Yeonmi Park
North Korean defector | Human rights activist and freedom advocate
About
Yeonmi Park is a North Korean defector who has become one of the world's most prominent voices for human rights and freedom. Having escaped North Korea, she brings a unique and powerful perspective on the meaning of liberty that most people take for granted.
Park's harrowing journey to freedom and her subsequent advocacy work have made her a compelling speaker on issues of human rights, totalitarianism, and the preciousness of democratic values. Her TED Talk "What I learned about freedom after escaping North Korea" has resonated with audiences worldwide, offering profound insights into both the brutality of authoritarian regimes and the transformative power of freedom.
Through her speaking, she illuminates the stark realities of life under oppression while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the universal desire for liberty.
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What I learned about freedom after escaping North Korea
"North Korea is unimaginable," says human rights activist Yeonmi Park, who escaped the country at the age of 13. Sharing the harrowing story of her childhood, she reflects on the fragility of freedom -- and shows how change can be achieved even in the world's darkest places.
Yeonmi Park at Brilliant Minds 2025
| Event | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliant Minds | 2025 | 🇸🇪Stockholm, Sweden |
| TED2019 | 2019 | 🇨🇦Vancouver, Canada |
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