Call to empathy: exhibition on North Korean refugees

Four of the video monitors at the “Their Story That Could Have Been Our Story” video exhibition in New York City that featured North Korean refugees. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.

Video narratives of lived experiences in North Korea unfolded against stark white walls. The figures of refugees represented poignant voices sharing stories of dire situations, including starvation, human trafficking, the disabled, and soldiers.

This scene, part of an exhibition I was curating, was deeply rooted in my earlier experiences listening to the compelling stories of North Korean refugees while serving as a volunteer with Freedom Speakers International (FSI), an NGO dedicated to empowering North Korean refugees to share their stories. I was determined to amplify their voices and broaden public awareness. I initially coordinated events in my school club, then later went to curate what would become the video exhibition “Their Story That Could Have Been Our Story.” As the lead curator, I collaborated with my mom to secure a venue in the vibrant Lower East Side of NYC, devised the exhibition layout, and sourced the equipment. FSI facilitated my connection with several North Korean refugees, and I was delighted when they accepted my invitation to share their unique stories. After eight interviews and translations of their Korean scripts, the exhibition was prepared.

On Sept. 26, the venue became ours, marking the beginning of the exhibition. Yeonmi Park, a renowned author and speaker who escaped North Korea, visited the exhibition at the invitation of FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue Jr. She first studied in FSI in 2013 and has remained friends with the organization since then. I had many thoughts and questions for her as our team had dinner with her that night.

North Korean refugee author Park Yeon-mi was the VIP guest at the “Their Story That Could Have Been Our Story” video exhibition in New York City that featured North Korean refugees. FSI executives and supporters are standing with her. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.

“Technical difficulties” in setting up the venue slightly delayed the exhibition’s public opening. Despite my efforts in promoting the exhibition through a newly created Instagram account, @nk.rights.advocate, and reaching out to news organizations, I harbored doubts about its success. We went into troubleshooting mode as we brainstormed creative ways to invite more attendees. My spirits were lifted as more guests began coming in over the weekend.

When guests entered, I welcomed them and briefly introduced the exhibit as I directed them to empty seats before monitors.

“We interviewed North Korean refugees on their experiences with human rights, and these eight monitors document their stories. Please choose whatever video interests you!”

Following the presentation, I inquired if they wished to view additional clips or answer any questions. Before their departure, I created a bookmark in Korean script as a small gesture, with the hope that it would make the stories more memorable.

“We have two designs, both traditionally Korean. Oh, and which color would you like? What’s your name so I could write it for you in Korean?”

One of the visitors who attended the exhibition and agreed to be interviewed for an Instagram post. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.

As I got more accustomed to the presence of guests, my confidence grew. I posted our activities on Instagram and conversed with and interviewed some visitors. Despite a challenging start, the exhibit was gaining traction. Conversing with guests and documenting their experiences was a novel and captivating experience. When the event ended on the sixth day, I felt it had ended too soon.

During this endeavor, a nonprofit broadcast, Radio Free Asia, visited to support the exhibition. I was handling so many things, I am thankful that FSI invited the media's support. Known for its brave journalism on freedom issues among Asian countries, Radio Free Asia documented this small but heartfelt exhibit. It was nerve-wracking but empowering when they decided to interview me. They also interviewed Mr. Lartigue, who has been in the media very often, but it was my first time to have such an interview. An article and YouTube clip soon followed, becoming a lasting testament to humanity's response.

Onyu Chloe Lee, FSI executives, and several visitors to the video exhibition “Their Story That Could Have Been Our Story” were interviewed by Radio Free Asia. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.

The exhibition marked a significant departure from my usual efforts in supporting North Korean refugees. While I established a club at BC Collegiate connecting students with refugees to help raise local awareness, the exhibition extended our impact internationally. The 14-hour flight to New York City brought me to a central hub of influence, bustling with a diverse population of various nationalities and beliefs. The fact that the majority of visitors to the exhibition came from outside the city, hailing from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, reflected the city's progressive values and ability to attract and inspire people from diverse backgrounds.

Planning the exhibition was a leap of faith. I was anxious as we waited for attendees, but this emotion became a thrill when they started showing up. Through this experience, I learned to focus on what’s at hand rather than trying to meet certain expectations. I realized the wisdom of something Mr. Lartigue said he learned from one of his mentors: “If you plan a meeting for 100 people, but only three people show up, then you’ve got three people to work with.” I realized it’s the fulfillment from the experience you should seek when planning an event, rather than an idealized version of how things should play out. As time went by, I enjoyed introducing the stories of North Korean refugees.

Onyu Chloe Lee holds a copy of the book “Greenlight to Freedom,” written by North Korean refugee Han Song-mi and Casey Lartigue (standing next to her) outside the video exhibition “Their Story That Could Have Been Our Story” in New York City September 2023.

To my mom, the incredible co-founders and staff of FSI, the brave North Korean refugees who shared their stories, and even the attendees of this event: thank you. Together, you supported me every step of the way, proving that even a teenager can make a difference through the power of teamwork. Now, I know there are minds and hearts in NYC forever changed by these intimate encounters. I hope these intimate stories will blossom into genuine empathy for North Koreans, one conversation at a time.

Chloe Lee is a 12th-grade student at BC Collegiate; a volunteer with the FSI-Global High School Union (FSI-GHSU); and was curator of the “Their Story That Could Have Been Our Story” video exhibition in New York City from Sept 26 to Oct 2.