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Tue, May 30, 2023 | 14:43

Defectors vs. refugees over North Korea's denuclearization

Defectors vs. refugees over North Korea's denuclearization

In my blog post two weeks ago, I discussed the optimism that North Korean defectors have about the possibility of change in North Korea. Since then, I have heard from a few North Korean refugees who are not convinced. It isn't 100 percent uniform, but I have noticed a general split between defectors and refugees when it comes to prospects for change in North Korea.

2018-04-22 10:16

Why do North Korean defectors learn English? (2)

Why do North Korean defectors learn English? (2)

Q: Many North Korean refugees struggle to learn English. Many refugees who drop out of college cite English as a major reason. What was the moment you realized you needed to learn English to adjust to life in South Korea?Suhyeong, female, arrived in South Korea in 2015I studied basic English when I was in North Korea, but I feel like a baby at English here. What I learned was...

2018-04-15 13:57

How much longer can North Korea survive?

How much longer can North Korea survive?

At almost every discussion featuring speakers discussing North Korea, I have heard the question: How much longer can North Korea survive? The usual answer since the early 1990s has been: five to seven years. Recently, I have detected a change. Instead of five to seven years, a few former members of the North Korean elite have told me that they expect it will be months before ...

2018-04-08 14:30

How are North Korean women supposed to speak?

How are North Korean women supposed to speak?

“How are North Korean Women Supposed to Speak” was presented Wednesday night by University of British Columbia professor Ross King at the 72nd Societas Koreana Lecture Meeting. After learning about ways the North Korean government expects North Korean women to speak, I returned to my office to learn that seven North Korean refugees had been captured in China.

2018-03-31 10:58

Defectors' wish-list in reunified Korea

Defectors' wish-list in reunified Korea

Question: What would you do if and when the two Koreas are reunited?

2018-03-24 11:03

Why do North Korean defectors learn English?

Why do North Korean defectors learn English?

When I was in North Korea, I hated English. After learning about how terrible Americans were, I would feel disgusted using their language. We were taught to learn English so we could use it to confront Americans, but if we were supposed to kill them, did we really need to speak to them in fluent English?

2018-03-18 12:55

And the winner isn't …

And the winner isn't …

The “Wide World of Sports” on ABC used to start shows with scenes of athletes celebrating “the thrill of victory” in sporting events. But the opening scene would also show “the agony of defeat” as skiers and motorcyclists tumbled. Within the last month, I publicly experienced the thrill of victory, but also what some may consider the agony of defeat. After I announced on soci...

2018-03-09 16:30

Defectors' perspective: Moon's envoy to North Korea; Will Kim Jong-un attack South?

Defectors' perspective: Moon's envoy to North Korea; Will Kim Jong-un attack South?

Q1. Is it a good idea for South Korea to send an envoy to North Korea in preparation for President Moon Jae-In possibly visiting North Korea? Q2. How likely is North Korea to attack South Korea?

2018-03-04 10:27

Defectors speak out on Ivanka Trump calling off meeting with North Korea escapees

Defectors speak out on Ivanka Trump calling off meeting with North Korea escapees

Ivanka Trump claps while watching the third heat of the four-man bobsled competition final at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Sunday. / YonhapCasey Lartigue Jr., co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center, compiled these statements from interviews with the refugees. Questions1. What do you think about Vice President Pence meeti...

2018-02-25 13:34

North Korean defectors speak out on Pence, Kim Yo-jong Olympics visit

North Korean defectors speak out on Pence, Kim Yo-jong Olympics visit

I think that it is good that Vice President Pence has come to South Korea. He is from an important country in the world; it makes the Olympics look bigger. Because he is here, we can be sure that North Korea won't attack. It does seem like it has become the North Korean Olympics. There has been so much attention on the cheerleaders, the dance troupe and now on Kim Yo-jong. So...

2018-02-09 15:27

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