South Korea’s Spoilers
By Dr. Norbert Vollertsen
SEOUL, Oct 18, 2006 — For six years now I have been active in lobbying for human rights in North Korea. My associates and I provide detailed information to Western journalists. We organize protests at the Panmunjom border with North Korea, help North Korean refugees rush past guards and enter Western embassies in China, and coordinate the flight of North Korean “boat people.” We also attempt simple, utilitarian projects such as the sending into North Korea — by balloon — of small radios, which those lucky enough to retrieve might use to learn about the world outside their Gulag-state.
Some of these projects have failed, many of them have succeeded. But never could I have imagined that the most difficult part of creating an awareness of human rights abuses in North Korea would be to raise a voice in South Korea.
Here in Seoul, I get around 1,400 hate-e-mails per day. As a result of an e-mail campaign organized by South Korean students, my e-mail account is often sabotaged. I am caught in the middle of an Internet campaign titled, ominously, “How to get rid of Norbert Vollertsen.” Suggestions include “Execute him,” “Kill him,” etc. People — South Korean people –shout and even spit at me on the street. My activities to help the enslaved people of the North –such as my boat-people project — are sabotaged by South Korean intelligence. My telephone is tapped, and I have minders following me the whole day. All in all, although I’m here in Seoul, I feel like I’m still in Pyongyang!
Yet for all the horrors I witnessed in North Korea, where I once worked for 18 months as a medical worker for Cap Anamur, a German aid organization, I was never beaten by the police — not even in my last days there as persona non grata, just before my expulsion for the expression of pro-human rights views.
Here, in South Korea, I have been beaten by the police — among others.
During our balloon-launching attempt on Aug. 22,2003 a young South Korean (well-fed, wanting for nothing) attacked me, threw me to the ground and escaped with a bundle of radios intended for his starving, destitute brothers across the border — an assault carried out right under the noses of the riot police. Then I was attacked by the police themselves. One officer jumped on my twisted knee while I was lying on the ground. But even that was not as painful as the incident in March this year when some riot policemen kicked me in the groin while I was standing in the middle of their crowd during a protest in front of the Chinese embassy here in Seoul.
On another Sunday, I was attacked by North Korean “journalists” at the World University Games in Daegu, while holding a peaceful press conference in front of the convention building there. The South Korean newspapers reported that I “exchanged punches with the North Koreans.” In reality, I was standing on my crutches, still suffering from my injuries from the balloon-launch assault, and could barely stay upright. I was also wearing a neck-brace, and so was unable even to swivel my head to face my North Korean attackers.
Afterwards, the same newspapers called me an “extreme ultra-right-wing activist,” even “fascist,” which is ironical, given that I am doing what I am doing for the North Koreans mainly to atone for the shameful fascist history of my home country, Germany. The local government in Daegu apologized to the North Korean delegation for my “grave offence,” and promised to punish me and get me expelled.
In Beijing, where the next round of the so-called six-party talks shall take place again to my consternation, the talks are only focusing on nukes. But the human right abuses of regime of Kim Jong Il is the real cause of all the military problems.
Kim Jong Il has to fight for survival like the leader of a religious cult, like the head of a family mafia clan — he can only do so by blackmailing the whole world: “Feed me or I will kill you with my nuclear weapons.” He will never abandon these weapons, his only real “security guarantee.”
And there is only one security guarantee for the starving children in North Korea: When there is no more security for Kim Jong Il and his regime and he has to face justice at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
The only way to get rid of the North Korean nukes and missiles is to get rid of Kim Jong Il, and the best way to do that is by creating an inner collapse of the North Korean regime.
In order to achieve this inner collapse we first of all have to inform the ordinary North Korean people about the outside world. Because they do not have any access to foreign media they do not know anything about Western societies. They are brainwashed into believing that we are all homeless, drug-addicted and depraved.
Because of this non- and misinformation there are no uprisings like those in former East European countries and no defections on a mass scale. That is why our project to send radios by balloon is so potent — and why friends of Kim Jong Il in South Korea are determined to foil us.
Seoul is proving to be the real external obstacle to freedom for North Korea. Many people in foreign countries wonder about the general South Korean attitude toward Pyongyang, the increasing anti-Americanism here, and the perverse likelihood of pro-North Korean diplomacy by Seoul during the six-party talks and the whole nuclear discussion.
