MEMORIAL MONUMENT FOR LIVES LOST BY THE NORTH KOREAN REGIME
IN REMEMBRANCE
This Was Our Story
This place is a space dedicated to recording and commemorating the souls sacrificed under the North Korean communist dictatorship in North Korea.
In the mid-1990s, despite millions of people starving, the North Korean regime poured its resources into nuclear and missile development. Among the victims were those who perished for lack of food or who practiced the Christian religion or were of the wrong songbun class, or were opposed to the Kim regime's tyranny. Others were captured in third countries while trying to escape and dragged back over the border to political prison camps or were caught in the process of defection and severely punished.
Many died without a trace. Defectors who have escaped to countries such as the United States and South Korea often have witnessed North Koreans’ starvation and persecution or had family members victimized by the regime. Here in this space, we remember just a few who suffered such fates.
North Korean Prisoner named Jung Misul (Pseudonym) Year of Birth: 1966 Place of Death: Security Department Detention Center Died: January 18th 2000 The eldest of five brothers, from a young age he had a keen interest in art. However, he was unable to enter the art university he had hoped for and was conscripted into the army instead, where he served for 10 years. In 1991, Kim Jong-il (Kim Jong-un's father) deployed a large number of discharged soldiers to coal mines, stating, "The People’s Army should voluntarily go to difficult sectors and work hard." North Korea's coal mines are notorious for their poor working conditions, leading to numerous fatalities from accidents. Of the 10,000 soldiers deployed to these mines, Jung Misul was one. He contracted pulmonary tuberculosis three years later. In 1998, when his household faced starvation from depleting food supplies, Misul resorted to scavenging worn tires from an old car at a factory. However, he was apprehended by the Ministry of Safety and Security and imprisoned for one year and three months on charges of plundering state property. The food provided in North Korean prisons is so inadequate that prisoners often perish unless they receive outside assistance. Misul suffered from pneumonia and malnutrition in the squalid prison infested with lice and fleas. His weight dropped to 30 kilograms, yet the North Korean authorities refused to release him. He eventually succumbed, along with his brother, to unknown causes in prison on January 18, 2000. The simultaneous deaths of these two brothers on the same day raised suspicions among fellow inmates, who speculated that the Ministry of Security poisoned them. North Korean authorities withheld the bodies of the deceased from their families and provided no information on their disposal.
Photographer of North Korean Public Firing Squad Name: Hae-Bang Kim (pseudonym) Estimated Age: 40s Place of Arrest: Public Execution Ground, Seongcheongang District, Hamheung City, South Hamgyong Province Died: June 2012 Kim Hae-bang was arrested by the North Korean Security Department at the site of a public execution in the Seongchon River area of Hamheung in 2012. He had been recording a public execution with a hidden button camera. However, following the execution, North Korean security agents surrounded the site, establishing an entrance and exit, and began escorting individuals out one by one after scrutinizing their IDs. Realizing the unusual circumstances, he hastily tore off the hidden camera attached to his clothing and attempted to pass through the doorway. However, the security agents promptly apprehended him. Hae-bang had been covertly collecting and transmitting videos of North Korean public executions to a human rights group of North Korean defectors in South Korea. These videos were broadcast on Japanese television, contributing significantly to raising awareness of the human rights situation in North Korea. However, one of the videos he captured included footage of a Japanese-made Honda motorcycle, leading the North Korean security department to suspect the motorcycle's owner of being the videographer and they tailed him. The State Security Department, which detained him, transported him to the State Security Department in Seongcheongang District, Hamheung City. They withheld food from him for a month and subjected him to torture until his eventual death in prison. The location of his burial remains unknown.
North Korea Broadcasting Agent, Jin Seon-rak Birthday: Born in 1964 Died: 2019 Position: Director of Free North Korea Broadcasting Bureau Jin Seon-rak, hailing from Yodeok County, South Hamgyong Province, defected to China in the early 2000s during a severe food shortage. After resettling in South Korea via a third country, he served as the director of Free North Korea Broadcasting for five years. Free North Korea Broadcasting is a North Korean broadcasting station operated by defectors, airing content focused on freedom, human rights, and democracy to North Korean residents on a daily basis. Jin Seon-rak, who dedicated himself tirelessly day and night to publicizing human rights issues in North Korea, exclusively reported on various significant events occurring within the country. However, he was hospitalized due to kidney stones. Even while undergoing dialysis following the removal of his kidney, he continued to combat his illness by writing a book about North Korea. Sadly, he passed away before witnessing North Korea's Liberalization Day in 2019. The title of his book is 'Single Root'.
