Empowering North Korean Refugees

I am honored to have been appointed as a North Korean refugee ambassador for Freedom Speakers International. In my role, I am dedicated to exposing the struggles faced by North Koreans—isolated from the world, denied basic medical care, and deprived of the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Your interest and support are essential in spreading this message and inspiring real change.

But there is hope. There are 34,000 North Korean defectors, like me, who have escaped to freedom in South Korea. We are speaking out to help those who are still trapped in North Korea. Freedom Speakers International is making a difference. FSI has been working for 11 years in a small office in South Korea, helping defectors like me learn English and to share our stories. Through this support, we are able to share our stories with the world and raise awareness about the realities in North Korea.

So far, FSI has helped around 600 defectors through volunteer tutoring, English-speaking contests, and even publishing English-language books. These programs give defectors a chance to tell the truth about North Korea to the world. But we need more help to continue this important work.
You can help by supporting organizations that fight for human rights in North Korea. By sharing our stories and spreading the truth, we can bring change to North Korea and help those who are still suffering.

Learning English has been one of the biggest challenges of my life, but it has also been one of the most rewarding. As someone who was born and raised in North Korea, I never imagined I would one day need English to survive, adapt, and build a new life.

English has opened doors for me that I didn’t even know existed. It has made it easier to find a job, communicate with people from around the world, and share my story. Through English, I can help others understand the reality of life in North Korea and advocate for those who are still suffering.

Freedom Speakers International (FSI) has been my lifeline in this journey. They’ve not only helped me learn English but also supported me in finding my voice and standing on international stages to share my experiences.

Your support of FSI can change lives—just like it changed mine. With your help, more North Korean refugees can learn English, share their stories, and create brighter futures for themselves. Together, we can give hope to those who need it most. Will you join us?

The good news? Freedom Speakers International (FSI) is heading to India next month to accept an international human rights award! While we don’t identify as a human rights organization, this recognition highlights the impact of our work empowering North Korean refugees. More details about the award are coming soon, but for those in New Delhi, the awards ceremony will take place on December 10th.

The great news? Four of us will be going together to accept the award. FSI co-founders Casey Lartigue and Eunkoo Lee, FSI Author Fellow Songmi Han, and FSI Keynote Speaker Hyoshim Maeng. 

The challenge? We need an additional $2,200 to help cover the costs of bringing Songmi and Hyoshim. Of course, it is enough for the co-founders to both go to accept the award, but it would be more incredible for us to accept the award with North Korean refugees and for them to see the power of their voices leading to international recognize of FSI's mission. They inspired audiences during our trip to India in July of this year and were invited along with us to return to received the award.

This award recognizes the efforts of our team, volunteers, and North Korean refugees who speak out. With just a few weeks to go, your immediate support can make a world of difference in helping us plan travel and accommodations for the refugees.

FSI has had events in at least 11 countries and this will probably be our fourth trip to India.

FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue wrote:

* According to South Korea's Ministry of Unification, 72% of North Korean refugees are women. 

* At Freedom Speakers International (FSI), 76% of our students have been women. 

Building on this foundation, FSI is launching a campaign to support single mothers among North Korean refugees.

Toys versus an Education Fund

Since 2012, I’ve worked with nearly 600 North Korean refugees, assisting them with English tutoring, public speaking, and career development. Over the years, many kind individuals have generously offered gifts like toys, chocolate, or snacks for refugees and their children. While these offers come from a place of kindness, they often miss the long-term needs of these families.

When I was the volunteer International Cooperation Advisor to the Mulmangcho School for North Korean refugee adolescents, many donors offered to contribute books, so many that school leaders eventually asked how they could politely decline additional donations. 

During conversations with school leaders, I learned about other unmet needs, such as a computer for a single mom whose device was outdated.

Later, in direct discussions with North Korean refugee mothers, many shared their priority was saving for their children’s education—thinking long-term rather than focusing on immediate, short-term gifts. I wrote about this in a Korea Times column back then, and it remains a recurring theme.

With the rise of social media, North Korean refugees have gained visibility, which has led to an increase in well-meaning individuals offering short-term gifts. However, these mothers often express a desire for support that aligns with their children’s future education and development. As I noted in a recent Korea Times column:

"One mother thankfully accepts all gifts but explained that her son loves the new toys ― for about a day. When I began to probe deeper, she and other North Korean refugee parents would talk about actual needs, such as having money for private academy classes or being able to save enough money for college."

How You Can Help

This campaign encourages donors to contribute at least $10 per month to support a North Korean refugee single mom. Over a year, your donation of $120 can provide meaningful support for education expenses, which are far more impactful than short-term gifts like toys or snacks that are quickly forgotten. Larger organizations and individuals often cover these short-term gifts, but education-related financial support remains a critical unmet need.

