Key idea 5: Promoting and fighting for change.
This idea pertains to the importance of advocating for change and making efforts towards bringing positive change in the world. It involves recognizing the problems and issues in our society, and taking an active role in promoting and fighting for a better future. Advocating for change can take many forms, such as raising awareness, lobbying for policy changes, or actively engaging in activism or volunteer work. Regardless of the approach, advocating for change requires a strong sense of conviction and dedication to making a difference in the world.
After reuniting with her sister Eunmi and with her mother finding a new partner, Yeonmi was finally able to find peace within herself. She was motivated to continue her education and signed up for an intensive English tutoring program to improve her language skills. She then went back to university to finish her degree. However, life had other plans for her, and Yeonmi found herself becoming a human rights advocate for her people.
It all began with a simple speech at the Canadian Maple International School in the South Korean capital. Yeonmi’s English tutor encouraged her to give the speech to practice her English-speaking skills, but for Yeonmi, it was more than that. It was her way of advocating for the millions of other North Koreans suffering under the oppressive regime.
After her speech, Yeonmi was flooded with more speaking engagements. The United Nations was rallying English-speaking defectors to stand as witnesses to the human rights abuses happening in North Korea, and Yeonmi found herself flying across the globe for interviews, speeches, and summits. She even co-wrote a column for the Washington Post.
However, Yeonmi’s activism didn’t go unnoticed by the North Korean government. They began spreading propaganda, saying that she had fabricated her stories. They even conducted interviews with her family, friends, and neighbors back in North Korea to try and discredit her and her family. But despite the threats, Yeonmi refused to be silenced. She was determined to speak out about the harsh reality in North Korea and to create a better future for those she left behind.
Yeonmi’s advocacy work has earned her recognition and support from people all over the world. She has become a powerful voice for the North Korean people and a symbol of hope for those suffering under the regime. Her work reminds us that even in the face of adversity, one person can make a difference and inspire change.
Yeonmi’s speeches and advocacy work caught the attention of various human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Foundation and the Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) organization. They offered her support and provided her with opportunities to speak at various events and share her story.
Yeonmi’s advocacy work put her at risk, as the North Korean government was monitoring her every move. They even sent agents to try and abduct her in South Korea. Despite this, Yeonmi continued to speak out and raise awareness about the human rights abuses happening in her home country.
In 2014, Yeonmi published her memoir, “In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom.” The book detailed her harrowing journey and the struggles she faced as a North Korean defector trying to adapt to life in South Korea. The book became a New York Times bestseller and helped to further raise awareness about the plight of North Koreans.
Today, Yeonmi Park continues to be an advocate for human rights, using her platform to speak out against the North Korean regime and other human rights abuses around the world. She has been recognized for her bravery and dedication to the cause, receiving numerous awards and honors for her work.
Through her advocacy work, Yeonmi has shown that one person can make a difference and that the power of a single voice can bring about change. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who may feel powerless in the face of injustice, reminding them that their voices can make a difference and that change is possible.