North Korean Human Rights Activist Kim Cheol; Date of Death: Unknown. Place of Death: Political Prison Camp No. 14 Kim Cheol escaped from North Korea during the mid-1990s amidst difficult circumstances] and reached South Korea via China and then a third country. Subsequently, he became associated with Free North Korea Radio, establishing himself in Dandong, China, near North Korea, where he engaged in activities related to North Korea by gathering North Korean news and transmitting it to South Korea. Following North Korea's surprise currency reform on November 30, 2009, Kim Cheol acquired North Korea's new currency, transported it to South Korea, and unveiled it to the world. The currency reform created widespread confusion within North Korea, leading to crackdowns by the authorities to suppress popular complaints. Frantic efforts ensued by the North Korean Security Department to apprehend internal informants, and a few days later, Kim Cheol was arrested. He had journeyed to the Yalu River, on the North Korea-China border, in an attempt to establish contact with his wife in North Korea but lost communication. According to a North Korean defector who later escaped from North Korea, Kim Cheol was abducted by the North Korean Security Department at the border and transferred to political prison camp No. 14 in Gaecheon, South Pyongan Province, where he eventually perished. The whereabouts of his remains are unknown.
Workers dispatched to a logging site in Siberia, Russia Name: Kim Myeong-nam Age: 30s Hometown: Sariwon, Hwanghaebuk-do Died: August 1998 Kim Myeong-nam, hailing from Sariwon, North Hwanghae Province, was dispatched to a logging site in Siberia, Russia, to earn money. While working at Office 17 under the 2nd Joint Enterprise of the Russian Forestry Representation, he was struck by a tree and had his leg amputated. Due to poor working conditions and inadequate tools, North Korean logging workers frequently experience accidents while on duty. Logging workers do not receive insurance benefits in case of work-related accidents. Kim was returned to North Korea with some money for travel expenses earned from his having run a liquor business within the local forestry representative office. During the famine, he reportedly succumbed to starvation around August 1998. Many soldiers mobilized for the Construction of the Mt. Geumgang Power Plant died during construction, as claimed by a former North Korean soldier, during the period 1986-2003. The Geumgangsan Power Plant diverted water collected from the Geumgangsan area into the East Sea. Originally, this water flowed southward, but North Korea erected the Imnam Dam to impede its flow, then drilled a 40km tunnel into the East Sea to create a waterway for electricity production. However, electricity generation served merely as a pretext. The project was, in reality, a so-called ‘water attack operation’ intended to inundate Seoul by impounding hundreds of millions of tons of water and releasing it southward in case of emergency. Despite the completion of the Anbyon Power Plant, it remains largely non-functional. The construction was overseen by the ‘615 Management Bureau’ under the Ministry of People's Armed Forces. This bureau mobilized approximately 40,000 North Korean soldiers, who resorted to primitive work methods such as chiseling and hammering bedrock and carrying earth and sand on their backs. Daily accidents, including falls, were commonplace, and many soldiers also perished from malnutrition. One soldier recalled, “Our unit was stationed in Winam-ri, Goseong-gun, and the entire mountain in front of us was dotted with soldiers’ graves.” He estimated that approximately 30,000 soldiers died during the 17-year construction period. He further stated that his unit, initially comprising 100 soldiers, dwindled to merely 5 by the project's conclusion. The soldiers referred to the Imnam Dam as ‘the place of death’ and the 40km waterway cave as ‘the cave of death.’"
Missing person from North Korea Foreign Currency-earning Worker at the Forestry Division in Siberia, Russia Name: Han Kyung-man Age: Early 30s Hometown: Kimchaek City, Hamgyeongbuk-do Kyungman Han went to a logging site in Siberia, Russia, in the early 1990s to earn money. He received encouragement from the manager of the lumberyard business, who said, “I will make money and give it to the country,” and proceeded to Vladivostok to establish his own logistics business. He rented a large warehouse near the port of Vladivostok, established a logistics center, and operated a business with several employees. During this time, shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, South Koreans also ventured to the Far East region of Russia for business. Han was known for abstaining from alcohol and being industrious. He amassed a significant amount of money through his exceptional skills. As rumors spread about his lucrative business ventures, the organizational secretary of the 17th branch of the 2nd Union Enterprise of the Forestry Representative paid him a visit and instructed him to “return to work.” Han Gyeong-man attempted to persuade the organizational secretary by offering bribes and contributing loyalty funds to the United Enterprise, pleading, “Please allow me to continue my business activities.” However, the organizational secretary embezzled all the money and falsely reported to superiors that “Han Kyung-man is conducting business affairs by receiving funds from South Korean affiliates.” The National Security Agency devised a scheme to apprehend Han Kyung-man. They enticed him, stating, “Given your aptitude for earning foreign currency, you will now assume responsibility for foreign currency acquisition at the joint enterprise and contribute your earnings.” Simultaneously, they advised him, “Take a vacation before commencing your foreign currency ventures.” Fearing that Han Kyung-man might refuse to return to Korea, they instructed his son in North Korea to “compose a letter claiming he won first place in a marathon.” Colleagues who had worked alongside Han Kyung-man cautioned him against returning to Korea, asserting, “If you return to North Korea, you may never be able to leave again.” Nonetheless, Han Kyung-man returned to North Korea, promising, “Let’s take a vacation and earn a substantial amount of money.” Unfortunately, he was later apprehended by the National Security Agency and perished.
