Speaker: Yeonmi Park, human rights activist and author
Background:
Born in North Korea, escaped at age 13
Author of In Order to Live and While It Remains
Will speak at the Road to Freedom seminar at Reagan Ranch
Life in North Korea
Early Education:
Taught to be silent: "Don't even whisper" as it could endanger her family
Education system focused on hating America:
Example: Learning math with anti-American propaganda
Caste System:
51 different castes based on family background
Your social status determined by ancestors, not individual merit
Government Control:
Used hunger as a tool to control the population
Starvation leads to a population that cannot think about freedom or government
Escape from North Korea
Fled to China at age 13 after experiencing severe starvation
Dangers of Escape:
Crossing the border involved bribes and the risk of execution
Upon reaching China, faced human trafficking and exploitation
Human Trafficking:
Chinese market values North Korean women as commodities
Personal experience of selling and trafficking
Separated from her mother; exploited as a sex slave
Journey to Freedom
Rescue and Immigration:
Eventually rescued by South Korean missionaries
Escaped through the Gobi Desert to reach South Korea in 2009
Life in South Korea:
Attended Columbia University and experienced freedom
Critique of American Ideals:
Encountered anti-capitalist sentiments and misconceptions about America
Stressed the importance of capitalism and opportunities
Current Advocacy
Speaking out for North Koreans and against human trafficking
Highlights hypocrisy of Western elites regarding human rights and China
Urges Americans to recognize threats to freedom and the importance of individual liberty
Q&A Highlights
Tourism in North Korea:
Tourists often misled by propaganda; encouraged to help North Korean defectors instead
Impact of Motherhood:
Reflects on her mother's sacrifices and the power of love
Hope for North Korea:
Change depends on China; urges accountability for the Chinese government
Final Thoughts:
Expresses gratitude for her freedom and the chance to share her story
Encourages action against tyranny and oppression
Conclusion
Yeonmi's journey from North Korea to the United States illustrates the stark contrast between life under a dictatorship and the freedoms enjoyed in America. Her advocacy continues to raise awareness about the plight of North Koreans and the importance of defending liberty.