could reach a Chinese city, there would be South Korean government assistance and somebody would come with a plane and take defectors like myself to South
ng and even access to food.] Korean system, if one person in your family does something wrong or commits a crime against the regime, th
r?” I am reminded of all the lies the North Korean government told me. So, the most decisive factor in my defecting was the fact that my human dignity
housing and various supplies that ordinary North Koreans did not have access to. For example, during the holidays we would receive many gifts from Kim Il S
sh; 1994) was the founder and leader of the North Korean state from 1948 until his death in 1994. Kim Jong Il (1941 – 2011) succeeded his father and l
“The Chinese police are always on alert to find and arrest North Korean refugees.”Korean refugees.”
think the United States getting involved in North Korean matters is the right thing to do. North Korean society has reached a point where everything is out
Defectors Alliance for North Korean Human Rights. “Defectors will lead future efforts to reconstruct North Korea.”Korean Human Rights. “Defectors will lead future efforts to reconstruct North Korea.”
ly and psychologically, by a desire to help North Korean society change and guarantee human rights for its people.I needed to speak for the human rights sit
Ben Ali.]Korean democratization, people often perceive us as being political. Even within groups that work on chang
“A democratic government is the only form of government that strives to secure people’s freedom.”
u forfeit these rights and endure suffering.Korean society does not respect human dignity. This is the reason why so many people are trying to escape.
sh; 1994) was the founder and leader of the North Korean state from 1948 until his death in 1994.] The Tumen river was frozen on that day, so I simply walke
“You can find cases where a North Korean decides to escape after watching a South Korean soap opera.”Korean decides to escape after watching a South Korean soap opera.”
“An average North Korean wouldn’t have a proper understanding of what human dignity even means.”Korean wouldn’t have a proper understanding of what human dignity even means.”
“The North Korean people’s mentality is beginning to change.”Korean people’s mentality is beginning to change.”
e and the ground. In South Korea, I heard a North Korean scholar say that the number of Mercedes Benz in North Korea is higher compared to any other country
“Over 100 times the North Korean authorities proclaimed it would destroy Free North Korea Radio.”Korean authorities proclaimed it would destroy Free North Korea Radio.”
kinds of things may not be something new to North Koreans. But when we refer to the kind of outside news and information that these devices can carry, then