Gaegogae train overturn accident Accident occurred: December 3, 1996 Location: Songwon-gun, Jagang-do Deaths: 3,000-5,000 In the winter of 1996, amidst North Korea's severe food crisis, a train derailed at Mt. Gaegogae in Songwon County, Jagang Province. The overturned Manpo-Haeju train was carrying thousands of residents who had ventured out in search of food. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. as the train traversed the stretch between Jeoncheon-gun and Heecheon, Jagang-do. The area featured a high mountain known as Gaegogae, characterized by numerous caves and steep slopes. To ascend the mountain, one had to employ a towing machine at the front and push from behind to navigate the treacherous pass. Descending required one vehicle to lead and another to brake from behind. However, due to a shortage of towing machines, only one was utilized. Moreover, the train suffered from low voltage, hindering the traction machine's performance. Comprising 13 passenger cars, including a tractor, the train had not operated for several days prior, prompting people to board in hopes of returning home. With an estimated 500 individuals in each compartment, the total number of passengers exceeded thousands. However, disaster struck when the train's brakes malfunctioned during a descent. Hurtling out of control, the train gained speed, while those atop the train roof attempted to jump off, recognizing the dire situation. Sadly, many were swept to their deaths by the wind. As the coupling between the tractor and the train disengaged, the carriages careened hundreds of meters down the mountainside. The scene was one of utter devastation, with individuals suffering from broken limbs, decapitation, and severe injuries. Without medical attention, the injured perished. Among the casualties, soldiers were the most affected due to their proximity to the tow plane. The majority of the train's passengers lost their lives in the tragedy. Following the incident, North Korean authorities mobilized nearby army mechanized units to extricate the carriages, assist the injured, and retrieve the deceased. Fearing information leakage, they suppressed the incident, attributing it to "spy activity" as public sentiment soured. The North Korean Security Command spearheaded the accident investigation, culminating in the execution of the driver and officials from the Gaecheon Railway Bureau.
30,000 soldiers Who mobilized for the Construction of Mt. Geumgang Power Plant Deaths: 30,000 soldiers (as claimed by a former North Korean soldier) Place of death: Geumgangsan power plant construction site Period: 1986-2003 North Korea undertook the construction of the Kumgangsan power plant from 1986 to 2003 as part of its preparations for war. The Geumgangsan Power Plant aimed to generate electricity by diverting water collected from the Geumgangsan area into the East Sea. Originally, this water flowed southward, but North Korea erected the Imnam Dam to impede its flow, then drilled a 40km tunnel into the East Sea to create a waterway for electricity production. However, electricity generation served merely as a pretext. The project was, in reality, a so-called ‘water attack operation’ intended to inundate Seoul by impounding hundreds of millions of tons of water and releasing it southward in case of emergency. Despite the completion of the Anbyon Power Plant, it remains largely non-functional. The construction was overseen by the ‘615 Management Bureau’ under the Ministry of People's Armed Forces. This bureau, a corps-level unit tasked with building the Kumgangsan power plant, mobilized approximately 40,000 North Korean soldiers. According to a defected North Korean soldier who was part of this unit, "During the mid-1990s food crisis, 30,000 soldiers involved in the Anbyon Power Plant construction either perished during the construction process or succumbed to weakness due to malnutrition." The initial phase of the Geumgangsan Power Plant project involved constructing the Imnam Dam, followed by the establishment of a 40km waterway from Geumgangsan Mountain to Anbyeon-gun. However, lacking construction equipment, People's Army soldiers resorted to primitive methods such as chiseling and hammering bedrock and manually transporting earth and sand. However, a significant challenge arose as the soldiers encountered difficulty eliminating the gunpowder odor following blasting. Additionally, as the tunnel deepened, disposing of urine, feces, and other waste became problematic. The caves frequently filled with water up to knee level, exposing soldiers to contaminated water and resulting in skin damage from toxic waste. Daily accidents, including falls, were commonplace, and numerous soldiers perished from malnutrition and dermatitis. The soldier recalled, “Our unit was stationed in Winam-ri, Goseong-gun, and the entire mountain in front of us was dotted with soldiers’ graves.” He attested that approximately 30,000 soldiers died during the 17-year construction period. He further stated that his unit, initially comprising 100 soldiers, dwindled to merely 5 by the project's conclusion. The soldiers referred to the Imnam Dam as ‘the place of death’ and the 40km waterway cave as ‘the cave of death.’