The truth is, South Korea is infiltrated by Pyongyang’s agents. According to the NIS, the South Korean intelligence, there are up to 6,000 secret agents from North Korea operating in South Korea’s establishment; and the main targets, besides the government, are the NIS itself, the military, the student organizations, the workers’ unions — and the media.
Until now I have been talking about human-rights violations in North Korea, and the need for regime change there. Maybe it is time now to talk about rights violation in the South too — and even regime change as well, by the power of the people, by election of course.
Here in South Korea basic civil rights, the freedom of speech and mainly the freedom of the press, are endangered by the current administration. The government of President Roh Moo Hyun is cracking down on critical journalists.
I will continue my activities here in South Korea even after I got expelled from this Korean nation too and only was allowed to reimmigrate under the “final order” not to engage in any “political activities” at all. No speeches, no shouting, no publicity stunts. So I will try a new approach…
September 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Dr. Vollertsen,
I have just recently discovered the work that you do, and I have become a proud supporter. I am actually traveling to Korea next month for a visit, and I was wondering if it would be possible to meet up for coffee? I would love to hear some of your experiences and views on Korean culture. You definitely are an inspiration to us all, and I consider you a hero. Thank you for your time, and stay safe! I hope to hear from you soon.
Mike
Submitted by: MikeAugust 25th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Dr. Vollertsen, can you provide me with your contact email? I spoke with you a few weeks back, inquiring about possible volunteer opportunities. I’m here in the States, and trying to handle everything here. I’d like to help you any way I can. I’m sorry you’re receiving harassing letters, regardless of any differences we might have, I’d like to support helping those suffering while I’m here living. If it’s possible, I’d like to know your views on the current U.S. foreign policies, your political preferences, and personal opinions. I feel like that’s important to know about a person. My email is always a good way to reach me, and I’d really like to hear back if you ever have time. I think I already sent you my contact information, and my cell phone is also always on. I’ll do anything I can to help, and anxiously waiting for any upcoming missions. Please be careful and take care of yourself and everyone who is risking themselves.
Submitted by: Ca, U.S.August 2nd, 2008 at 5:15 am
Dear Dr. Vollertsen,
Submitted by: John KoemanHaving visited several Korean Factories in Indonesia and after reading some of your stories I tend to think that South Koreans are pretty hard handed as well when it comes to quell any form of dissent.
Ask any Indonesian labor activist about South Korean management and they’ll tell you some pretty horrible stories.
Lucky for all those Koreans there are still a lot of white people who can help Koreans achieve happyness. Darn those stupid ones that just don’t understand that you and I, the whole US army in Korea and God himself is out there to rid the Koreans from Communism. If those darn Koreans would just get that into their heads!
The funny thing is that we white folks cannot really rpovide an alternative to the fierce Korean nationalism bred in the DPRK. That might explain the relative popularity of the DPRK in the South. Did you know there is a board of former South Korean politicians in Pyongyang? Initially headed bu general Choe Dok Sin, the South Koream ambassador to Austria and Australia? Later he founded the Chondoist party of North Korea.
Your mission is one that strongly resembles a form of colonialism. White man knows it all. The problem is that the white man does indeed know a lot but how can you get them to understand and most importantly accept that?
Communication is determined by what the receiver makes of it. It’s like marketing: if a product fails it doesn’t actually mean that the product is bad. It was often just marketed in a wrong way.
If you can get South Koreans to perceive you as a true friend of Korea you might get more support.
Diplomacy in Asia is usually done quite covertly like the “secret” China DPRK visa deal of 2006.
Help Koreans unite and pray that the Americans will follow suit when it comes to dealing with the DPRK in a South Korean way.
Americans and in the viewpoint of South Koreans perhaps all white people might have lost their moral authority when it comes to preaching human rights.
It gets worse when US presidents invoke GOD in all things they do. That makes christianity also less appealing.
We should help the people in the DPRK by sending help without strings attached. Not have them dismantle their nuclear installations like Clinton did, then hand over to Bush who didn’t live up to his part of the deal.
Koreans are proud people and I’m sure you know more about North Korean Juche philosophy than I do and the whole Korean history has been filled with foreign devils trying to control, conquer or at least influence their native choson.
I wish you the best of luck, manse!
