North Korean Refugee Ambassador for FSI

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.

I'm Casey Lartigue, co-founder of Freedom Speakers International (FSI).

In the coming months, we have several events lined up to engage with Harvard University students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

• March 2, 2024, Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) Alumni of Color Conference (AOCC), 3:30-4:30 pm
  • FSI Workshop led by Casey Lartigue and joined by Eunkoo Lee and E Jisung.
• March 27, Harvard Club of Broward County
  • Casey Lartigue's book talk about Songmii Han's memoir Greenlight to Freedom.
• March 28, Harvard Club of Naples
  • Casey Lartigue's speech addressing the question, "Why hasn't there been a revolution in North Korea?"
• April 13, Freedom Speakers International 19th "I am from North Korea" English Speech Contest (19th edition)
  • Seven North Korean refugees will give original speeches in English based on the contest theme, "I am from North Korea."

But if you'd 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.