Condemning a Regime Where Poverty Is a Crime Testifier: Yoon Jung-soon Date: March 26, 2024 Yoon Jung-soon now lives in San Francisco, California. In her words: Today, I wish to expose the harrowing story of my six-year-old nephew who tragically lost his life before ever knowing the love of a mother. Born into poverty because of North Korea’s corrupt and decayed regime, he suffered from hunger, malnutrition, and bitter cold. He lived in a shelter unfit for even blocking the winter winds, in utter darkness, and without the basic human rights and freedoms that every child deserves. I was born the second of five sisters. My eldest sister, Yoon Jung-hee, died of starvation in 1999 at the age of 28. My third sister, Yoon Jung-sil, also passed away at the age of 28 from illness after being unable to afford medicine. My youngest sister died at 34 from liver failure after enduring imprisonment and torture for seven months by the Ministry of State Security, merely because she was accused of receiving money I sent. She left behind a two-year-old son when she passed away, unable to even close her eyes in peace. In 1997, I went to Hyesan City to trade, but I lost my capital and was left with no hope. Hearing that I could make money in China, I crossed the border but was sold to a man in Yanji, China, with whom I had a daughter. In February 2003, while celebrating the Lunar New Year at my sister-in-law’s house, I was arrested by Chinese authorities and deported to North Korea. I escaped back to China later that year, but in March 2004, I was caught and repatriated again. After enduring horrific conditions, I successfully escaped a month later. By 2007, after two failed attempts, I tried to flee to South Korea from Tianjin, China, but was caught and repatriated for the third time in October 2007. During this third repatriation, I was subjected to brutal torture by the Ministry of State Security in Sinuiju. Somehow, I survived and managed to escape across the Tumen River again in 2008. Finally, in 2009, I arrived in South Korea. After settling in South Korea, I worked tirelessly and sent 30 million KRW (approximately $23,000) to my family in North Korea through brokers in 2018. However, these unscrupulous brokers kept the money and never delivered it to my family. I later learned that my youngest sister sold her home in an attempt to pay for medical treatment but ultimately passed away without receiving proper care. When my youngest sister passed at the age of 34, she left behind her two-year-old son. The thought of her passing, unable to care for her child, haunts me to this day. Brokers deceived me into believing that they had delivered the money to her, but in reality, they pocketed it and spread false rumors, even claiming my sister was using drugs. In February 2023, filled with guilt and regret, I decided to help my nephew, my late sister's son. I entrusted a broker named Oh Song-wol in Hyesan City to care for him, providing money for his upbringing. When I first spoke to my six-year-old nephew through a video call, my heart shattered. He resembled my late sister so closely that I broke down in tears. He told me that he had been eating only porridge made from vegetable scraps but was proud to have tasted white rice for the first time. When I asked what he wanted most, he said he didn’t have a winter coat. I vowed to protect him, promising myself repeatedly that I would ensure his safety. But tragedy struck just two days later. On February 27, 2023, my nephew was stabbed to death by a robber in Oh Song-wol’s home. I only learned the truth months later. How is it that in North Korea, those with power can exploit, kill, and destroy the lives of innocent people without any accountability? In North Korea, the poor are buried in silence, their deaths unnoticed and unacknowledged. It is a society where justice is absent, and the powerful prey on the powerless. I ask, do those responsible for these heinous crimes feel no fear of divine judgment? How can they live with themselves after falsely accusing and abandoning innocent children to such cruel fates? This is the reality of North Korea—a corrupt regime where poverty is a crime, human lives are treated as disposable, and power and greed reign supreme. I implore the world to expose these injustices, to shed light on the plight of the voiceless, and to demand justice for the countless innocent lives lost under this brutal regime. Sincerely, Yoon Jung-soon