March 9th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Dr. Vollertson, I have been reading and keeping track of what is going on in north korea. I was in south korea serving with the U.S. military in Pohang area in 1994. I started reading when I first got my computer in 1999 about what is going on in north korea. I have great respect for you on how you have dedicated your life in helping the Poor starving north korean people. I hope that God will bring down the evil ruthless leader’s government of north korea and help you free the north korean people. We know that even his own security agents are now panicking knowing that his downfall is near. God bless you and keep up the good work.
Submitted by: LanceJanuary 2nd, 2008 at 8:08 am
Hello Dr. Vollertson,
I am student at Bauhaus-University Weimar and became an interest in Korea about 2 years ago, when I found out about the unconditional acceptance of the German lifestyle by South Koreans living and studying abroad in Germany. Japan is the evil, and Germany is a nation of castles, free schooling and wonderful design. Therefore I moved to Seoul last August and will temporarily remain here until next September. I am working on a variety of artistic attempts on the South Korean question. This is the acctual reason why I reply to your post. I found out quite similar views during my research and projects. The South Korean society, has been very lightly a democratic or put it another way, constantly questioning society. South Korean society is 99% absolute mainstream. I stayed for my visa as a 2-class visiting student at Hongik-University, even my so “prestigues” professors at the very “best” Korean artschool are allthough grown up during a time of military dictatorship and the Gwangju uprising, and the Yonsei revolt, not willing to question society by anymeans. In art it comes as far as showing somekind of mass-selling “Popart” and in terms of teaching confuzinism is very much to their own ego. If have not seen any question of teachers opinions or critic. Nor is anyone talking about their maybe disregardful past, for example at the 1987 riots in Seoul with tons of teargas and streetfights with the police, because it is concidered to be not very suportive to their “carriers” as professors. I almost believe their history of opression during the Japanese and Chinese past grew somekind of eagerness to raise to power, which is slowly awaking now that Korean business man enjoy their soju-relations and profit-friends. I will not denounce, but I have a strong disbeliefe in independant Korean media and art. The organs which are supposed to make a society aware of it’s own problems are out of order due to the propaganda, with which they bombard the people everyday. I only hear about numbers of financial groth, the newest development in Luit Vuitone against Versage and some food or toaster scandals every few days to give the people something to shruck. I’d love to keep those moments in pictures, all ages, all groups and most of all also the intellectual society still raises their eyebrows and opens their mouth to a wide 어 .
South Korea is society kept quite with the benefits of amuesement and luxery. It is very discriminating against those of lower status, which also includes the view on people staying in the rural areas of the southern half of the Korean penninsula, not competing in this race for nothing really.
I am sorry for my widespread explainations, but I believe this will base some of the claims of abuse of freedom of speech or opposing governmental decisions. I recently read about the current attempts on North and South Korean biliteral talks, which of I had to find out at the governmental website of the department of reunification, are mostly limited to economical represantatives.
I love your attempt with the ballons. Once some actually reach the north you could also send your own UKW signal via kites with small radio-transmitters. Something my fellow students did during the G8 conference in Rostock this sommer.
And a last statement: The recent anti-Americanism is as I believe only a public view and again has nothing to do with the decisions of the government. The Programme of the newly elected president is as I believe interpretate pro-American as well as pro-goodwill towards the North Korean dictatorship. The status quo is not questioned and I believe South Korea benfits very much from making friends and but not changing the name. This is legitimate doublestandard.
Quote by Lee Myung-bak/Al Jazzera: “If we try to point out North Korea’s shortcomings, with affection, I think that would go a long way towards improving North Korean society.”
AlJazzera again:
Lee has said he will take a more critical view over aid to North Korea and says he will bolster ties with the US, which has 28,000 troops deployed in South Korea.
Thank you for your patience, if you eventually read this. And good success.
And Good will conquer Evil? Good and Evil eat the poor of the world for breakfast
Submitted by: Tilman PorschützDecember 27th, 2007 at 5:40 am
Dr. Vollertsen,
I truly appreciate your sacrifice against horrifying HR abuse in NK and what’s
happenning in SK. I’ve been following your steps since I found some article
in SK about 2 years ago. Since I had no way of knowing what’s going on in Korean Peninsular
as far as just about everything going insane. It was difficult to find about your how’s about.
I know you were doing a loney battle for some time.
Lastly I saw you in Seoul Station event; really appreciate what you have done,
which Korean should have done.
There’s scarece information about how far we made it what not.
I’m truly in need of knowing more about progress having been made
and what we can do whether we live within the land or abroad.
Thank you so much with all my heart.
