The Problem of North Korea
Why is North Korea a major problem in the world? This country is run by a corrupt leader, Kim Jong Un, that does everything in his power to keep his people cut off from the rest of the world. Many North Koreans believe that everyplace in the world has even worse living conditions than their country, which is the exact opposite. Between 150,000 and 200,000 North Koreans live in prison camps surrounded by electrified fencing, and 40% of these people die from malnutrition while mining, logging, and doing agricultural work in harsh labor conditions. This way of life is unacceptable, and somehow needs to be changed.
Chelsea Scism of The Daily Signal published an article, “What is Life Really Like in North Korea? One Woman’s Story.”, which told how a woman grew up, lived in, and escaped North Korea. Hyeonseo Lee grew up in North Korea and left to find a better life when she was 17. As a young baby, she learned Kim Jong Un’s name before her own parents’ names. She believed her country was “the best place on earth”, and that the rest of the countries in the world were evil. She had no idea what life was like outside of North Korea, along with every other North Korean citizen. Hyeonseo was happy to be living there, and she had no idea that everyone in North Korea is suffering. She was told that the Kim Regime were gods, and had the power to do anything they wanted, good or bad, so she had to worship them. She was taught that only the American military was living in America, and they are the people that North Koreans have to kill. She played a game in school where there was a cardboard cutout of an American soldier, and all the kids would try to destroy it. Hyeonseo Lee did not learn the truth about North Korea until she was 17 years old, and in that same year (1997) she decided to escape. She made her way through China, and got into South Korea safely, knowing that if she got caught, she would have to serve three years in a camp, or even be punished by death. Now she has made it to America, where she has written books about her story, and speaks about how bad of a place North Korea really is. Lee’s story is just one example of why life in North Korea is cruel and unfair, and needs to be changed.
Liberty in North Korea is an international organization that work around the clock to help the people of North Korea. Since 2010 Liberty in North Korea has raised almost 4 million dollars and 100% of that money goes to helping North Koreans. Liberty in North Korea provides money and informs refugees about safe escape routes. To date, they have helped 405 refugees safely escape and gain their freedom. This organization helps North Koreans after they escape as well. They provide assistance to the refugees if they are struggling with new tasks like using banking systems or pursuing a career. Liberty in North Korea believes that one of the best ways to spread the message about what life is like in North Korea is to have refugees tell their stories. Also they have helped to create 340 rescue teams around the world that help raise money by holding fundraisers that educate others about North Korea and encourage them to help. You can get involved by starting your own rescue team, or by donating money. In conclusion, Liberty in North Korea is an outstanding organization that works 24/7 to help the people of North Korea.
North Korea is a major problem in the world, and the people living there need help. Liberty in North Korea has helped many people, but the problem is far from solved. There are so many more people in need of help that do not even know how bad their situation really is; like Hyeonseo Lee before she escaped. These people do not deserve to be living like this, and they do deserve to be free from the corruption in North Korea.
Works Cited
Research, USA TODAY. "20 Facts about North Korea." USA Today. Gannett, 13 Apr. 2013. Web. 29 Feb. 2016.
Scism, Chelsea. "What Is Life Really Like in North Korea? One Woman's Story." The DailySignal. The Daily
Signal, 27 July 2015. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.
Song, Hannah. "Liberty in North Korea." Liberty in North Korea. LiNK, n.d. Web. 25 Feb.2016.