"SCHOOL" FOR NORTH KOREAN REFUGEES

A "free mini boarding college-preparatory institution" in a nutshell, Empower House now houses five young refugees from North Korea and provides them with free academic training with the goal of entrance into a four-year college. Read more

UNIFICATION OF THE MIND CONFERENCE II

On May 2nd, 2015, ENoK will be hosting the 2nd Unification of the Mind Conference in Alexandria, VA from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Unification of the Mind takes you to a future Korean reunification scenario and asks you to take on the roles of educators, investors, public servants, and social activists. For more information or to RSVP, please visit the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/667229493422771/, or contact the administrator through the contact form or email us at enok.group@gmail.com. Read more

VOICES FROM NORTH KOREA

On May 22nd, 2014, Eunju Kim and Jinhye Jo spoke in front of a live audience at the University of Chicago's International House about their experiences in North Korea and lives as defectors in South Korea and the United States, respectively. The event was hosted by ENoK, the University of Chicago chapter of Amnesty International, and PanAsia. Read more

UNIFICATION OF THE MIND CONFERENCE

On June 21st and 22nd, ENoK and NKUS hosted the very first Unification of the Mind conference, in Washington, D.C. The aim of the conference was to encourage the participants, mainly Korean youth, to dream - to envision a reunified Korea where all people are treated fairly regardless of their backgrounds, and embraced for their uniqueness. A total of 43 people attended the conference, which featured guest speakers, a Q&A session and problem solving activities. Read more

INTRODUCING REALPAL

RealPal reflects the philosophy of ENoK’s mission to serve North Korean defectors, not as “teachers,” “sponsors,” or “benefactors,” but as genuine friends, brothers, and sisters. Currently, ENoK holds regular ESL classes for North Korean defectors living all across the world. Depending on the location of the defectors' current residence and that of available "Pals," our sessions are either held in person or online using video-chatting services such as Skype. The RealPal program is not limited to ESL services but also includes guidance counseling, tutoring for other school subjects, and standardized test prep, among others. Our “Pals” do not receive any compensation for their time and commitment, except the defectors’ friendship, which we value the most. Read more

5.2.13 NORTH KOREAN FREEDOM RIDERS

On May 2nd, the Worldwide Awareness Day for North Korean Refugees, ENoK and about 20 volunteers gathered in front of the Chinese consulate-general in Chicago. They began the rally with a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston bombing attacks, and for the victims of the recent shootings in Chicago. Through speeches and chants, ENoK and volunteers congratulated China's new administration on their inauguration and urged them to reverse the policy of forcibly repatriating North Korean refugees, who face severe punishment once back in North Korea. Finally, they delivered to the consulate a petition and print signatures protesting the forced repatriation policy, containing a total of around 200 signatures.

31 FOR 31

In May 2012, ENoK organized “31 for 31,” a 31-hour fasting campaign (first coined by a Princeton for North Korea Human Rights) in honor of 31 North Korean defectors who were repatriated earlier this year. During this multi-day campaign, ENoK organized film screenings and exhibits in an effort to raise awareness of the dire conditions in North Korea and the plight of North Korean defectors. ENoK saw 54 people join its members in 31-hour fasting, and raised over $2,513.31, all of which will be used to help North Korean refugees living in America. Read more

3.20 NORTH KOREA FREEDOM RIDERS

In March 2012, ENoK designated March 20th as “North Korea Freedom Riders Movement,” a day of nation-wide protest against forced repatriation of North Korean defectors. ENoK urged other major cities including Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York City to join them in demonstrating against forced repatriation of North Korean defectors. As a result, on March 20th, four major cities in America—Chicago, DC, LA, and NYC—saw demonstrators come out at their respective sites to join their voices to speak against China’s forced repatriation of North Korean defectors. Particularly in Chicago, 200 people gathered in front of the Chinese consulate-general, and ENoK members led these demonstrators in marching across Chicago downtown, including Michigan Avenue (i.e. Magnificent Mile), in an effort to let Chicago, America, and the world know the plight of hundreds of thousands of North Korean defectors in China.

2.13.12 PROTEST OUTSIDE CHINESE CONSULATE

On February 23rd 2012, ENoK and around 50 volunteers protested outside the Chinese consulate-general in downtown Chicago. They delivered speeches and petitions against China’s forced repatriation of North Korean defectors, which would result in their imprisonment, torture, and even capital punishment.