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Sun, December 3, 2023 | 07:30

Direct and indirect human rights abuses in forced repatriation

Direct and indirect human rights abuses in forced repatriation

The issue garnering the greatest attention in the news these days seems to be the war between Israel and Hamas. While it is important, I hope more people will pay attention to the 600 North Korean defectors who were just forcibly repatriated from China to North Korea. There are still around 1,000 other North Korean defectors who need help to avoid being repatriated.

2023-11-05 22:47

The lives of North Korea’s 'strongest soldier?s?'

The lives of North Korea’s 'strongest soldier?s?'

“We have the greatest general and the strongest army! That’s why we will defeat the enemy!” This is what I heard every day when I was a soldier in the North Korean military. I saw and experienced hunger, tragic accidents and corrupt officers everywhere.

2023-11-05 16:07

North Korea is slave state

North Korea is slave state

Until last year, I was one of the modern slaves of Kim Jong-un. I was born and raised in North Korea. I worked in a North Korean building company in Russia for more than 5 years. I came here to tell the story of 21st-century slaves that exist in North Korea.

2023-09-17 16:30

Former North Korean diplomat greets North Korean refugees

Former North Korean diplomat greets North Korean refugees

My name is Tae Yong-ho and I am a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.

2023-09-02 14:00

Who is this parade for?

Who is this parade for?

I am a former North Korean who worked overseas for several years before recently escaping to South Korea. Even though I was living outside of North Korea, I was still a slave to Kim Jung-un. North Korean workers like me were exploited by the regime.

2023-08-21 14:59

How North Korean defector became an inspiration

How North Korean defector became an inspiration

Two years ago, when I clicked on a video recommended on YouTube, I saw a beautiful young woman who had defected from North Korea being interviewed by a foreign show host in fluent English. Her name was Park Yeon-mi.

2023-08-13 10:39

Captain Harvard's camp

Captain Harvard's camp

When I entered the classroom, the children were calling my name and applauding me. “Mr Casey!” and “Casey Teacher!” When I looked to the back of the room, I saw my name and Harvard University were on the banner. The only things missing were a marching band and a proclamation from the president of South Korea hailing it as Casey Lartigue Day.

2023-08-12 18:05

Why the Ministry of Unification's English report is meaningful to North Korean defectors

Why the Ministry of Unification's English report is meaningful to North Korean defectors

I defected from North Korea during the “Arduous March” when over three million people died from starvation and infectious diseases. After coming to South Korea, my mother was forcibly repatriated from China to North Korea twice, and my older brother was forcibly repatriated and sent to a political prisoner camp.

2023-07-15 12:59

No longer empty handed

No longer empty handed

On June 27th, Freedom Speakers International (FSI) surprised me with a celebration to mark the one-year anniversary since I began a staff member. I originally joined the FSI as an accountant but was recently promoted to North Korea Communication Specialist, a special position that was custom-designed for me.

2023-07-01 22:19

Sketch videos and North Korean refugees

Sketch videos and North Korean refugees

I usually ignore comments on YouTube videos and on Social Media. Keyboard warriors, disgruntled and troubled people can lash out, usually anonymously, at others with angry comments or loaded out-of-context questions. It is difficult, however, to ignore or dismiss supportive people making or asking similar things.

2023-06-24 12:20

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