Barbara Kim Jo-i was born in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do as the daughter of a minor official. She married Choe Han-gil living in Ahyeon, Seoul in 1821 when she was 13 years old. She learned the catechism from her mother-in-law who was a Catholic. After that, she led a diligent life of faith.
Barbara was kind and generous by nature. Her good character moved the heart of her husband who drank often and lived a wild life. She taught the catechism to her husband who had changed his ways. She practiced Catholic teaching along with her husband after she made him a Catholic. She often said, “I want to die a martyr.” At one point, she got sick and just stayed home. Then she received private baptism and a baptismal name from Mr. Hong in 1826.
Barbara met Bishop S. Berneux (Siméon Jang Gyeong-il) through Mark Jeong Ui-bae the catechist at the house of Mark Jeong around 1858. Several times she offered her house to be used as a mission station for the faithful so that they could receive the Sacraments from Bishop S. Berneux. She also received the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Reconciliation from the bishop.
During the Byeongin Persecution of 1866, Bishop S. Berneux and many Catholics died as martyrs. Barbara Kim Jo-i was also arrested by the police in June (by the lunar calendar) 1868. At the time of her arrest, she gladly revealed that she was a Catholic. She also stated explicitly that she knew Catholic prayers and received the Sacraments.
Shortly afterwards, Barbara was sent to Jwa-Podocheong (the left bureau of the Police Headquarters). She had to undergo interrogation and torture, but she did not succumb to any pressure at all. She witnessed to her faith firmly by saying, “How can I apostatize in this situation? I only wish to die as quickly as possible.” Due to severe torture she died a martyr in prison after August 11, 1868 (June 23 by the lunar calendar) at the age of 60.
