Anthony Yi Hyeon was a Korean Catholic martyr born in Yeoju whose exact birth date remains unknown. Coming from a noble family, he began studying the catechism in late 1797 before traveling to Seoul to convert. After being baptized by Father Zhou Wen-mo, he married the daughter of Anthony Hong Ik-man, who was also a future martyr. During the persecutions of Christians in Korea in 1801, he was brought to trial and sentenced to death for refusing to renounce his faith.
Death and veneration
He was executed by beheading in Seoul on July 2, 1801. Following his martyrdom, he was recognized as a blessed of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis officially declared his martyrdom in early 2014 and later beatified him on August 16, 2014, during a visit to South Korea, alongside 124 other Korean martyrs.
Commemoration
The Catholic Church commemorates him on May 31. He is honored as part of the group of Korean martyrs who remained steadfast in their religious convictions despite the intense persecutions faced in the early 19th century.