You can make a one-time donation on Facebook or become a monthly donor through our crowdfunding page:

Campaign Goal
The immediate goal of this campaign is to provide financial support to four North Korean refugee single moms close to FSI. Every $10 monthly donation will go directly toward supporting one of these moms with education expenses. Larger contributions can support all four or additional mothers as the campaign grows.

A Testament to FSI’s Growth
Thanks to the generous support of FSI donors, we are now strong enough to launch this campaign. Your contributions will help us continue empowering North Korean refugee mothers and their children, focusing on long-term impact and educational opportunities.

Join us in making a difference. Every donation counts.

This GivingTuesday, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of North Korean refugees. At Freedom Speakers International (FSI), we provide education, public speaking opportunities, and opportunities for refugees to share their stories with the world.

Many North Korean refugees face incredible challenges after escaping oppression, including adapting to new environments and advocating for their human rights. FSI helps them build confidence, develop their voices, and inspire others to take action for freedom.

Your support can change lives. Every donation helps us:

* Provide English education and mentorship programs.

* Work with North Korean refugees to engage in public speaking based on their reasons.

* Host speech contests and awareness events to amplify their voices.

This GivingTuesday, help us reach our goal of $5,000 to expand our programs and support more refugees. Together, we can empower these individuals to inspire others around the world.

How to Help:

* Click the Donate button.

* Share this fundraiser with your friends and family.

* Spread the word about FSI and our mission.

Let’s stand together for freedom. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Donate today and make a lasting impact.

#GivingTuesday #GivingTuesdayKorea

September 5th is the U.N.'s International Day of Charity and the birthday of FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue! Thanks to a generous donor, donations will be matched up to a total of $4,000.

For about two decades, I have celebrated September 5th as Casey’s Day of Charity. I reject gifts for myself and encourage people to donate the intended amount to my favorite cause or non-profit. That means, please support this birthday fundraiser for Freedom Speakers International.

A wonderful organization can benefit and I won’t have to figure out what to do with gifts such as dinosaur puzzles, suit ties, or other things I don’t need!

It is a US 501(c)3 tax deductible donation. 

Here's a birthday video by FSI staff with numerous North Korean refugees wishing Casey a happy birthday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m55n2PeuK64&list=PLn7xtnmarHFr9v99a4urREm3DymgoVcKo&index=1 

Details are coming soon

Freedom Speakers International (FSI) is making plans to return to Harvard University in April 2025.

On April 12, 2024, FSI held its 19th "I am from North Korea" English Speech Contest at Harvard University. Seven North Korean refugees gave original speeches in English telling their stories before more than 100 Harvard University students.

In 2025, we plan to make the contest even more dynamic, and you can help make it happen.   

With the support of donors, we have empowered numerous North Korean refugees to achieve their goals in life.

Tuition-free mentorship for public speaking in English is at the core of our operations. 

Continued and increased support for our flagship events and core programs will help us:

Increase the impact of our biannual “I am from North Korea” Speech Contest by transforming it into an international event.

Add more speakers to our North Korean Refugee Keynote Speakers Network, reaching a goal of 50 publicly listed speakers.

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Platinum Patrons: Donation/fundraising of $5,000 or more. Your name/organizational logo can be included on a sponsor banner and also on the main banner for the contest, all marketing materials, FSI Website, and post on social media. Platinum Patrons will be mentioned during the speech contest and Q&A session.

Gold Sponsors: Donation/fundraising of $2,000 – $4,999. Your name/organizational logo will be included on the sponsor or main banner (they will be accepted on the main banner until we run out of space), all marketing materials, FSI Website, and post on social media. Gold sponsors will be mentioned during the Q&A session or the speech contest.

Silver Supporters: Donation/fundraising of $1,000 – $1,999. Your name/organizational logo will be included in all materials, FSI Website, and post on social media.

Bronze Benefactors: Donation/fundraising of $500 – $999. Your name/organizational logo will be included on our website and selected materials related to the speech contest.

Sapphire Supporters: Donation/fundraising of $200 – $499. Your name/organizational logo will be included on our website and one document related to the speech contest.

Copper Contributors: Donation/fundraising $100 – $199. Your name/organizational logo will be included on our website.

Please let us know if you would like to donate anonymously, use a different name, or donate in honor of someone else.

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Here are some of our recent activities at Harvard University and in Harvard Square during 2024.

• ​​​​March 2, 2024, Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) Alumni of Color Conference (AOCC), 3:30-4:30 pm
• March 27, Harvard Club of Broward County
• March 28, Harvard Club of Naples
• April 13, Freedom Speakers International 19th "I am from North Korea" English Speech Contest (19th edition)
• September 26, "Cheers and Chatter" reception at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
• September 28, 2024, "Voices from North Korea" Talk Concert during the Ministry of Unification's "Escape for Liberty."

