Location

New Millenium Hall (새천년관): 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

서울 서대문구 연세로 50

On the 19th of November, the Human Rights Hub conducted its first official collaboration with the NGO Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR), hosting an awareness forum on enforced disappearance in the DPRK in honor of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence. 

NKHR was founded in Seoul in 1996 and is the first organization to address the North Korean human rights issue worldwide. Through advocacy, research, and partnerships with international organizations like the UN, it raises awareness of human rights violations in North Korea and provides support for North Korean refugees. The organization also offers settlement and leadership programs to help North Korean defector youth integrate into South Korean society. 

The event was split into two parts. First, the HRH screened a showing of True North (2006) directed by Eiji Han Shimizu. True North tells the story of a young boy and his family's enforced disappearance into a political prison camp, and his attempt to escape after years of detainment. A short break followed, where refreshments were offered and a raffle was held, gifting winners merchandise from NKHR. After the break, participants had the privilege to listen to a lecture by Ms. Min-kyung Choi, who graciously stepped in for Mr. Cheol-hwan Kang, our original guest speaker. 

After attempting defection six times and being forcibly repatriated four times, Ms. Choi Min-kyung arrived and finally settled in South Korea in 2012. Now, she is the head of the NK Detainee Family Association. Ms. Choi continues to work tirelessly to advocate for the rights of fellow North Koreans, and urges for the constant vigilance of attendance to the situation in the DPRK.

Since our formation, this has been one of the HRH's most successful events, and we thank everyone immensely for their interest in this event and for attending. Please continue to follow us for more events related to North Korea in the future!

Photos by Lauren Yhip 

Written by Lauren Yhip for Yonsei GSIS Human Rights Hub