Living as the “first wave of reunification”: On the occasion of the 2nd North Korean Defectors Day
Lee Eun-pyeong,
President, Unification Talent Development Association
July 14 is a day of special significance for the more than 30,000 North Korean defectors living in South Korea. It is North Korean Defectors' Day. After 80 years of division and suffering, the stories of those who risked their lives to cross the border in search of freedom are finally being recognized as a national holiday and brought to the forefront of society.
President Lee Jae-myung promised in his speech at the 2nd North Korean Defectors' Day commemoration ceremony, “We will carefully examine the pain and difficulties of those who have come to our society in search of a new life.”
This statement, declaring that the state will take responsible interest in the lives of each and every North Korean defector, came across as a heartfelt comfort to me, a North Korean defector myself.
The president's statement that he would support the settlement of North Korean defectors “beyond basic livelihood support, so that they can grow together as members of the community” was more than just a speech. I hope that these words will not end as empty promises, and that Korean society will truly accept and embrace North Korean defectors as they are.
Some people think we came to South Korea simply because we were hungry. But defecting was not a choice made solely for survival. For me, defecting was a desperate decision to “live” as a human being and the beginning of a new contemplation on “how to live.” Along that journey, there are countless people who lost family members, left friends behind, and faced indescribable fear. We have names we must remember.
That is why it is even more meaningful that the Ministry of Unification has stated that it will “remember those who sacrificed their lives in the process of defecting.” This is not just a commemoration of today, but a declaration that the state will remember the path we have walked and record it as history.
The government calls North Korean defectors “the first wave of unification.” I agree. We are not just people who left North Korea. We are the only people who have experienced both the South and North Korean systems and cultures.
The way we settle into society, live without discrimination, and dream freely gives North Korean residents hope for freedom. The very existence of North Korean defectors is a process of preparing for unification and can serve as a bridge to narrow the gap between the South and North.
Even at this moment, countless North Korean residents are crossing the river. People risking their lives to cross the border, people hiding from the Chinese police, people trembling in fear of forced repatriation. They too are citizens of the Republic of Korea. This is why North Korean Defectors' Day should not end as just a commemorative day in South Korea, but should also be a voice for the protection of North Korean defectors overseas.
There are 34,121 North Korean defectors. As one of them, I still ponder this question every day. “What role can I play in this land?” Whether as politicians, artists, or teachers, I hope society will show us warmer eyes and greater interest so that we can live as proud members of the Republic of Korea.
And to all North Korean defectors living as “early unification,” I want to say:
“Your presence here alone holds great meaning. We are not alone.”