If you prefer not to be associated with Harvard University, that's perfectly fine! Feel free to contact me, and we can collaborate to expand FSI's by activating your preferred network.

Freedom Speakers International (FSI) will soon be releasing two books by North Korean refugee Author Fellows.

Eunseo Jang's book The Girl with Black Makeup. is scheduled to be released as an e-book via Amazon on March 31 US ET.

Your support will help FSI:

* market Ms. Jang's memoir.

* cover some of the production costs.

* get your name in the paperback version to be released during the summer.

Please donate monthly here to support the marketing of the book or make a one-time donation. Please read about Eunseo and her forthcoming memoir at the fundraiser set up by FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue.

I have joined others on the front lines of protests against the repatriation of North Korean refugees. Today, I am turning that protest into a plea for action by Western countries to be more welcoming of North Korean refugees. As you read the information below, keep in mind there are two things you can do.

1) Sign the petition.

2) Make a donation so we can have funds to send a North Korean refugee to speak at Congressional/Parliamentarian sessions.

North Korea is known for its oppressive regime, where human rights are routinely violated and freedoms are non-existent. The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea has reported widespread abuses including extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape and forced abortions (UN Report A/HRC/25/63). 

Despite these horrifying conditions, many Western nations remain hesitant to grant asylum to North Korean refugees. They applaud them for escaping, then tell them to get in the long immigration line. 

According to Human Rights Watch's 2020 World Report on North Korea's human rights situation - an estimated 30-50% of approximately 10k-30k undocumented North Koreans living in China were forcibly sent back over the past decade despite facing serious risks upon return.

This petition calls upon Western nations - countries that champion human rights and democracy - to open their doors wide for these desperate souls seeking refuge from oppression. Let us not turn our backs on them but instead extend our hands in aid.

Please join me by signing this petition urging Western governments to offer asylum and protection for those fleeing from one of the world's most repressive regimes – let us stand together as a beacon of hope for those who need it most.

Many appeals call on China to stop repatriating North Korean refugees. I support those and encourage you also to do so. This petition is focused on Western countries and democracies in particular. After you sign the comment, please mention which country you would like to encourage to be more welcoming of North Korean refugees.

Here's how you can help:

1) Sign the petition. https://www.change.org/locomotion

2) Make a donation to support this campaign. Last year we had a last-minute opportunity to send a North Korean refugee to participate in a hearing in Washington, D.C. There weren't any North Korean refugees testifying at the hearing. It was a last-minute request and we didn't have funds allocated for it so we didn't move forward. We would like to use the funds from this fundraiser to send a North Korean refugee the next time there is an opportunity to speak about repatriation and encourage Western countries to open their doors.

We estimate the following costs for a possible five-day stay.

$1,400 round-trip airfare

$700 hotel

$700 meals and transportation

I have spoken with several North Korean refugees who advocate for repatriation and have embraced this campaign.

Late last year, the Chinese government repatriated 500 to 600 North Koreans back to North Korea. There have been reports that there could be another 1,000 that could be repatriated at any time. If this fundraiser is successful, then we will be prepared to send at least one North Korean refugee to give speeches or testify about the importance of Western governments being more open to North Korean refugees.

* * *

Here is the link to a Korea Times column I wrote calling on Western countries to open their doors to North Korean refugees.

Here are some statistics from that column:

USA

• About 220 North Korean refugees have legally found refuge.
• 107 out of 238 North Korean applicants from 2004 to 2010 abandoned their asylum applications to the USA because of paperwork and delays.

Canada

• Canada’s 2016 census recorded that 970 North Koreans were residing in the country.
• By 2021, that number had plummeted to 775. 
• By 2018, Canadian authorities initiated the deportation of 242 North Koreans and were in the process of deporting an additional 512 after discovering many had already obtained South Korean citizenship before moving to Canada.

United Kingdom

• More than one-third of the 1,300 asylum applications by North Korean refugees to the U.K. government were rejected between 2003 and 2018.

Belgium

• The Diplomat reported in 2015 that Belgium rejected 99 out of 126 asylum claims.

Netherlands

• In 2015, it rejected all 128 applications from North Korean refugees.

France

• In 2015, it rejected all 19 applications from North Korean refugees.

If you have more up-to-date numbers then please share them with me and I will update them here.

Support FSI: GoFundMe, PayPal, FSI bank account, FSI crowd-funding, Facebook fundraiser, Stripe, 우리은행: 1005-204-445516

Let Them In petition 

#NorthKoreanRefugees, #GrantAsylum, #OpenDoors, #WesternNations, #HumanRights, #StopRepatriation, #ChangeOrgPetition, #GlobalSolidarity, #AsylumForNKRefugees, #CaseyLartigue, #케이시라티그