Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
Do North Korean refugees genuinely aspire to become advocates for human rights? This thought-provoking question was the focus during the Korea Hana Foundation’s 2024 International Seminar, particularly in the illuminating papers presented by Park So-keel and Shin Hyo-sook. Their work suggested that these refugees possess significant potential to influence global conversations on human rights, but I found myself disagreeing with the notion of actively recruiting them for this cause.
My response centered around three key points. First, I raised the issue of whether many North Korean refugees genuinely desire to become advocates. Second, I emphasized the necessity of preserving their autonomy, allowing for authentic voices to emerge rather than conforming to external pressures. Lastly, I reflected on the inherent limitations of advocacy as a broad strategy for change.
From my experience since founding Freedom Speakers International with Lee Eun-koo, I have come to understand that the majority of North Korean refugees seek personal growth over public advocacy. Over 600 refugees, residing in various countries, have taken English and public speaking courses. For many, these skills serve practical purposes, such as education or career advancement, rather than a path to becoming advocates.
When refugees do engage in public speaking, their motivations vary widely. While some wish to highlight the plight of North Koreans, many focus on personal narratives, often as a means of healing from trauma. For most, the act of sharing their story serves not merely as advocacy but as a therapeutic process — a method by which they process and reclaim their identities.
Although advocacy plays a role in social justice, it should not overshadow refugees’ personal autonomy and aspirations. Their journeys often start with survival, and while some evolve into passionate advocates over time, that transformation needs to be organic and unhurried. Advocacy is a possible outcome of their experiences, not an obligation thrust upon them.
A poignant example is Han Song-mi, a co-author whose transformation I witnessed firsthand. Initially silent for nearly a decade in South Korea, she eventually blossomed into a prominent public speaker. Her journey reminds us that authenticity can flourish when refugees are afforded the time and freedom to grow without pressure.
Typically, a North Korean refugee may take around 11 years after reaching freedom to write and publish their memoir. This reflection of time underscores the psychological adjustments they need to make before sharing their experiences publicly. Many others may not even pursue publication for various personal reasons, illustrating that storytelling is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Despite this lengthy timeline, there’s persistent demand from media and NGOs for ‘new’ stories, often overlooking those who have already shared their narratives long ago. While there is an intense desire to hear from emerging voices, we must appreciate the contributions and lived experiences of those who have spoken out previously.
Advocacy, while impactful, has its limitations, often driven by external agendas that can co-opt refugees’ experiences. At Freedom Speakers International, we ensure that the refugees choose their own topics, which are frequently focused on personal journeys rather than human rights issues. This approach ensures their voices remain authentic, rather than fitting a predetermined narrative.
While the Hana Foundation seminar showcased valuable discussions, I remain firm in my belief that we must not rush to label North Korean refugees merely as human rights advocates. Advocacy should be a voluntary choice rather than an expectation, allowing authentic voices to emerge naturally and on their own terms.
The discourse around North Korean refugees often positions them as potential advocates for human rights, yet this assumption may not reflect their true desires. Many refugees, while knowledgeable about their pasts, prioritize personal development over public advocacy. Understanding their journeys reveals the complexity of transforming from survivors to advocates. This article draws insights from recent seminar discussions and personal experiences to explore the nuances of refugee advocacy and the necessity of respecting individual authenticity and autonomy.
The journey from refugee to advocate is complex and requires patience, understanding, and respect for individual autonomy. Many North Korean refugees seek personal achievement rather than public platforms, and authentic advocacy should emerge organically rather than through external pressure. The challenge lies in balancing the urgent calls for advocacy with the need to honor the personal aspirations of refugees. Ultimately, true advocacy shines brightest when allowed to develop naturally, in its own time.
