The Korean War has never really ended because the armistice is only a signed truce. In 1994, Kim Il Sung died and his son, Kim Jong Il, took over as leader, and two years later over 1 million people died from severe famine and floods. The north announced it would no longer abide by the armistice and sent troops into the demilitarized zone separating the north and south, making it the most heavily fortified border in the world.
In 2001, North Korea experienced its worst drought in history, and 6.5 million people starved. Around the same time, North Korean defectors began testifying of torture, public executions, forced abortions and other human rights violations in government-run prison camps.
In 2003, the north withdrew from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the six party-talks began in an attempt to end North Korea’s weapons program. Negotiations shuttled back and forth for six years, with weapons test-fired and launched, and an underground nuclear test carried out. Meanwhile, North Korea experienced more devastating floods in 2007, causing the government to request aid from the international community. In 2009, North Korea withdrew from the six-party talks.
While the world focuses on the North Korean security issue, hundreds of thousands of North Koreans continue to be enslaved in prison camps today. Up to 300,000 have also escaped to China, seeking food, medicine, work, or freedom from political and religious oppression. Among the 300,000, 70 to 90 percent of North Korean women are sold into the sex trade. More and more refugees are fleeing to Southeast Asia to escape imprisonment upon their repatriation from the Chinese government.
Recent news has revealed that North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Il, has named his son, Kim Jong Un, as his successor. The world is speculating how North Koreans will respond to this leadership change, and whether the government will continue to neglect its people. Although Liberty in North Korea (LINK) is waiting to see what kind of future North Korea will have, the sponsors of this film wonder how much longer the North Koreans will have to wait to be free.
Please come to a screening of “Hiding” this coming Friday April 15 at 7 pm at First Jefferson, 1959 Sandy Lane, Ft Worth 76112, to learn more of this situation and what we can do to help. Donations welcome but not required.
Contact Randy Gregory rgregory@flash.net for more information
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