Unsung heroes: vital role of S. Korean staff in advocacy for NK refugees
Tae-rim is FSI's accountant. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.
This past week, the South Korean staffers at Freedom Speakers International (FSI) were immersed in completing a critical and comprehensive report for one of our government agency partners.
None of them were smiling. They know that their work gets checked by government agency officials who know higher powers will check their work.
On the other hand, I was smiling and a bundle of energy as I was preparing for a speaking tour, organizing projects and activities for the year, and doing some writing and editing. I have a new project I will initiate, trying to create more opportunities for North Korean refugees to speak at Harvard University.
Watching my colleagues spurred some reflections on their role and the broader South Korean engagement of those engaged in some way with advocacy and work with North Korean refugees and North Korean issues.
The general perception that South Koreans don't care about North Korean refugees is a narrative I often encounter. While it's impossible to speak for all 50+ million South Koreans, I focus on those actively involved, not those who are not involved. There are many South Koreans whose dedication is often unnoticed by Western observers or even other South Koreans.
Western engagement with North Korean refugees usually resembles a friendly transient connection – volunteering, attending events, or being chat partners in person or online. It is like going on an elevator, where they can step in or out at their convenience. Westerners who have been volunteering with or attending events related to North Korea or North Korean refugees often have anecdotes that will surprise or shock their friends. Many people who have volunteered with us have talked about being inspired by helping to empower North Korean refugees.
In contrast, South Korean involvement typically signifies a long-term commitment beyond occasional volunteering or event attendance. When they get on the elevator it is difficult to get off when they want to do so. Entering the NGO world often means eliminating your chance to work at a top business that wants newbies it can mold.
Da-hye is FSI's graphic designer. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue Jr.
The South Korean staffers in our office manage day-to-day tasks, management, accounting and other duties which are less glamorous than me giving a keynote speech. They are often in the background but they push forward the missions without the fanfare they deserve.
Our Korean team's efforts are the unsung backbone of our operations. My personal ethos emphasizes celebrating achievements with others. Whenever I am recognized, I bring as many staffers, volunteers, North Korean refugees, and donors as external organizations will allow.
Last week, I wrote in the Korea Times: “As a co-founder of an organization in a foreign land, I’ve felt this principle even more deeply. I could not have overcome cultural, language, bureaucratic, networking, and financial barriers without South Koreans and North Korean refugees alongside me. I was never alone in this endeavor, so how could I go on stage alone to accept accolades?”
I wrote about it last week and experienced it again this past week. I let our team members know that I would be writing about this. Lee Eun-koo, co-founder of FSI, explained in detail to everyone what I had written and explained why I try to highlight everyone whenever possible. Even though they went through another tough week, they smiled. They probably appreciated that the freelancer recognized their hard work.
Those of us who are in the more glamorous roles should remember to publicly thank and appreciate those who do the hard work behind the scenes that rarely wins accolades.
Casey Lartigue Jr. (CJL@alumni.harvard.edu) is co-founder with Lee Eun-koo of Freedom Speakers International (FSI) and co-author with Han Song-mi of the book "Greenlight to Freedom."
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