In “Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter’s Search for Her Mother and Herself,” Songmi Han shares her harrowing and poignant story of growing up in North Korea, a regime which is accused for its brutal suppression of its citizens. Co-authored with Casey Lartigue Jr., this memoir offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those living under the totalitarian regime, where poverty, hunger, and fear are constant companions.
Songmi’s childhood was marked by desperation and hardship, with meals often consisting of little more than grass. She and her mother were forced to steal food to survive, and the threat of public execution loomed large. Yet, as Songmi recounts, these experiences were not the worst she endured. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as Songmi shares her story with raw emotion and vivid detail.
But Songmi’s story doesn’t end with the book. After escaping to South Korea in 2011, she kept her identity as a North Korean refugee hidden until 2022. She has since become a public speaker, joining the Freedom Speakers International (FSI) North Korean Refugee Keynote Speakers Network in 2021. She made her debut as a public speaker in February 2022 and was invited to the Geneva Summit for human rights and democracy in May 2023.
Today, Songmi is a college student studying social welfare, with a passion for cooking and a dream of opening a North Korean restaurant one day. Her journey is a testament to the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Songmi’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of oppression and the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Another North Korean defector, MAENG Hyo-shim, has also joined the fight for human rights. Like Songmi, MAENG fled North Korea with her parents in June 2018 in search of freedom and human rights. She frequently addresses the plight of disabled individuals in North Korea, sharing her personal experiences as the daughter of a polio survivor who faced constant discrimination. Since becoming a keynote speaker for FSI in early 2022, MAENG has delivered speeches worldwide, including at the U.S. Department of State, the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, and Harvard University.
Through their advocacy, Songmi and MAENG aim to bring attention to the dire situation faced by those living in North Korea, including disabled individuals. Their voices are a beacon of hope for those who have been silenced and ignored for far too long.
MAENG’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of courage and determination. She is a shining example of the impact one person can have in fighting for human rights and dignity. As she continues to share her message with the world, we are reminded that freedom and equality are fundamental human rights that belong to all, regardless of ability or disability.
On July 25th, the Korean Cultural Centre India and India International Centre in New Delhi hosted a groundbreaking “book concert” event, bringing together esteemed human rights writers and activists from Korea. The theme, “Voice of Freedom,” resonated deeply as these courageous individuals shared their stories and insights.
Casey Lartigue Jr., Songmi’s co-author and a renowned advocate for educational freedom, has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of North Korean defectors like Songmi and MAENG. As co-founder and chairman of Freedom Speakers International, Casey has dedicated his career to promoting educational empowerment and human rights. He is a lecturer in public speaking at the Seoul University of Foreign Studies and a columnist for the Korea Times.
Eunkoo Lee, co-founder and chairman of Freedom Speakers International, has been a driving force behind amplifying the voices of North Korean defectors like Songmi and MAENG. As an expert and advocate for North Korean human rights, Eunkoo has dedicated her career to shedding light on the regime’s atrocities.
Her extensive experience includes roles as a Researcher at the Education Support Center for North Korean Migrants and Research Team Lead at the North Korean Rights Data Base Center. Eunkoo has also participated in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program organized by the U.S. Department of State and received a work excellence award from the Ministry of Education in 2012.
The writing is fluent and professionally edited, yet retains an authenticity that is both powerful and moving. The authors’ tone is engaging, and the inclusion of a lengthy acknowledgments section at the end of the book is a heartfelt tribute to those who have helped Songmi on her journey.