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a station logged and logged out. It was a reminder of how shortwave still plays a role where few other media can reach. Whether you're in it for the QSLs, the tech, or the stories, this one ticked all the boxes.

Until next time, 73s and good DX!