I was interviewed by Voice of America about my work with North Korean refugees

A reporter from Voice of America in Washington DC called me this morning at 7am to ask me about my work with North Korean refugees. She recorded my answers and will broadcast into North Korea.

1) What first motivated you to teach North Korean refugees?

On the world scene today, everybody is talking about, writing about, and pontificating about North Korea. Although many may want to, not many are able to do much about North Korea. Talk’s cheap; takes money to buy whiskey. Without a doubt, Casey Lartigue, Eunkoo Lee, and the volunteers at TNKR are doing something about North Korea by assisting refugees in finding their voice. When I encountered TNKR in July 2017 I wanted to be a part of their effort. Since then I’ve been a tutor, speech coach, fundraiser, and writer with TNKR.

2) What has been the most enjoyable thing about tutoring North Korean refugees.?

The best thing about working with TNKR is the people. The North Korean students that I’ve tutored and coached have all been bright, enthusiastic learners, and always grateful for my help. In addition it is inspiring to work with Casey Lartigue, Eunkoo Lee, Youngmin Kim, and the other volunteers. I’ve found a lot of meaning in this work.

3) What has been the most difficult thing about tutoring North Korean refugees?

The hardest part has been the commute. I live almost two hours away from the TNKR office. I’m thinking of opening a branch office in Hanam City.