Page 16 - NKHR Hawaii Conference 2023

KEYNOTE SPEECHES

Secondly, as a scholar and as an ambassador myself, I have consistently argued that
North Korea’s military threat and human violations are a dual threat, representing two
sides of one coin. North Korea’s nuclear development and missile threat, including
intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), inherently require f nancing and labor, which
are directly linked to human rights abuses in the country. It is estimated that North
Korea’s population of 25 million requires a minimum of 5.5 million tons of food annually,
with a shortfall of around 1 million tons each year.

In contrast, Kim Jong Un conducted 71 missile launches in 2022 alone. And the cost of
these launches, even by conservative estimates, could have purchased 1 million tons of
food that cover the whole def cit, with a surplus even.

The case of North Korean overseas workers—about 100,000 people in around 40
countries— is a prime example of fulf lling both f nancing and labor for Kim Jong Un’s
military purposes. T eir income is a critical revenue source for the regime, second only to
cyber hacking. T ese workers, functioning as so-called “cash cows,” endure extremely poor
living conditions akin to modern slavery, working 15 to 18 hours daily, and then 80% or
90% of their earnings just go directly to their regime. I’m sure the money is used to satisfy
the luxury needs of Kim Jong Un and his family, a selective group of elites as well as the
military build-up.

T ere is another crucial issue I wish to highlight. Since the f rst nuclear test in 2006, there
have been significant concerns about radiation exposure, particularly near Nyongbyon
and Punggye-ri nuclear facilities. Cost-cutting measures likely resulted in inadequate
protection for those working in these areas, including scientists, officers, military
personnel, and cleaners, putting them at least at risk of radiation exposure. Residents near
the Punggye-ri site and political prisoners forced into labor during the nuclear tests are
always at risk, potentially constituting a major humanitarian crisis.

T ird, are we ef ectively addressing North Korean human rights issues? We need fresh
and innovative approaches accompanied by visible action plans. Ef ective data collection
and research on North Korean human rights from both global and regional perspectives
and in connection with the regime’s military adventurism are crucial. T is is challenging
because of North Korea’s isolation and its “black-box” nature.

Utilizing defector interviews, satellite imagery, and collaboration with defector
organizations can provide valuable insight for evidence-based policy and strategic
development.