North Korean Refugees Find Hope Through Public Speaking

Quick Smiles:

• Freedom Speakers International (FSI) empowers North Korean refugees in Seoul by offering tuition-free English and public speaking classes.
• Over 600 refugees have found support, mentorship, and a voice to share their stories and aspirations with the world.
• FSI’s programs help participants heal, raise awareness, and build confidence through storytelling and advocacy.

North Korean refugees in Seoul carry heavy emotional burdens, but a US-founded organization, Freedom Speakers International, is helping them rebuild with hope and purpose.

FSI provides free, personalized English and public speaking mentorships, connecting refugees with international communities and opportunities for personal growth.

Since 2013, over 600 refugees have participated in their programs, gaining vital language skills and the confidence to share their stories at events and through newly published books.

Co-founders Casey Lartigue Jr. and Eunkoo Lee highlight the essential role of storytelling, advocacy, and building confidence in the healing journey for these individuals.

“There are 5 main reasons that they tell us they want to engage in public speaking, and number 1 is just to raise awareness about what is going on in North Korea.”

“Second is advocacy: they want something done at North Korea—sanctions. Third is storytelling. There are people in North Korea who they know might have been tortured or executed by the DPRK, so they want to tell their stories.”

FSI’s speech contests and book projects have offered a platform even for those wishing to share the stories of loved ones left behind.

“Fourth is healing hearts. They have something inside that they want to get out, maybe PTSD. Fifth is to build confidence in themselves.”

One participant, Songmi Han, escaped North Korea in 2011 and published her book ‘Greenlight to Freedom’ in 2022 after finding support and awakening at FSI.

“I didn’t know how dangerous it would be, but since my mom started sending brokers to rescue me, I started awakening,” Han shared.

Another story involved a refugee whose manuscript, smuggled out before his tragic execution, was eventually published and helped rescue his children.

FSI welcomes donations and volunteers, continuing to transform lives through the power of language and story.

If you enjoyed this story, consider supporting organizations like FSI or sharing good news to brighten someone’s day!

Source