Breaking the silence of North Korea
North Korean refugee Kim Su-jin, second from left, raises a point during a discussion at the Voices from North Korea event in the U.K., June 11. Seated beside her are fellow North Korean refugees Jung Yu-na, Kim Ri-ha and Freedom Speakers International (FSI) co-founder Casey Lartigue Jr. Courtesy of FSI
Growing up in North Korea, I never imagined freedom. I never imagined speaking in another language, traveling abroad or standing in front of strangers telling my story. But earlier this month, I did all of those things on a single trip.
I’m a North Korean refugee, a mother and a former nurse. After working in hospitals for 12 years, I recently left my nursing job and began studying social welfare. I want to help people in a different way now — especially those who are often overlooked. For many years, I kept my story to myself. But last year, I reached a turning point. I finally felt ready to begin speaking out, and that’s when I joined Freedom Speakers International (FSI).
Last month, I had the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom with FSI. The entire trip was organized by the two co-founders, Casey Lartigue and Lee Eun-koo, who were with me every step of the way as I spoke publicly for the first time outside South Korea. I was joined by four other North Korean refugees: Kim Ri-ha and Jung Yu-na, who now live in South Korea; An Su-min, who is currently studying in the U.K.; and Joun Ye-young, who also lives in the U.K. Together, we gave speeches at high schools, met with NGOs, had a music and talk concert, took interviews from media and gave speeches at universities including the University of Bradford and the University of Oxford.
One moment from the trip has stayed with me. As I looked at the exhibits in the Peace Museum in Bradford, I found myself deep in thought. The museum was filled with stories of people who had fought for justice and dignity, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how many people in my homeland still live in silence. Even today, they struggle for freedom inside the massive prison that is North Korea.
Going to the U.K. and giving speeches about North Korean human rights made me feel so many things. I was deeply moved and empowered by the people who listened to my speech in English, showed interest in North Korea and shared their emotions with me. Some cried as I spoke. Others said they had never met a North Korean refugee before. I had been so nervous about speaking in English, but their warmth and sincerity helped me find confidence.
And it became even clearer to me: Everyone has the right to enjoy freedom and human rights, but my brothers and sisters in North Korea are so gripped by fear that they can’t even imagine escaping. In North Korea, freedom isn’t just out of reach — it’s unthinkable. Fear shapes everything, from what people say to how they dream. This is exactly why we must do more to raise awareness about North Korea and find better ways to take action.
I’m deeply grateful to FSI, the nonprofit organization that supported me with mentors to help me learn English, offered guidance, and recognized the efforts of a middle-aged woman who isn’t fluent in English and lacks a natural sense for this kind of work. Yet, they still gave me the chance to stand on an international stage. Their support made something possible, something I never thought I could do. They didn’t focus on what I lacked; they focused on what I could become.
I will continue to do my best to steadily develop myself. This journey hasn’t been easy. I’m still learning how to express myself in a new language, how to answer unexpected questions and how to trust that my voice matters. But I’ve lived through the silence of North Korea, and I know the power that comes from finally being able to speak. I will continue to grow, to learn and to use my voice for those who still cannot.
Kim Su-jin escaped from North Korea in 2003 and arrived in South Korea in 2007. She is now a keynote speaker with Freedom Speakers International (FSI). This article was translated from Korean to English by FSI co-founder Lee Eun-koo and edited for publication by FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue Jr.