During the summer after my junior year, I had the opportunity to attend an all-day event Liberty in North Korea, also known as LiNK, with my friend. This event, known as LiNK Summit, made its return on June 3rd, 2023, after five years. This event was held in Long Beach, CA where many drove hundreds of miles and flew across the US to join this movement. I even had the opportunity to meet with a nice couple that flew in with their family from Tennessee to support this movement. So, what is LiNK?
LiNK is an international NGO-Non-governmental organization working with the North Korean people as they achieve their Liberty. They also help North Korean refugees escape through a 3,000-mile secret rescue route. It is a nonprofit organization focused on aiding North Korean refugees and promoting human rights in North Korea They work to rescue and resettle North Korean refugees, providing them with support, resources, and opportunities for a better life. In addition to that LiNK raises awareness about the issues facing North Korean, including human rights abuses, political oppression, and humanitarian crises, advocating for international attention and support for the people in North Korea.
A little history lesson for those that do not know what happened and is happening in North Korea. After World War II, Korea was divided into North and South Korea along the 38th parallel, leading to the Korean war in 1950. Which this War became a proxy war between the superpowers- United States and Soviet Union due to clashing over communism and democracy. The war ended in 1953 with an armistice agreement but no formal peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. Since then, North Korea has been ruled by the Kim dynasty which was initially led by Kim II-sung, followed by Kim Jong-Il and currently Kim Jong-un. The North Korean government operates under a strict ideology called Juche which is reliance and loyalty to the ruling family- Kim family. North Korea is known to pursuit nuclear weapons and long-range weapons and missiles has led to sanctions and tensions with neighboring counties. In addition to that the country’s human rights record has been a subject of global concern, with reports of political repression, forced labor camps, and limited freedom for its citizens.
Many do not know much of North Korea other than what is taught in our history books or what is said on the news about Kim-Jong-un’s new nuclear weapon but what about the people that reside in North Korea? During the LiNK Summit some light was shed on what they go through over there from people that managed to escape from North Korea. They told us their story on what life was over there for them, which was not a pretty picture, but regardless they missed what they left behind their loved ones and their homes. One of the things that stood out to me was how one of these speakers told us how he missed a tree that was in his back yard, and wondered if it was still standing. This shows how these people are just like us, they feel just like us, but they go unnoticed due to them not being able to communicate with us due to their government. They wish to be free like us, enjoying the things that we consider normal to have.
There are many things we can do to help such as, donate or help raise funds to sustain important programs supporting North Korean people. We can help build this movement by listening to the stories of the North Korean people, sharing them, and inviting others to join. We can push for change until the North Korean people achieve their freedom. You can learn more about how you can help this movement by going to their website: Liberty in North Korea
“Right now, we only share the stars. But I can look up at night and see that you are under the same sky. That will have to be enough until I find you”- Joseph Kim
Joseph Kim says this phrase when he thinks about his sister whom he has not seen since he escaped.
About the Contributors
Cielo Aguirre
Cielo Aguirre, Staff Writer
Cielo Aguirre is the president of The Steeler Chronicle. She is either found in the library with her nose stuck between a romance novel or running away from her problems if she isn’t injured. If found, please help her find her way.