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The Advocacy Fellows Program cultivates and develops young North Korean defectors into advocates, storytellers, and agents of change on this issue

The North Korean regime has dominated the narrative both inside and outside of the country, even attempting to suppress North Korean defectors who are living in South Korea and the United States. So when a North Korean person makes the brave decision to share their story with the world, it's one of the most radical and impactful ways to change the narrative and bring the attention back to the people.

What Advocacy Fellows Do

Over 3 months, LiNK Advocacy Fellows learn more about the issue and how to use their stories to be effective advocates for the North Korean people. By sharing their personal and collective stories through events and online media, the program aims to reach millions of people to raise more awareness and support for the North Korean people.

The fellows will travel throughout the United States and speak at Fortune 100 companies, universities, and government agencies, changing perceptions on North Korea wherever they go. Fellows return home with the skills to change the narrative on North Korea and launch their own advocacy work.

If you want an opportunity to work with an NGO, network & engage with stakeholders, learn how to share your story in an impactful & strategic way, and experience for yourself how the perception of North Korea is changing in the world, this is for you.

Media Publicity

Working with our Media team, Advocacy Fellows help produce video content that shares their story and perspectives.

Advocacy

Advocacy Fellows meet with decision makers to shift their focus to where it belongs–on the North Korean people.

Storytelling

Advocacy Fellows share their personal stories through speaking events, interviews, and more.

Who We're Looking For

Applicants must...

be born in North Korea or have at least one North Korea-born parent
be between the ages of 21-30 years old
be able to reveal their face and identity (pseudonyms are okay)
be eligible to travel to and around the United States
- South Korean participants need to apply for a B1/B2 visa
have intermediate to advanced English proficiency
be able to participate in the program from March to May in full-time capacity

APPLY HERE

The Application Process

Application submission

Application review

In-person interview with LiNK program staff in South Korea and in the US

*Virtual interview for those elsewhere

Selection notification

B1/B2 visa application (for those coming from South Korea)

Itinerary confirmation

Pre-departure documents signed by all parties

Training and workshops in South Korea (March)

US arrival (early April)

APPLY HERE

Meet Some Of Our Past Fellows

IL YONG
2018 AF

"When I discovered how people’s attitudes towards North Korea changed after listening to my story, I was convinced that being an advocate is the right thing for me to do... Through this work, I can bring the changes that I want to see.”

ILHYEOK
2019 AF

"The program allowed me to experience how big the world is. It once again made me feel the importance of North Korean human rights and freedom."

HANNAH
2022 AF

“The program helped me experience so much. It provided a precious and crucial growth opportunity.”

GRACE
2024 AF

"I found confidence in my identity as a North Korean. This program gave me a firm foundation, a solidified self-identity, and hope for the future."

Advocacy Fellows continue to make impact.

Previous fellows are prioritized for consideration when recruiting for future programs and opportunities to speak.
On August 17, 2023, Ilhyeok spoke at the United Nations Security Council in New York in a meeting about North Korean human rights. He was recommended by Julie Turner, the new US ambassador for North Korean human rights issues, who he met while he was an Advocacy Fellow.
The Security Council is the premier forum for diplomacy between nations and the discussion of important international issues.

FAQ

What does "Advocacy Fellow" mean?

In English, "advocate" means to take the lead in supporting what you believe in. Participants are called Advocacy Fellows in hopes that young people from North Korea would grow into agents of change who proudly work together to achieve their goals.

Can only those who are able to reveal their faces apply?

Our program's mission is to return the voice to the people of North Korea that the North Korean regime took away. We will work with various media outlets, organizations and academic institutions with the expectation that you'll be meeting many people. For this reason, it would be difficult to completely protect the identity of the program participants. LiNK has chosen to conduct this program with people who can reveal their identity to give all participating fellows an equal opportunity to share their story. If you are unable to participate in this program because of this reason, but you're interested in similar activities, please reach out to us.

When is my application due?

We are receiving applications until Friday, September 27 at 11:59pm PST.

How many participants are you going to select?

We are looking to find 3 to 4 fellows.

What are the costs associated with the program?

All flights, lodging, transportation, and other travel expenses associated with the program will be fully covered by LiNK. Meals will also be covered on any program required days.

Please keep in mind that this will not be a paid position. However, you will receive a monthly stipend to ensure a smooth stay and help you enjoy your free time between events.

How good does my English need to be?

We are looking for individuals who can communicate with people around the world and tell their story sincerely. If you have intermediate to advanced English proficiency and you're unafraid of speaking in English, please apply.

Can this program be considered an internship?

While the program is structured as a fellowship, for college students seeking internship opportunities, the experience can be comparable to that of an internship program. The program offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects, which are key components of many internship programs.

For participants who require documentation for academic credit or to fulfill internship requirements, LiNK will issue a letter upon completion of the program. The letter will describe the Advocacy Fellows program and attest to the equivalence of the experience to that of an internship program. It will outline the skills gained, the nature of the work performed, and the overall value of the program in relation to professional development and educational goals.

I still have unanswered questions.

We have answers.

Please feel free to reach out to us at usprograms@libertyinnorthkorea.org or message us on our US Kakao Channel.

한국어로 문의 가능합니다.

Don't miss out on this opportunity. Apply today!

Take me to the application!

Liberty in North Korea

Liberty in North Korea is an international NGO working with the North Korean people as they achieve their liberty. LiNK helps North Korean refugees escape through a 3,000-mile secret rescue route and empowers North Koreans who have reached freedom to be changemakers, advocates, and leaders on this issue.
Let's continue to change the narrative together.

www.libertyinnorthkorea.orgwww.libertyinnorthkorea.org/advocacy-fellows

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