Yeonmi Park, North Korean Defector and Author

Born in North Korea, human rights activist Yeonmi Park grew up in a punishing society devoted to the worship of Kim Jong-Il. But at the age of 13, she and her family made a daring escape to China in search of a life free of tyranny. In her viral talks, Park urges audiences to recognize—and resist—the oppression that exists in North Korea, and around the world.

Park’s advocacy work is deeply connected to the University of Virginia through Otto Warmbier, a UVA student who died after being imprisoned by the North Korean regime. She honors his memory in her tireless efforts to expose North Korea’s atrocities and champion freedom and human rights.

Co-sponsored with Young Americans for Freedom and UVA Center for Politics. Special thanks to our sponsor, Clifford M. Yonce A&S '91, Darden '97.