On December 27, 2024, the 2024 NKDB Night of Support was held at a venue near Hongdae.
This special evening was an opportunity to reflect on NKDB’s achievements and challenges throughout the year 2024, while also envisioning the organization’s future. The event was attended by institutional partners and supporters who have stood by NKDB’s work, showing great interest and encouragement. We sincerely thank everyone who joined us despite the cold weather, as well as those who helped make this evening possible through their support.
Ahead of the official program, a pre-event gathering took place where NKDB staff, supporters, and invited guests enjoyed a tea time, participated in a flea market to raise funds for victims of North Korean human rights violations, and joined an NKDB quiz event. The “North Korean Mom’s Homemade Tofu Rice,” prepared by a teacher from the Western Gyeonggi Hana Center, was a major hit!
Many attendees also took part in the Nakyeong (NK) and Dabin (DB)’s Flea Market, which aimed to raise funds for relief efforts supporting victims of human rights violations in North Korea. In addition, participants received leather bookmarks and postcards through the “How much do you know about NKDB ?” quiz event.
The program for NKDB’s Night of Support officially began with a welcome speech by Chairman Young-ho Shin. The first segment featured a video showcasing NKDB’s journey in 2024, providing a look back at the organization’s annual activities through key statistics.
Immediately following the video, a talk show titled "NKDBers Who Became Our Light" was held, featuring activists and beneficiaries who had worked with NKDB throughout the year.
Attorney Young-hyun Lee, a board member of NKDB and a lawyer at the Center for Supporting Victims of Human Rights Violations, shared the story of a lawsuit she pursued last year alongside NKDB. The case, filed on behalf of North Korean defectors of Korean-Japanese origin, was brought against the North Korean government and ended in a successful ruling.
Ms. Jung 00, who first met NKDB at the Hanawon resettlement center, expressed her gratitude for the psychological counseling provided by NKDB’s support team, which helped her regain strength. She also spoke about the harsh realities of human rights violations in North Korea, moving the audience and receiving heartfelt applause and support.
As the atmosphere grew more festive, a raffle draw was held with all attendees, adding to the excitement of the evening.
For the final part of the program, Ms.Hanna Song, newly appointed Director in 2024, delivered a heartfelt closing remark. She expressed her sincere gratitude to the NKDB staff who strive to listen to and amplify the voices of North Korean human rights victims, as well as to everyone who participated in the event, bringing the 2024 NKDB Night of Support to a meaningful close.
After marking our 20th anniversary last year, NKDB has continued to move forward this year—step by step—to uncover hidden truths and protect hope. Facing the realities of North Korea can sometimes feel like a slow and dark journey, but the presence of those who walk alongside us has been a beacon of hope in the darkness.
We are deeply grateful to have shared this journey with you over the past year. As we enter 2025, we hope you will continue to stand with us in shining a light of truth into the darkness and working toward the realization of human rights for the people of North Korea.
Wishing you a joyful and hopeful New Year!
P.S. Don’t forget to try the sweet NKDB QR cookies that were featured at the Night of Support!
On December 27, 2024, the 2024 NKDB Night of Support was held at a venue near Hongdae.
This special evening was an opportunity to reflect on NKDB’s achievements and challenges throughout the year 2024, while also envisioning the organization’s future. The event was attended by institutional partners and supporters who have stood by NKDB’s work, showing great interest and encouragement. We sincerely thank everyone who joined us despite the cold weather, as well as those who helped make this evening possible through their support.
Ahead of the official program, a pre-event gathering took place where NKDB staff, supporters, and invited guests enjoyed a tea time, participated in a flea market to raise funds for victims of North Korean human rights violations, and joined an NKDB quiz event. The “North Korean Mom’s Homemade Tofu Rice,” prepared by a teacher from the Western Gyeonggi Hana Center, was a major hit!
Many attendees also took part in the Nakyeong (NK) and Dabin (DB)’s Flea Market, which aimed to raise funds for relief efforts supporting victims of human rights violations in North Korea. In addition, participants received leather bookmarks and postcards through the “How much do you know about NKDB ?” quiz event.
The program for NKDB’s Night of Support officially began with a welcome speech by Chairman Young-ho Shin. The first segment featured a video showcasing NKDB’s journey in 2024, providing a look back at the organization’s annual activities through key statistics.
Attorney Young-hyun Lee, a board member of NKDB and a lawyer at the Center for Supporting Victims of Human Rights Violations, shared the story of a lawsuit she pursued last year alongside NKDB. The case, filed on behalf of North Korean defectors of Korean-Japanese origin, was brought against the North Korean government and ended in a successful ruling.
Ms. Jung 00, who first met NKDB at the Hanawon resettlement center, expressed her gratitude for the psychological counseling provided by NKDB’s support team, which helped her regain strength. She also spoke about the harsh realities of human rights violations in North Korea, moving the audience and receiving heartfelt applause and support.
As the atmosphere grew more festive, a raffle draw was held with all attendees, adding to the excitement of the evening.
For the final part of the program, Ms.Hanna Song, newly appointed Director in 2024, delivered a heartfelt closing remark. She expressed her sincere gratitude to the NKDB staff who strive to listen to and amplify the voices of North Korean human rights victims, as well as to everyone who participated in the event, bringing the 2024 NKDB Night of Support to a meaningful close.
We are deeply grateful to have shared this journey with you over the past year. As we enter 2025, we hope you will continue to stand with us in shining a light of truth into the darkness and working toward the realization of human rights for the people of North Korea.
Wishing you a joyful and hopeful New Year!
P.S. Don’t forget to try the sweet NKDB QR cookies that were featured at the Night of Support!