A Tale of 2 Koreas in 1 Clear Picture

I found an interesting and straight-forward visualization of situations in the 2 Koreas.

1. Huge economic gap (GDP).

2. Although DPRK has only half of South Korea's population, it has much more military personnel.

3. DPRK has a densely militarized population, but the gap of military spending is huge. But although little when compared to South, military spending occupies a quarter of North's GDP.

4. DPRK is almost the most-corrupted country in the world. (A paradox that Communist countries tend to be corrupted rather than attaining a common welfare for the people)

5. 100% literacy rate in North Korea? It's either an un-authentic report from the government or that the regime prefer children attending school so that they can indoctrinate their ideology through brainwashing in class.

6. Although being the same ethnicity, the gap of life expectancy and average height, as well as difference in language is a sorrowful product of separation.

7. North Korea has merciless punishment for activities they define as "crime", including enjoying South Korean videos and songs, or escaping the country.

(You can click the picture to see a clearer and bigger view)

The nutrition condition of North Korean soldiers is not good

Judging from the nutrition condition of the North Korean defector escaped through JSA, foods supplies to military soldiers are not good.

The soldier weighs below 60 kgs (132 Pounds) even though he is 170 cm (5.6 feet) tall. The average height of South Korean high school students is 173.5 cm (5.7 feet) and the average weight is 70 kg (154 Pounds).

http://www.rfa.org/korean/in_focus/nk_nuclear_talks/nksoldiers-11162017084850.html

A conference for the roles of young people in EU for the unification of Korea.

A conference for the roles of young people in EU for the unification of Korea.

The minister of foreign affairs from South Korea and Korean Ambassador to Germany attend the lecture

The main purpose of the conference was to encourage Korean communities as well as many young people in Europe to look into the unification of Korea.

Participants discussed their roles for the unification of Korea.

Former prime minister of Germany, Helmut Kohl emphasized that Korea should keep good relationships with neighboring countries for the unification of Korea.  People in West Germany wanted freedom of people in East Germany.  Unification does not bring freedom, but freedom brings unification.

http://www.dongponews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=35517

통일에 대한 한국인의 부정적인 생각들 (Negative viewpoints of Koreans on the unification of Korea)

통일에 대한 한국인의 부정적인 생각들 (Negative viewpoints of Koreans on the unification of Korea)

중학교에 다닐 때 친구들과 통일에 대해서 대화를 해 본 적이 있다.
친구들은 통일을 두려워 하고 있었다.

통일이 되면 북한사람들이 자신의 동네를 돌아다닐 것이다. 남한의 범죄율이 증가할 것이다....
통일이 되면 북한의 낙후된 시설을 보수하고 개선하기 위해서 남한 사람들이 세금을 많이 내야 한다....

초등학교 때 판문점을 갔던 기억이 있다. 북한사람들에 대해서 무서운 이야기를 많이 들었기 때문에 두려웠다. 그런데 북한 군인들의 모습은 옆집 아저씨들과 아주 비슷했다.

부정적인 생각은 부정적인 교육에서 시작된 것 같다.
누가 이런 부정적인 교육을 시키는 것일까?

김정은과 그를 따르는 고위 간부들이 문제가 아닐까?
북한의 많은 대다수 평범한 주민들은 질병, 가난, 빈곤, 인권침해로 고생하고 있다.
하루 빨리 통일이 되어야 하지 않을까?

I wish the unification of Korea is not a dream!

This sounds like a good plan for reunification

This proposal was put together by Moon J. Pak

Moon J. Pak, M.D., Ph.D, is the senior vice-president of the Korean American National Coordinating Council (KANCC) and a physician in Detroit, Michigan.

http://www.zoominkorea.org/reunification-on-the-korean-peninsula-toward-a-peaceful-confederation/ 

President Trump declared North Korea a terror-supporting country to continue sanctions on North Korea.

President Trump declared North Korea a terror-supporting country to continue sanctions on North Korea.

