Working with North Korean refugees and their angels

Jennifer Bowman, right, and Cherie Yang take a break from a mentoring session at the FSI office in Mapo District of Seoul. Courtesy of Voices from the North

By Jennifer Bowman

My first year in Korea a friend of mine gave me a copy of a book called, "Nothing to Envy." I was completely consumed by the stories of the six North Koreans who eventually escaped to freedom. Their real-life experiences hit me in a way similar to the first time I read stories detailing Nazi concentration camps, the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge, or the excruciating details of Idi Amin's reign. But the thing that was different this time is that this regime under which these humans suffered so greatly, is still very much alive. A quick trip to the DMZ and I could literally gaze across the border into one of the world's most repressive states, where right at this moment someone could be publicly executed for simply watching a South Korean drama.

I felt compelled to get involved somehow. I searched any and all organizations related to the North Korea issue. Despite the best of intentions, outside organizations are often limited in their understanding of the problem and of what will really make an impact. I wanted to find something on the ground floor, invested in and informed at the heart of the situation. That is exactly what led me to TNKR, now Freedom Speakers International (FSI).

While the concept of teaching English to North Koreans initially seemed too simplistic (and frankly boring, not the "save the day" type stuff I thought I should be looking for), I soon learned that the organization based its activities on what was specifically requested by the refugees themselves. Based on their struggles to adapt in a very advanced, competitive society, and for the first time being exposed to completely new and foreign concepts (such as the idea of human rights), having access to a language that was internationally prevalent and often relied on in a global context was an incredibly powerful tool.

So I went to my first orientation meeting. It was clear that this organization was not swimming in money. We all packed into this little room, many sitting on the floor due to a lack of seating. I have to admit I wasn't sure what to expect, as I noticed the projector that seemed to be older than me and some paint peeling off the walls. But then in waltzed Casey and Eun-koo. Casey Lartigue was in command, confident, engaging, determined, unapologetic and accomplished beyond belief. Lee Eun-koo, a bit smaller in stature and more reserved, but with a resolve and strength of presence that demanded attention.

I suddenly felt this swell of excitement, as I realized I had found a project that had great merit, being led by two incredible individuals, with not only the talent and expertise required, but the more important and much scarcer qualities of sacrifice and ceaseless commitment to empowering North Korean refugees.

Over the past four years of my involvement with FSI, I've been deeply impacted by these two leaders. They've encountered countless obstacles which would cause most to fold. They've literally watched the organizations who initially supported them in their efforts, fail to survive. They've pushed forward despite a bank account balance of roughly $30 at one point. They've scraped by, not knowing where next month's rent for the office was going to come from. Despite the instability and hindrance that the lack of finances can cause, they still had the fortitude required to turn down potential donors who came with "strings attached" and maintain the integrity of their vision and goals as an organization dedicated first and foremost to the refugees. What they've lacked financially, they've made up for in teamwork, ingenuity and relentlessness.

Not only have their efforts been beneficial for the refugees, but for the volunteers as well. Most notably for me was my first experience working with Cherie. Cherie was preparing a speech to deliver at an upcoming speech contest, the fifth of 14 such contests held by FSI. The first time I met her I was a bit caught off guard by her beauty and fashion sense. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, perhaps I had some stereotypical image in my mind of what a refugee should look like, and this was not it. At that point I knew very little about her history, but one thing was immediately clear. This was someone who was not going to be defined by her past.

As Cherie shared her story with me, I wrestled with a kind of cognitive dissonance going on in my head. This lovely human being sitting right across from me had survived such unimaginable pain and suffering and loss. It just seemed so unfair. And yet here she was, practicing the proper pronunciation of "live" vs "leave," a key part of the 10-minute speech that she had memorized in her third language. I still struggle to process how one person can go through so much in one lifetime and come out of it with such grace. Her story, and more importantly, her message, embedded within me a humility and respect for the sacredness of life and the cost of freedom.

Cherie went on to win the speech contest for which I helped mentor her and she later gave a TEDx Talk in London that was arranged by Casey. Her YouTube channel seeks to raise awareness of the crimes being committed in North Korea. She is a force to be reckoned with, and FSI was there to offer her the tools she needed to speak for those who are silenced under an oppressive regime.

One of the projects FSI is currently working on that I am most excited about is an upcoming book titled "Greenlight to Freedom." Casey is co-writing the book with NK refugee Han Song-mi, who has not yet shared her unique story publicly. The combination of Casey's breadth and depth of knowledge in a worldwide context alongside Song-mi's courage to share such personal experiences with the world, is going to make for one incredible, eye-opening book. These two minds coming together will make for something truly potent. I have included a link in the comments where you can?pre-order your copy.

Casey and Eun-koo, thank you for your time the other day. I appreciated the chance to have lunch together and hear firsthand your history and thoughts on a variety of topics. You two are the real deal.

Jennifer Bowman is an English teacher from the U.S. She has been a volunteer tutor, coach, and donor for FSI since 2017.