Opening a door for change in North Korea

Growing up as a Korean American in a Christian household, the author had always viewed North Korea through a narrow lens. They believed that the country was a place of Christian isolation and a dystopian totalitarian state, devoid of personality or community. However, in 2023, the author decided to sign up for an internship with the Korean Church Coalition.

This internship involved writing an essay on North Korea and giving a speech at the National Press Club or the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The experience proved to be a catalyst for the author's curiosity about North Korean culture, society, and the people living there.

The author delved deeper into understanding the lifestyle and communities within North Korea. It was during this time that they came across a video featuring the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST). Despite their initial expectations of a society that was isolated and downtrodden, the video showcased a university that was surprisingly welcoming and inclusive. The university not only embraced outsiders but also helped each other change, presenting a stark contrast to the author's preconceived notions.

What set PUST apart was the presence of American professors and teachers who were sponsored by evangelical groups. These individuals brought a unique perspective to the university, fostering an environment of cooperation and support among both the students and faculty. The university became a beacon of hope in the author's mind, illustrating that there was more to North Korea than the bleak and isolated society they had previously imagined.

Through this internship and their discovery of PUST, the author realized that there was potential for change within North Korea. The story of this unique university served as a reminder that even within a seemingly closed and totalitarian society, there could be pockets of openness, acceptance, and community support. This revelation opened up new possibilities for dialogue, understanding, and change, providing a glimmer of hope for those eager to learn more about the complex and often misunderstood nation of North Korea.