Connie Talbot, the runner up in Britain’s Got Talent 2007 (she lost out to Jeju goodwill ambassador Paul Potts), is currently in Korea for some concerts – aged 13. The Chosun Ilbo reports that she will be donating the profits from this Sunday’s concert in Seoul to the ferry disaster. She thus joins the ranks … [Read More]
Category: Social Justice (page 6)
No-one’s in the mood for celebrating
In a brief article two days ago, Variety noted the impact of the Sewol ferry disaster on the Korean box office, on TV schedules, and on pop concerts. No one is in the mood for enjoying themselves right now. Not that such an injunction is needed, but I hear that government officials and diplomatic staff … [Read More]
UN launches its report on human rights in North Korea
On 17 February the UN Commission of Inquiry on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea launched the report of its findings. On 17 March the Chair of the Commission, Michael Kirby, formally presented it to the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Commission “found systematic, widespread and … [Read More]
Escape from North Korea – Panel discussion at LSE
Another North Korea refugee related event this Wednesday at the LSE. This is a public event, but please signify your attendance on the event’s Facebook page or by emailing R.Faruq at lse.ac.uk so that they can register your name for security purposes. At time of writing there are 120+ attendees, so I hope they’ve got … [Read More]
Conference report: ROK-UK Forum on Peaceful Unification of Korea and Human Rights in North Korea
Thanks to guest contributor Sinae Hong for this report from the conference earlier this week. The ROK-UK Forum on Peaceful Unification of Korea and Human Rights in North Korea was held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel on Friday 19th November, 2013. The Cromwell Suite was full with well over 150 people, from British Veterans of … [Read More]
UN Commission on Human Rights in North Korea to hold public meeting in London
In Westminster Central Hall this Wednesday (23 October, exact time tbc) there will be a public meeting chaired by the UN Commission investigation human rights abuses in North Korea. The official press release follows: UN Commission on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to hold public hearings in UK and US GENEVA, 17 October 2013 – … [Read More]
Yodok Stories – Documentary screening and Q&A
Amnesty International UK is a regular host of events which shine the spotlight on human rights abuses in North Korea. This coming Tuesday you have an opportunity to watch a documentary about the notorious Yodok camp, followed by Q&A with a former prisoner there. Yodok Stories – Documentary screening and Q&A An evening of North … [Read More]
Human Rights forum: rethinking our approach to North Korea
Notice of a conference organised by the European Alliance for Human Rights in North Korea – their first Forum and Policy Paper Release Event – on 3 September. Registration will commence from 1.00pm, with the first session beginning at 1.30pm. The event will be held in Room 104 in Senate House. There is limited seating. … [Read More]
Crossing – the defector documentary by Kim Tae-gyun – screens at Amnesty International
A quick note of an upcoming film screening at Amnesty International: Crossing (크로싱, dir Kim Tae-gyun, South Korea, 2008) Cast: Cha In-pyo, Seo Young-hwa, Shin Myeong-cheol Venue: Amnesty International UK, The Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA Date: Mon 24 Jun 2013, 7.00 pm The film details the tragic plight … [Read More]
The Hidden Cost of Prosperity – a brave and rewarding exhibition at the KCC
Probably the bravest and among the most thought-provoking exhibitions that the KCC has hosted in its five year history is The Hidden Cost of Prosperity, a look at the darker side of the Miracle on the Han – the exploited underclass. The exhibition was one of the winners of the KCC’s Call for Curators, a … [Read More]
Camp 14 – Total Control Zone at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival
One of the most prominent publications last year on the subject of North Korea was Escape from Camp 14 – the story of an escapee from one of North Korea’s death camps. While such a story is rare in itself, what makes Shin Dong-hyuk’s tale more remarkable is that he was actually born in one … [Read More]
A victory for common sense? Asiana air hostesses can now wear red nail varnish
Before a recent ruling by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, the Asiana dress code detailed, among other things, “the size and substance of earrings, length of skirts, color of hair and type of eye makeup the female [cabin crew] can wear. Their dress code is more than 10 pages long, while their male … [Read More]
Let’s hear the arguments against the Gangjeong Naval Base in Jeju-do
There was a festive gathering last Tuesday at the Old Justice pub at which supporters of the campaign against the Jeju Island naval base held a public meeting. The London-based group has already held two demonstrations against the base this year, one outside the Korean embassy and one outside the Samsung electronics shop in Tottenham … [Read More]
Author of Escape from Camp 14 interviewed in the Standard
Interview with North Korean escapee Shin Dong-hyuk in the Evening Standard today. Shame they can’t spell his name right. http://bit.ly/IQgTFA. “When I saw the outside world for the first time, I thought it was paradise.” [Read More]
Oh Kil-nam, double defector, on the BBC
Interesting interview with Oh Kil-nam on the BBC website. Oh defected from the South to the North with his family (partly at the persuasion of composer Yun Isang), realised his mistake and defected back – on his own. His wife and daughters (now known as the Daughters of Tongyeong) got sent to Yodok. You can … [Read More]
Kimjongilia screens as part of North Korea Freedom Week
This week is North Korea Freedom Week in London, and it’s rather interesting to see the KCCUK getting involved. On Monday there was a screening of Crossing, and on Friday there’s one of Kimjongilia. Other events are screenings down in New Malden, a North Korea Human Rights photo exhibition, and a talk in Parliament. More … [Read More]