[International Special Report = KMS News] Reporter Choi Ki-young = In Bergen County, New Jersey, USA, the construction of a memorial commemorating approximately 10,000 North Korean defector victims who lost their lives during their journey for freedom is actively underway. This memorial, being the first such project for North Korean defectors initiated overseas, is drawing global attention for its historical significance and symbolism.
At the heart of this project is Dr. Ma Young-ae, President of the **International North Korea Human Rights Allegiance**, based in the United States, and a North Korean defector human rights activist. Dr. Ma has led the construction of this memorial in cooperation with various domestic and international human rights and religious organizations, including the Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea, and plans to hold an official unveiling ceremony in New Jersey in July 2025.
A Monument of Solace for Those Who Disappeared Without a Trace
According to reports from the international community and human rights organizations, approximately 10,000 cases involve individuals who died while attempting to defect from North Korea through countries like China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, or who were caught by Chinese public security, forcibly repatriated, and subsequently executed in North Korea. These individuals disappeared into history without even leaving their names.
Dr. Ma stated, “This memorial is a cry appealing to the world not to ignore the tragic reality of North Korean residents, remembering their suffering and sacrifice.” She emphasized, “It will not be a mere monument, but a landmark for international human rights.”
A Symbol of North Korean Defector Human Rights, Combining Faith, Business, and Relief Efforts
Having defected from North Korea in 2001 and acquired South Korean citizenship, Dr. Ma moved to the United States in 2004, where she earned doctoral degrees in Theology and Religious Missions and was ordained as a pastor. Subsequently, she has engaged in human rights missionary activities for North Korean defectors, holding over 1,800 praise and testimony meetings. Simultaneously, by establishing Korean Sausage Co., Ltd. and launching the ‘Pyeongyang Sundae’ brand, supplying it to over 30 clients in the Americas, she has presented a successful model of self-reliance.
In 2007, she founded the North Korean Defector Mission in the Americas, and in 2015, the International North Korean Defector Human Rights Alliance, consistently allocating a portion of corporate profits to North Korean defector rescue operations and scholarship programs for second-generation Koreans. As a result, on August 14, 2024, the organization officially obtained 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the U.S. federal government, successfully enhancing its credibility.
Notably, Dr. Ma, as the first North Korean defector, received the 70th Anniversary ROK-US Alliance Peace Award and the Challenging Koreans International Human Rights Award, drawing the attention of the international community.
Conviction Upheld Amidst Obstructions and Complaints
The memorial project officially began about a year ago but faced several crises due to obstructions and complaints from far-left organizations and certain factions. However, Dr. Ma stated, “We overcame these challenges with the full support of the New York-New Jersey Association for National Salvation, local Korean associations, public officials, and politicians, and the solidarity of key members of the International North Korea Human Rights Alliance.”
The memorial has been completed in Korea and is currently undergoing customs clearance at the Port of New York. The entire construction cost was covered by the organization and Dr. Ma’s personal funds.
Dr. Ma particularly expressed deep gratitude to Son Myung-hwa, representative of the Korean War POW Family Association, who co-led this project, and to the Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea and the solidarity of non-profit organizations.
“Memory is action and justice.”
The journey of North Korean defectors towards freedom is still ongoing. Approximately 300,000 to 400,000 North Korean residents are living precarious lives, hiding their identities in China and third countries, while only about 35,000 North Korean defectors have settled in the Republic of Korea.
This memorial goes beyond merely commemorating past sacrifices; it will serve as a testament to the international community’s conscience, urging the restoration of human rights for North Korean residents who are still fighting for freedom and dignity today.
Source: KMS Korea Internet News Broadcasting Station (http://www.kmsnews.co.kr)
