[imText1]The Commission to help North Korean Refugees (CNKR) claims there is a total of 10,113 defectors in South Korea based on the number of people admitted to “Hanawon (the settlement education center for North Korean defectors).”
On the 27th, the CNKR opened a commemoration celebrating the entry of 10,000 defectors to South Korea. The majority of participants, North Korean defectors agreed to a movement to rescue one North Korean comrade for every one defector. In addition, they urged that the Roh Moo Hyun Administration and ruling powers as well as all the political powers be more proactive for the democratization of North Korea.
Already on Jan 2nd the North Korea Democratization Alliance and other defector organizations professed that they would be proactive in establishing an action movement of 1,000 people, for the eradication of all left wing factions that displayed a negative attitude towards the resolution of North Korean human rights.
They argued that the government’s Sunshine policy only fattened the Kim Jong Il regime and that the human rights issue in North Korea was neglected, claiming that defectors would now directly intervene for North Korea’s democracy.
This kind of movement sets precedent as it not only symbolizes a generation of more than 10,000 defectors but also bestows responsibility upon each person. Furthermore, it is a conscious gesture that shows the reformation of people who escaped from a place of death.
While the defectors that left North Korea after 1990 came looking for a peace, they instead felt timid in a country full of powers while also reconciling with Kim Jong Il and pretentiously playing in the sunshine. However, the fact that the defectors who once experienced political democracy resolutely proclaim that “North Korea cannot be resolved with the Sunshine policy” is a symbolic expression alone that signals that it is time for change.
Though we commemorate the 10,000 figure of defectors entering South Korea, in reality this figure is rather minimal compared to the total number of North Korean defectors throughout the world. In the future, it is inevitable that more and more defectors will head for South Korea and this is something that must occur.
Nonetheless, despite the number of defectors surging, too much cannot be expected from the defectors.
The movement for North Korean democracy has been presented by North Korean human rights organizations and a few popular defectors. Some criticize defectors for being passive in improving North Korea’s situation, despite them being the main parties concerned with the issue.
Currently, FreeNK Broadcasting (FreeNK), Association for the North Korean Defectors, Sungui Comrades, and other organizations are working hard for the North Korean human rights movement, yet the number of these organizations is small compared to the number of defectors in Korea.
Amidst these times, it is welcoming to hear that the North Korea Democratization Alliance will make efforts to gather the voices of all defectors. This small step offers an opportunity for defectors to gather their strengths and furthermore spread throughout the regions.
Many defectors agree that the key to resolving North Korea’s problem is only through democratization. Defectors who experienced the violations of human rights in North Korea argue that this is the most justifiable and effective way in solving the North Korean issue.
As we observe the conditions in North Korea, we can see that the defector’s movement is urgent. After the nuclear experiment, Kim Jong Il placed the lives of the people on a precipice proclaiming yet another march of suffering, and signs show that this gulf is drawing near. Since the beginning of this year, control at the borders has tightened so rigorously that the people cannot move and inch.
The leading role in bringing change upon North Korea belongs to the citizens and defectors. Undoubtedly assimilating into South Korean society alone is very difficult. However, beyond the field of death, the action by defectors is as serious as their readiness as is the North Korean reality. Moreover, it is the reconstruction of the North Korean society that will play a critical role also.
More importantly, as each day goes by, it is crucial that the defectors do not forget the daily life battles their brothers, sisters and family left behind are experiencing today.
