A Message from a North Korean Escapee, Hyun-Seung Lee
Imagine waking up every morning knowing that your entire life—your education, career, and future—has already been decided for you. Imagine being told what to think, what to believe, and even what emotions you are allowed to express. Imagine living in a world where a single careless word could mean imprisonment—not just for you, but for your family as well.
This is not a scene from a dystopian novel. This is the everyday reality for millions of young people in North Korea. In many parts of the world, people can speak their minds, dream big, and shape their own destinies. They can challenge authority, express their thoughts on social media, and pursue the future they desire. These freedoms may seem natural, even unremarkable, to those who have never lived without them. But for the youth of North Korea, they are an impossible dream.
In North Korea, one of the most closed-off countries in the world, freedom does not exist.
The internet? Completely banned, even for those within the regime’s elite circles.
Traveling abroad for vacation? Impossible—only a privileged few are ever permitted to leave for work, and even then, under strict surveillance.
Choosing a career? Not an option. The state assigns jobs based on political loyalty, not personal ambition.
From childhood, young North Koreans are taught that their sole purpose is to serve the regime. Every day, they must sing songs praising Kim Jong Un, their lives dictated by propaganda and strict ideological control. Even the slightest hint of dissatisfaction—a whispered complaint, a misplaced expression—can lead to brutal punishment, not just for them but for their entire family. To them, “freedom” is an unfamiliar word, and “choice” is a luxury they will never know.
The Harsh Reality That Blocks North Korean Youth from Their Dreams
When I was growing up in North Korea, children were often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” But every time we heard this question, there was only one acceptable answer: “I want to be a loyal servant to the Great Leader.”
In reality, it was a meaningless question in a country where personal dreams and ambitions were crushed before they could even form. My future had already been decided—loyalty to the regime came first, and everything else was irrelevant.
At school, we were not taught creativity, problem-solving, or critical thinking. Mathematics, science, and foreign languages were secondary. Instead, we memorized how “great” the Kim family was and how “evil” South Korea, the United States, and the rest of the capitalist world were. Our textbooks were filled with propaganda, and every school day began with chants praising Kim Jong Un.
But even in the darkest places, hope cannot be fully erased.
The Secret Passion for K-Pop and Soccer in North Korea
You might not know this, but despite the government’s strict bans, many North Koreans secretly admire the same things you do.
K-pop or any foreign media is illegal in North Korea. If caught watching a BTS or BLACKPINK music video, a person could be sent to a labor camp or even executed. And yet, despite the risks, young North Koreans secretly watch K-pop and K-dramas through smuggled USB drives. Some even risk their lives just to imitate the fashion and dance moves of their favorite South Korean idols. They dream of a world where they, too, can enjoy music, dance, and express themselves freely—just like you.
Soccer is another passion that North Koreans secretly hold. The regime promotes its national team, but many young people secretly cheer for international clubs like FC Barcelona or Real Madrid. I remember when I first saw a video of Brazil’s legendary players, Ronaldo (R9) and Ronaldinho, dribbling with magic in their feet—it was mesmerizing.
For a brief moment, my friends and I would talk about learning to play soccer in Brazil and dreamed of watching the World Cup with our own eyes. I imagined what it would be like to experience the World Cup freely, without fear or restrictions.
But in North Korea, even the simple dream of leaving the country to watch a soccer match is impossible. Can you imagine loving something as universal as music and sports, yet being forced to hide that passion in fear of your own government?
I was one of the lucky ones—I escaped. But millions of my friends are still trapped, their dreams and passions buried under dictatorship.
Your Signature Can Change North Korea’s Future
Right now, at this very moment, young North Koreans long for freedom, but they have no way to fight for it. Their voices are silenced before they can even be heard.
But you can be their voice.
If 10 million people around the world sign a petition supporting the peaceful unification of Korea, we can send a powerful message to the international community. The North Korean regime fears external pressure, and your signature is more than just ink on paper—it is a sign of hope for young North Koreans, telling them, “You are not alone.”
The North Korean government tries to isolate its people from the world, but information still finds a way in. Messages of hope, signs of solidarity, and international pressure can make a difference. Your voice, added to millions of others, can help expose the truth and push for real change.
Change Starts with Small Actions
Many people hesitate to act because they believe one person cannot change the world. But history shows that every major movement for freedom and justice began with small acts of courage.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
Sign the signature campaign – Your signature is a step toward change.
Share this message – The more people know, the harder it is for the world to ignore North Korea’s suffering.
Use your voice on social media – Hashtags like #FreeNorthKorea #Free&UnifiedKorea #OneDreamOneKorea can spread awareness.
Freedom Is Stronger When Shared
Freedom is not something to be kept to ourselves. It is a gift meant to be shared, a right meant to be protected for all.
North Korean youth do not need our pity—they need our solidarity. They need to know that the world has not forgotten them, that there are young people on the other side of the world who care enough to act.
So, I ask you:
Would you share the same freedom you enjoy with North Korean youth?
Let’s bring Brazil’s freedom to North Korea. Your signature is the first step toward change.
Join us now. Because freedom is a right—not a privilege.