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MANHATTAN, Kan. — Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector and human rights activist, captivated an audience at Kansas State University with her speech titled "Communism Kills." Hosted by the Young Americans for Freedom, Park shared her harrowing journey from North Korea to freedom, offering a stark window into the lives of North Koreans.
A Journey of Survival and Hope
Park recounted her perilous escape from North Korea at the age of 13. She described the dire conditions under which North Koreans live, comparing it to a real-life "Hunger Games," where survival is the only focus due to constant starvation. Her escape led her and her mother into the hands of human traffickers in China, where they were sold as sex slaves.
Despite these horrific experiences, Park's resilience shone through as she spoke about her eventual freedom and her mission to raise awareness about the oppressive regime in North Korea. Her journey continued through China and eventually to South Korea, where she first experienced true freedom.
Critique of Communism and Reflections on Freedom
In her speech, Park criticized the Chinese government's role in enabling human trafficking due to its strict policies like the one-child policy, which has led to a gender imbalance. She highlighted how this policy indirectly fuels the trafficking of North Korean women.
Park also reflected on her life in South Korea and later in the United States, emphasizing the stark contrast in freedoms. She expressed astonishment at the liberties enjoyed in democratic societies, such as choosing what to wear or watch without fear of persecution.
Personal Reflections and Activism
Park shared personal anecdotes about adapting to life outside North Korea, including learning English by watching "Friends." She discussed her experiences at Columbia University, where she encountered ideologies she found perplexing compared to North Korean propaganda.
Her speech touched on broader themes of freedom and choice, underscoring that even homelessness can signify freedom—a concept unimaginable in North Korea.
Yeonmi Park's speech was a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by those living under oppressive regimes. Her story is not only one of survival but also a call to action against human rights abuses worldwide. Through her activism and public speaking, Park continues to shed light on the plight of North Koreans while advocating for freedom and human dignity.
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