North Korea should abandon nuclear weapons to avoid sanctions from the UN and the USA.
What is the next step Kim Jong Un can choose?

https://www.voakorea.com/a/4126882.html

How to let North Korean know about the outside world?

A few days ago I received a question from Mr. Hüşeyin Deniz who is a teacher in the field of arts and social studies at school.

"We know that the most efficient way toward North Korea's regime change is to let the people know about the outside world.

But the question is How?

What will you suggest? Some activist like Mr. Mark Sleet is sending USB stick and other radio broadcasters are trying too. But how can WE, as independent individuals do? Are there any ways of spreading digital media to the people without being noticed and controlled by the government?

You may consult with your friends or supervisors in the organization..."

I think many North Korean people, especially the poor ones, don't even have access to computers. But they have DVD players, and some have radios which are illegal products. South Korean DVDs are banned in North Korea, but many of them are secretly smuggled. 

I don't know much but hope there are more ways to let the common people change their impression of the US and South Korea, and know their own situation. 

I have not yet thought of this question before, but his question is very fundamental and important to find ways to let North Koreans know about the outside world.

All I do is just writing posts on the blogs to let more people look into the problems of human rights crisis in North Korea, but I wonder if North Koreans read the posts.

I delivered his question to Mr. Greg Forman, director of communications and development of NKinUSA because it was not an easy question to answer.

Today I received an email from Mr. Gre Forman about his answer to the question.

"Except for what Mr. Mark Sleet has done by donating USB sticks, I'm not sure what else specifically someone can do to spread information into North Korea as an individual.  

I agree that helping people in North Korea know about the outside world is extremely important.  Many defectors have said that hearing a radio broadcast or seeing other information is what prompted them to leave North Korea.  

There are different groups that are doing this using both high-tech and low-tech methods (eg. balloon launches and radio broadcasts in addition to smuggling USB sticks).  Most of these groups are private getting little or no government or support or funding.  

I'm not sure if my colleagues have anything else to add to this."

I decided to upload the answer from Mr. Greg Forman as well as the question from Mr. Hüşeyin Deniz because their communications are so meaningful to others.

Do you have any other opinions?

NKinUSA is a non-profit organization for North Korean refugees in the United States. I have been writing posts on this blog for human rights crisis of North Koreans as a volunteer service.

What happens after North Korean regime's Collapse?

  We all know the North Korean regime has been shaky, like a tooth that is falling out.
But the question is: What's Next?

   First of all, what is sure is that there will be massive refugees flowing into South Korea and China.
The Political aspect may be more complex, and has several possibilities:
1. Since the "Western block" led by USA and "Eastern block", mainly China and Russia may still have the intension to expand and control the geo-politics, there may be a conflict over the land with no lord.
2. A more peaceful alternative of 1. which is by negotiation along with South Korea and Japan, but who is going to be the future leader and what type of regime will take control is uncertain.
3. Reunification by peaceful means. With substantial aid and reconstruction, the new country - Korea will be based on Democracy and Peace. This is the most hopeful and best situation, and indeed not impossible, like East and West Germany also unified ultimately.

How to help rescue North Korea refugees and how to help North Korean defectors' resettlement in the USA

How to help rescue North Korea refugees.
How to help North Korean defectors' resettlement in the USA.



AmazonSmile

Every time you purchase at AmazonSmile, you can help North Korean refugees.



How?
It is very simple.



Have you heard of AmazonSmile?

smile.amazon.com



Firstly, search "North Korean Refugees in the United States" at amazon smile.
Pick your own charitable organizations: "North Korean refugees in the United States"
And Search




Select "North Korean Refugees in the United States"




Then, your donations will be automatically submitted to help North Korean refugees every time you shop at AmazonSmile.




Isn't it simple?

NKinUSA (North Korean refugees in the United States) in a non-profit organization, based in Washington, DC, which aims to help North Korean refugees escape safely from North Korea through China, assist with the resettlement of refugees currently living in the United States, and spread awareness about the persecution and severe human rights crisis of the North Korean people.

T-Shirts

25 Dollar shirt will make a miracle to rescue North Korean refugees.

If you buy a 25 dollar T-shirt, then all funds raised will go directly to save North Korean refugees in the United States of America.

