KAC Holds Press Conference and Luncheon in Honor of Dr. Ae-Ran Lee
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KAC was honored to have 2010 International Women of Courage Award Winner and North Korean rights activist Dr. Lee Ae-ran speak at a press conference and luncheon on Tuesday, March 16 at YongSuSan Restaurant with KAC Executive Director Grace Yoo and International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVC-LA) Executive Director Janet Elliot. IVC-LA helped facilitate Dr. Lee's visit to the U.S.
The 2010 International Women of Courage Awards hosted by Secretary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama, acknowledged “women from around the world who have endured isolation and intimidation, violence and imprisonment. Many have risked their lives to advance justice, freedom, and equal rights for everyone,” according to Secretary Clinton. At the event, Dr. Lee was able to discuss her efforts for advocating the human rights of the North Korean people.
A North Korean native, Dr. Lee has first-hand experience of the harsh realities of living under the repressive regime of the North Korean government. When her Christian grandparents left to South Korea, Dr. Lee, then 11, and her family were sent to a labor camp where they were treated as prisoners and subject to torturous abuse and conditions for eight years. Hence, this cause holds a very personal significance in her life.
When faced with the possibility of imprisonment again as an adult in 1997, Dr. Lee fled to South Korea with her 4-month old son, leaving her husband and family behind. Since then, she has devoted her life to helping North Koreans now residing in South Korea. She has founded such establishments such as the Global Leadership Scholarship Program, the Hana Defector Women’s Organization, and the North Korea Traditional Culinary and Culture Institute – all of which provide critical skills for the success of North Korean people.
-Minna Kim
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