Liberty in North Korea

Harry was just a teenager when he fled from North Korea with his mom

Like many North Korean refugees, their journey to freedom was not without great risk and sacrifice. Soon after reaching South Korea, Harry learned that his oldest sister had been tortured by North Korean authorities for their escape, leaving her devastated by mental illness.

Their story echoes that of many other North Koreans, who live with both the weight of their past and their hope for the future. With nothing left to lose, Harry is now a vocal advocate for the North Korean people. He holds on to the hope that he will someday be reunited with his older sister in a free North Korea.

Political prison camp

Harry’s mom was sent to a political prison camp for her work in connecting North Koreans with the outside world. For two years, she endured horrific conditions, forced labor, and inhumane treatment from prison guards.

Human trafficking

Harry’s middle sister was sold to a man in China at the age of 12. A year later when she was just 13, she had a baby. Harry’s sister eventually escaped and joined Harry and his mom in freedom.

today

Harry is completing his undergraduate degree and speaks to global audiences about North Korean human rights. He’s participated in almost every one of LiNK’s programs! His mom has earned her master’s degree and is currently writing a book about her life.

Political prison camp

Human trafficking

Harry’s middle sister was sold to a man in China at the age of 12. A year later when she was just 13, she had a baby. Harry’s sister eventually escaped and joined Harry and his mom in freedom.

today

This holiday season, give to programs that support and empower North Koreans like Harry

The Advocacy Fellows Program

This program raises up the next generation of North Korean leaders and changemakers. Fellows train in the US to become effective storytellers and advocates, then speak to audiences across the country. 81% of people who attended an Advocacy Fellows event said their perspective on North Korea was forever changed!

The Rescue and Resettlement Fund

We help North Korean refugees, like Harry and his mom, to escape safely and begin new lives in freedom. To date, over 1,330 North Korean refugees and their children have been rescued through LiNK’s networks.

Scholarships

Offered in both the US and South Korea, LiNK scholarships support the increasing number of North Koreans who are pursuing higher education. In 2023, over $100,000 in scholarships were awarded to high-achieving students with the potential to be future leaders on this issue!

The LiNK English Language Program

This program builds the capacity and confidence of North Korean refugees in conversational English, increasing access to career and educational opportunities. To date, over 350 North Korean students have been matched 1:1 with volunteer tutors.

LiNK Labs

Labs is where we research and innovate ways to empower people inside North Korea with access to outside information and technology. This includes collaborating with recent defectors, creating and curating content for North Korean audiences, and developing new technologies.

give today

8 years ago, we were running for our lives. Today, we boldly share our story with the world.