You can buy the shirt at the following website.
The size of T-Shirts are Small, Medium, Large, and X Large.

www.nkinusa.org



Paypal or Check

NKinUSA (North Korean Refugees in the United States) hosts musical concerts in the Spring every year to raise funds for North Korean refugees. The music concert is called "Hope of Spring". Through the musical concerts, NKinUSA is raising a fund to rescue North Korean refugees safely from North Korea.

NKinUSA was founded by former North Korean defectors so that they know what kinds of pains and persecution North Koreans have been going through and what North Korean refugees and defectors really need.

NKinUSA is organizing many kinds of fundraising events. Even if you are unable to attend such various kinds of fundraising events, you can help North Korean refugees.



If you want to support North Korean refugees and defectors in the United States, then you can send money directly to NKinUSA by "Paypal" or checks to NKinUSA.

NKinUSA
2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #168
Washington DC, 20006

info@nkinusa.org
202-670-6587

www.nkinusa.org/how-you-can-help/fundraising/

President Moon hopes that North Korea will decide to participate in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

President Moon hopes that North Korea will decide to participate in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Olympic Winter Games is held every four years. The first Olympic Winter Games was held in 1924 at Chamonix, France.

North Korea has participated in 8 times among 14 Winter Olympic Games since the 9th Olympic Winter Games in 1964.

https://www.voakorea.com/a/4120634.html

A short story of a defector trying to adapt in the south

She says that she waits for the day Korea is united so that she can see her mother again.

This article suggests more attention be paid to defectors with professions so they can assist when reunification happens

In the book, "Nothing to envy" there were two professionals.

One was a doctor and the other I think was an engineer.
When they made it to South Korea, their certifications were not valid and they had to start again.
The doctor did start again and set up her own family practice and the other I think did find professional work. I'd have to go back and look it up but the point is that these professionals had real life experience and this should not be discounted.

The article reports that many North Korean professionals after reaching the south, look at the years of re-certification and settle for lower positions which is a waste of talent. 

http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?num=14830&cataId=nk03600

Key UN committee condemns North Korea for not aiding people

A key U.N. committee approved a resolution Nov.14th condemning North Korea for diverting its resources to pursue nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles instead of helping its people, over half of whom need of more food and improved medical care.

Estonia's deputy U.N. ambassador Minna-Liina Lind accused North Korea of committing serious Human Rights violations "in a widespread and systematic way," including by its "inhumane conditions in detention camps," restricted freedom of movement and limitations on the right to information.

North Korea's U.N. Ambassador Ja Song Nam blindly pushes the responsibility to US, calling it "a product of the political and military confrontation, plot and conspiracy of the United States and other hostile forces."

He said that on the pretext of implementing sanctions, the delivery of medicine and medical equipment to North Korea has been cut, and most aid activities by international organizations that have worked in the country for over 20 years have been set back or reduced.

The resolution doesn't address the impact of sanctions, only the impact of diverting resources to advance nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs on the humanitarian and human rights situation in North Korea.

It "condemns the longstanding and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights" in the North.

The commission concluded that crimes against humanity, including extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, persecution, deliberate starvation and disappearances were committed "pursuant to policies at the highest level of the state."

The resolution strongly urged North Korea's government to end Human Rights violations, including immediately closing political prison camps and releasing all political prisoners.

It also urged the government to allow all North Koreans freedom of movement and freedom to leave the country, including to seek asylum, and to ensure that those who are expelled or returned to the country are not punished.

Source: Associated Press (AP)

How about this for an idea..

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/guest_columnist/30315444

Robert Park wrote this article and what he is suggesting is that if Kim Jong Un was handed over, most would be forgiven and reunification could begin in earnest.

He is referring to an idea by Bruce Bennett of the RAND corporation who suggests convincing those in the upper-level regime be persuaded to overthrow Kim knowing that they wouldn't be punished after the fall of the regime.

Much easier said than done but if it could be done, I believe everyone including most of the upper-level regime would be relieved and Korea could be unified.

