Yuji Tae, “Don’t turn a blind eye to the suffering of North Korean residents, don’t just turn away, take action.”

Appeal at ‘2024 North Korean Human Rights International Dialogue’ hosted by the US National Endowment for Democracy Foundation,

◇ Actor Yoo Ji-tae, the ambassador for North Korean human rights promotion at the Ministry of Unification, is speaking in English at the ‘2024 North Korean Human Rights International Dialogue’ held in Washington D.C., USA on July 22 (local time). July 23, 2024, Yonhap News.

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, ‘Actor Yoo Ji-tae, serving as the ambassador for North Korean human rights promotion, is making headlines by urging for attention to the human rights of North Korean residents while in the US.’,
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, ‘Yoo Ji-tae attended the ‘2024 North Korean Human Rights International Dialogue’ held in Washington D.C. on July 22 (local time) co-hosted by the Ministry of Unification and the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED). He delivered an English speech, urging, “I appeal to all of you. Extend a hand to the darkest place. The issue of North Korean human rights is often portrayed in a certain context due to its association with North Korea. However, what we are discussing is about the people in North Korea,” he said.’,
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, ‘He further stated, “Do not turn a blind eye to the suffering of North Korean residents, do not turn your back, take action. I hope our actions will heal the painful wounds of North Korean residents that have been ignored by their country (North Korean government).”‘,
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◇ Minister of Unification Kim Young-ho is speaking in English at the ‘2024 North Korean Human Rights International Dialogue’ held in Washington D.C. on July 22 (local time) co-hosted by the Ministry of Unification and the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED). July 23, 2024, Yonhap News.

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, ‘Minister Kim Young-ho also attended the event and mentioned that the 34,000 North Korean defectors settled in Korea vividly convey the human rights abuses in North Korea as a “living voice.” He said, “Through their testimonies, we have learned about many Koreans who tragically lost their lives while trying to escape North Korea.”‘,
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, ‘Minister Kim emphasized, “North Korean defectors symbolize freedom and human rights,” and stated, “The Ministry of Unification will continue to provide unwavering support for the successful settlement of North Korean defectors.”‘,
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, ‘He added, “Until the day when North Korean residents can freely dream and achieve their aspirations, the US and the international community should send unwavering support.”‘,
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, ‘Julie Turner, the US State Department’s North Korean Human Rights Envoy, praised the efforts of young North Korean defectors who are informing the international community about the human rights situation in North Korea.’,
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, ‘During the event, testimonies from North Korean defectors were also shared. A joint vision statement was announced, expressing commitment to work for the promotion of North Korean human rights in their respective positions following this event.’,
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◇ North Korean youth giving testimony at the ‘2024 North Korean Human Rights International Dialogue’ held in Washington D.C. on July 22 (local time) co-hosted by the Ministry of Unification and the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED). July 23, 2024, Yonhap News.

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, ‘Earlier in the morning, Minister Kim had discussions at the State Department in Washington with Kurt Campbell, Deputy Secretary of State, and Julie Turner, Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights, regarding ways for U.S.-South Korea cooperation to prevent the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors by China.’,
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, ‘Minister Kim also discussed the issue of repatriating North Korean defectors during the process of discussing inter-Korean and intra-North Korean situations, as well as the issue of North Korean human rights.’,
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, ‘Minister Kim informed that two North Korean defectors explained the internal situation of North Korea directly to Deputy Secretary Campbell.’,
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, “He also briefed about the ‘New Unification Discourse’ being prepared by the government, emphasizing the principle that unification should lead to the enjoyment of freedom and prosperity for all individuals living in both North and South Korea, and requested the cooperation and interest of the U.S. side.”,
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, ‘Minister Kim introduced, “I explained to the U.S. side that the government is preparing a new unification discourse.” He continued, “Although the timing, content, format, etc., of the announcement have not been decided yet, I asked for the U.S. side’s interest and cooperation regarding the new discourse.”‘,
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◇ Image of the poster for the ‘2024 North Korean Human Rights International Dialogue’ [Provided by the Ministry of Unification. Redistribution and DB prohibited. Yonhap News.]

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, ‘Minister Kim emphasized the direction of the new unification discourse being prepared by the government, stating, “The key point was clearly expressed by President Yoon Suk-yeol at the March 1st anniversary ceremony, that unification means that every individual living in North and South Korea should enjoy freedom and prosperity.”‘,
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, ‘Minister Kim and Deputy Secretary Campbell also evaluated and discussed the U.S.’s repeated emphasis on providing extended deterrence (nuclear umbrella) to South Korea during the recent NATO Summit held at the NATO Headquarters.’,
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, ‘Regarding hot issues such as the indictment of US prosecutors against North Korea expert Dr. Sumi Terry, the resignation of Jung Park, former senior official in charge of North Korea policy within the State Department, and the emerging independent nuclear armament theory in Korea, there was no further discussion, Minister Kim noted.’,
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, ‘Minister Kim is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the North Korean Human Rights International Dialogue co-hosted by the Ministry of Unification with the National Endowment for Democracy and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), held in the US from the 22nd to the 23rd.’,
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