North Korean refugee artist pursues her dream

I would like to share something about freedom, understanding, and connection.

All of you from different countries and cultures have a special ability — the ability to understand different perspectives and connect with people from different worlds.

Even though my story is about North Korea, freedom, and art, it is also a story about understanding other people’s lives.

Through my art, I express my longing for the home I lost, my desire for freedom, and the voices of those still isolated from the world. My journey reflects not only my own experiences, but also the hopes of many, and through sharing it, I hope to contribute to building a better future for all of us.

Supporting this campaign is more than helping one person—it is supporting a North Korean escapee artist striving to inspire change. By participating, you are helping build a future unified society and a world where people and communities can connect, understand each other, and grow together.

If my story helps you see the world with more empathy, curiosity, and courage, then that is already something very meaningful.

Thanks to a generous South Korean donor, Freedom Speakers International is running a Matching Challenge to empower North Korean refugees.

From June 22 to August 3, forty supporters of FSI set up donations in response. The donor has pledged to donate $100 for every fundraiser set up — up to 40 fundraisers total. Additionally, an American donor has secretly donated $20 to each fundraiser.

At FSI, we empower North Korean refugees through education and public speaking. Many are now giving speeches around the world, writing books, and telling their stories in English for the first time.

Our Korean donor has pledged to continue this Matching Challenge. He is inspired by the people who support FSI.

By starting or supporting a fundraiser, you’re helping them continue that journey.
Even if you don’t raise any money, just setting one up helps us unlock more support.

Set up your fundraiser. Show your support.
Together, we can amplify voices that were once silenced.

—
Casey Lartigue Jr.
Co-founder and Chairman
Freedom Speakers International (FSI)