May our Lord keep you safe , strong, healthy in and out.
This has to end soonest possible.!!
Sara
Submitted by: Kyungai Sara LeeAugust 30th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Dr. Vollersten ,
I am a teacher on a Native American Indian reservation in northern MN in the USA. I am here in Seoul at the happy occasion of my son’s marriage to a lovely woman from Seoul . We have just arrived back from the DMZ and were on a bus with the guide who was your guide when you did a brave act of calling attention to the plight of fellow human beings who are suffering and asking the rest of the world collectively speak and act . We are so glad our guide informed us on your life’s work now to speak the truth in love for fellow humans . While my govt. also carried out many atrocites on the refugees fleeing to the south during the Koren war massacring women, children, and elderly as they thought North Koreans were in the mix we will write letters as much as that has power . I will teach my children about the children of North Korea and let them find small solutions as children have the power to do in their own way. Please let us know what we can do in actions and know our energy and support is sent your way. Miigwech ( thank you in Ojibwe Indian langauge ) … many spoke up for Indian people in America being slaughtered and starved ) . What if more got rid of evil leaders & govt’s on top ? Blessings—- hold strong…. Cate Belleveau
Submitted by: Cate BelleveauJune 11th, 2007 at 7:52 am
Dr. Vollertsen,
I am an attorney in Texas, U.S.A.
Submitted by: AngieRecently, I met two North Korean refugees who are seeking asylum in the U.S. and became interested in learning about what is going on in North Korea.
I am so touched by what you are doing for Korea.
I’ll keep you in my prayer, and in whatever way I can I will advocate for suffering North Koreans.
April 24th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Dear Dr.Vollertsen,
Hello, my name is Beth Hong, and I am President of a student organization called North Korea Freedom Network, based at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. NKFN aims to advocate for North Korean human rights and educate students and the wider community about the human rights crisis, and mobilize to pressure the Canadian government to take action. We hope to attain NGO status in Quebec in a few months’ time.
In March or April of 2008, we are planning to hold a one-day conference at McGill on the North Korean human rights crisis, similar to the one held at Yale on April14th. We are in the process of contacting and confirming potential speakers and experts on the field of North Korea and the various aspects of the human rights crisis. I believe that your presence at this conference will highlght the acute lack of basic healthcare services and civil liberties in North Korea.
The goal of our conference is what can be done about the crisis in a Canadian context. We would like participants of the conference to be able to walk away with a clear idea of what can be done to publicize and advocate for the North Korean human rights crisis- as students, Canadian citizens (or as a citizen of an industrialized country) and voters. I hope that your perspectives on the situation in North Korea, and your courageous dedication against such vehement opposition and danger can inspire participants to take action.
As a student club and soon-to-be start up NGO, our funds are limited. However, we are also in the process of searching for sponsors and donors to fund our conference, and we plan to pay for your transportation and accomodation for your time in Montreal. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Beth Hong
Submitted by: Beth HongPresident, North Korea Freedom Network
Tel: (514) 616 3174
Email: nkfn.mcgill AT gmail DOT com
January 9th, 2007 at 3:04 am
Dr. Vollertsen,
I have been inspired by your recent activites in both North and South Korea over the past 5-6 years. I really want to make a difference and try and help and raise awareness of the plight of the North Koreans. If i can be of any help in your struggle to fight for the people of Korea please don’t hesitate to contact me. Im located in Seoul and would really like to try and make a difference here to try and raise the awarenes within the expat population here.
Keep up your inspirational work
Submitted by: PeterCPeter Carney
December 28th, 2006 at 12:47 pm
Dr. Vollerstan,
Your hunger strikes and campaign of hope for NK refugees have made a great impact on me. I am just soley and individual like yourself but what you have shown the world is how desperate NK’s refugees need our help. Thank you for your loyalty, bravery and most of all your will to spread the message of social injustice. Through yuor tireless efforts, Kim Jong Il will meet his ruin and the people of NK will be free.
Submitted by: GinaNovember 11th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
Dr. Vollertsen,
I cannot put into my words of love and graditude to what you are doing for the North Korean people. My heart goes out to you and others like you that sacrifice so this cause. You and many others like you are truly amazing and wonderful people. It is people like you that make this world worth living. You are an inspiration to everyone. Thank you for all you have done and sacrificed.
You will be in my prayers. Good will conquer Evil. Bless you.
Submitted by: Emily