Lee Hyeon-seo

Lee Hyeon-seo is a North Korean defector and human rights activist who became internationally known for her remarkable escape from North Korea and her advocacy for defectors and human rights. Born in Hyesan, North Korea, Lee lived under the oppressive regime of Kim Jong-il before making her escape in 1997, at the age of 17. Her journey took her through China and eventually to South Korea, where she sought asylum and began to rebuild her life. Lee's story of courage and survival was shared in her memoir, "The Girl with Seven Names", which tells the gripping story of her escape and life in hiding.

After escaping, Lee Hyeon-seo became a prominent advocate for North Korean defectors, speaking globally about the conditions in North Korea and the dangerous journey that many defectors face. Through her efforts, she has raised awareness about the plight of North Korean refugees, many of whom face deportation back to North Korea or live in fear of being caught in China. Lee's activism has earned her recognition in the human rights community, and she continues to push for greater international support for North Korean defectors.

One of Lee Hyeon-seo’s powerful quotes is, "Freedom is not just about having the right to do what you want. It’s about having the right to choose who you want to be." This reflects her belief in the fundamental human right to self-determination, something she fought for during her escape. Another memorable quote from Lee is, "I realized I could not live in a world where I was afraid to speak." This speaks to her newfound freedom in South Korea and her commitment to speak out for others who are still silenced by the regime in North Korea. Through her activism, Lee continues to inspire others to fight for freedom and human dignity.