I did a post a while ago about this idea by Bruce Bennett and you can see the full strategy he proposes.

https://usandnorth.blogspot.com/2017/09/another-strategy-for-reunification-of.html

Robert Park is a human rights activist for North Koreans

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Park_(activist)

North Korean defectors find it hard to assimilate in South Korea

This is a good article from DailyNK regarding the difficulty North Korean defectors face when coming to the south.

From the books and articles I've read, discrimination, mistrust and isolation are important factors causing a small number to re-defect back to the North (a very bad move) or move to other countries.

I can imagine how overwhelming it would be coming from a society that resembles the 1950's to the bright lights and fast moving South Korea of today. especially if one is alone.
once they've completed their 3 moth re-education at Hanawon, they are on their own and it would be scary.

I just finished the book, "the girl with seven names"
Hyeonseo Lee came to South Korea with her mother and brother but after a while, her mother had decided to re-defect back to the north. Hyeonseo managed to talk her out of it. but that gives you an idea of how hard it must be for some to assimilate into South Korea.

DailyNK is an organization run by North Korean defectors and they do an excellent job.

http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?num=14820&cataId=nk01300

Here is another article along the same lines. particularly the second documentary, "why I left both Koreas" regarding North Korean defectors moving to other countries.

This looks like a short clip of the documentary I found on Youtube

http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?num=14812&cataId=nk02501

here is another story that came in today. discrimination really does appear to be an issue in south korea against defectors.

http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?num=14825&cataId=nk01300

World Event for Peaceful Unification whose subtitle is "Hope for Korea! Be the light of Peace!"

World Event for Peaceful Unification whose subtitle is "Hope for Korea! Be the light of Peace!" will be held at Seoul, South Korea on November 11th, 2017.

About 2000 religious delegates from 70 countries will join the event.

http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/religious/817952.html

College students from 8 countries participated in an international conference about the unification of Korea.

College students from 8 countries participated in an international conference about the unification of Korea.

Sunmoon University in South Korea hosted an international conference about the unification of Korea. Participants from Nepal, Venezuela, Russia, Philippines, China, Japan, Australia, Kenya made presentations at the conference.

They emphasized people should give up negative outlook about the unification of Korea.

http://www.daejonilbo.com/news/newsitem.asp?pk_no=1284049

Encouraging news from DailyNK about Capitalist Ideology deep into North Korean people.

The North Korean regime is obviously concerned that the market generation is leaning toward the capitalist ideology. more and more average North Koreans it seems are starting to see the North Korean regime for what it really is.

This is really good news. 😂😂😂😂
The change will not come from governments or the united nations, it comes from within.

http://www.dailynk.com/english/read.php?num=14805&cataId=nk01700

This is a nice story about two North Korean refugees who get married.

Two North Korean refugees get married.

http://www.northkoreanrefugees.com/former-foster-child-weds-lfnkr-invited/

I sent a message to LFNKR last week to see if they would be interested in contacting James Corbett of the Corbett report youtube channel. he lives in Japan also and his channel has a big following.
I was thinking that because he has such a big following, then maybe LFNKR could tell their story and there would be a bit more support for what they do. thereby helping more North Korean refugees.

I havn't heard back from them though.
Maybe NKinUSA could do the same thing

After the unification of Korea the number of students from elementary to college will be 16 million.

After the unification of Korea the number of students from elementary to college will be 16 million. It is equal to almost one-third of the present population of South Korea.
Korea will be short of teachers and educational facilities.

What to teach and who teach them should be planned before the unification of Korea.

Most of college students from North Korea dropped out of South Korean colleges because they have much difficulty to keep up with the education in South Korea.

In Germany they prepared for the education after the unification.
They organized a Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Lander in the Federal Republic of Germany before the unification of Germany.
They planned how to unify the two different cultures.

Korea should learn a lesson from Germany about preparing for the education after the unification.

http://pub.chosun.com/client/news/viw.asp?cate=C03&mcate=m1007&nNewsNumb=20141216196&nidx=18020