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| Park Eun-hee speaks at a Giving Tuesday Korea event at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Dec. 1, 2020. Courtesy of Voices from the North |
By Park Eun-hee
As someone who was born in North Korea, it is so unexpected for me to be speaking about the Giving Tuesday movement that started in the United States.
When I was in North Korea, I never thought I could be someone who could contribute something to other people, even strangers. North Koreans are destined from birth to be political slaves, serving everything spiritually and biologically for our "Dear Leader."
I escaped to South Korea in 2012, doing my best to adjust to life here. Then my life changed in 2015 when I began studying English with volunteer English teachers with Freedom Speakers International (formerly TNKR). I didn't quite understand the true meaning of volunteering and talent donation.
When I was in North Korea, I could have never imagined that I would be helped by other people, especially Americans. I had been taught they were our enemies. But volunteers from the United States, England and other countries were helping me. I didn't quite understand it.
Giving Tuesday refers to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in America. It is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of individuals and organizations to transform their communities and the world.
It is a spectacular movement. I am so delighted to be part of the executive team that is spreading this idea to Korea. There are now more than 70 Giving Tuesday chapters around the world, and now we are establishing it here in Korea. I hope that others will join this international movement. It should present more opportunities to help others in need and to share our talent and time with them. Because of people who have helped me, I have learned to understand the power of giving. I realized that giving is more powerful than receiving. A little generosity can change someone's entire life, like it did for me.
After experiencing discrimination, I avoided letting others know that I am a North Korean defector. The worst case was when I worked at a restaurant and got discriminated against by a Chinese Korean lady. After that experience, and others, I decided not to reveal that I was from North Korea.
In contrast, my volunteer teachers taught me that I didn't need to be ashamed that I am from North Korea. For the first time, my background was something unique and worthy to be shared with others. Through that experience, I found my identity and voice.
I became more active and more involved in human rights issues.
FSI was my starting point. Who would have ever believed when I was in North Korea, only honoring the Kim family, that I would one day donate and raise $3,000 for FSI? Because of others giving their time and talent, I was able to become a woman who can contribute her time, talent and money to others. I am so happy that I can share with people in need.
Based on what I saw and experienced, your acts of kindness can change and save the lives of others. I hope you can join the international movement of Giving Tuesday, and for those of you who are in Korea, get involved with Giving Tuesday Korea.
Park Eun-hee is a North Korean refugee living in South Korea. She is the Development Coordinator at Freedom Speakers International and Advocacy Fellow of Giving Tuesday Korea.
Casey Lartigue Jr., is editor of "Voices from the North." He is co-president of Freedom Speakers International (FSI) along with Eunkoo Lee and is executive director of Giving Tuesday Korea.
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