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| Rep. Tae Yong-ho gives opening remarks at the 18th Freedom Speakers International (FSI) North Korean Refugee English Speech Contest on Aug. 26, at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue |
By Tae Yong-ho
My name is Tae Yong-ho and I am a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. I think everyone here today may have seen the digital poster at the entrance to the Assembly. Most of the digital posters are in Korean, so that's why they are easily understood by lawmakers. There was one very special digital poster that has been posted since last Monday. It is in English, "I am from North Korea." So many representatives asked, "What is it?" and, "What is the contest? What are you going to do with this, you know, the English speech contest?" So, this gave me many opportunities to tell them what we are going to do this morning.
First, welcome to the North Korean defectors who are participating in this 18th FSI English speech contest, "I am from North Korea." I recognize many familiar faces. First, I would like to express my gratitude to Freedom Speakers International, the Shin & Kim Law Office, and the Korea Hana Foundation for preparing this meaningful event, and to all guests who are attending. I want to express my gratitude to the Next Korea Foundation for sponsoring North Korean defector students.
And congratulations to Casey Lartigue. I'd like to express my special thanks to Casey. When you read and see the digital poster, you can see the number 18. Everyone knows very well that it is not an easy task to have this kind of English contest 18 times. Of course, anyone can host this kind of event once or twice, but if anyone can continue to hold this event 18 times, I think, Casey, it is a grace for us to have a man like you from America who continues to help North Korean defectors to prepare and study good English. Thank you very much.
I'd like to tell my short story about my relationship with Casey. I first met him in 2017. When I first met him, I was really shocked about his stories, how he tried and wanted to improve the English-speaking ability of North Korean defectors. I watched Casey and Lee Eun-koo… Where is Lee Eun-koo? She is hiding. I met them and I watched them developing something out of nothing with a unique approach that truly empowers North Korean defectors.
North Korean defector students, like you here, who came here, must have a lot of worries like I had. Many face difficulties such as identity issues about whether to reveal to others that you are from North Korea, communication problems due to the North Korean dialect, difficulties in studying English, and sometimes regret as you have overcome challenges with studying and working in South Korea's competitive society. As a North Korean myself, I still have not adapted to this competitive world.
Anyway, there are students who came to South Korea alone, and some started studying when they were older, and there are students who have difficulties receiving help from their parents because the whole family must adapt to life in Korea as well. Looking at South Korean students, you may have thought about how great it would have been if you had been born here. However, in retrospect, you all got through the process of escaping North Korea well, and are working hard on your studies, and are now achieving despite the challenges. Also, there are many people around you who share difficulties, help, and want to be with you.
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| Nine North Korean refugees participated in the 18th Freedom Speakers International (FSI) North Korean Refugee English Speech Contest at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Aug. 26. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue |
Mentors and sponsors who have come here today, please work with FSI by opening your professional networks so you can partner to make greater opportunities for North Korean refugees. North Korean defector students receive help today, but tomorrow in your life, I'm sure that you will do bigger things for the Republic of Korea and North Korea as well and realize your dreams and hopes which will lead the future of reunification.
All of you who came here did a great job preparing for the speech contest, and congratulations on the holding of the "I am from North Korea" English speech contest. And, especially, I would like to finish my speech by giving a special thanks to the most important people today, the three judges who will make a fair ruling about the speech contest.
Rep. Tae Yong-ho delivered these remarks at the 18th Freedom Speakers International (FSI) North Korean Refugee English Speech Contest.
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