Liberty in North Korea screening increases awareness among students

North Korean citizens can’t leave their country; if they do, they’ll be arrested, tortured and sometimes even executed. They don’t have enough food, education, medical care or housing. Only the elite live comfortably.

As the different speakers at the screening held by Liberty in North Korea on Sept. 30 in the cafeteria described such cruelties imposed by the regime of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, students listened intently and wondered how they could help.

Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) is a club led by senior president Joowon Lee and fellow officers Adrienne Kim and Jennifer Kim.

“The goal of this event was to allow people to take a step back from all the political aspects and think, ‘Hey, there are people, kids even, just like me who have to live in fear of this system every day,’” Jennifer Kim said.

The screening was presented by  college-aged interns, who are a part of  the official Liberty in North Korea organization. They presented video footage of interviews with real refugees who have escaped North Korea and came to America. The interns  were from the U.K., Austria and America.

“It was really cool to see how people all around the globe were interested in helping to liberate the North Koreans,” Jennifer Kim said.

Many teachers who supported the cause offered extra credit to students who attended.

“I think that the extra credit serves as an incentive to just come to the event,” Jennifer Kim said. “But once they came and watched the presentation, I hope that at least some people were inspired to join the club and help out.”

Liberty in North Korea wants to expand this year, Adrienne Kim said, adding, “Last year it was primarily upperclassmen in the club, but this year not only are our friends involved, but new freshmen and sophomore friends are here, too.”

According to Lee, this year, the club aims to raise enough money to help at least one person who has escaped from North Korea.

“We can call him [or] her our extended family and keep in contact with them,” Lee said.