The Trilateral Meeting on Human Rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea(Art Exhibition) Remark

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to greet you. I am Kim Yungho, Minister of Unification of the Republic of Korea.

Tonight, we gather to raise awareness about North Korean human rights and to celebrate North Korean defectors art exhibition and performance.

First of all, I would like to use this opportunity to thank Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell, Ambassador Julie Turner, , Dr. John Hamre, Professor Victor Cha and all distinguished guests who are here today.

These two previous events, have strengthened my confidence that the strong solidarity among the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan.
We create solid foundation of improving human rights condition and achieving an unified Korea.

Our vision for unification is a future where all people on the Korean Peninsula enjoy freedom, human rights, and prosperity. These values are the corner stone of president Yoon's North Korea policy.

Today, there are those among us who have already given us a glimpse of what a "Unified Korea" might look like through beautiful performances and exhibitions.

They are North Korean defector artists.

Their artistic activities demonstrate how human creativity and talent can flourish when free and fair opportunities are provided.

Classical guitarist 유은지 and artists 강춘혁, 전주영 and 안충국 who joined us today, have transformed their pain and hope from the defection process into art.

Your performances and artworks send a powerful message about human rights and freedom, reminding us to listen to the voices of North Korean residents and to take action together.

The Ministry of Unification will continue to make every effort to ensure that your activities become a beacon of hope for North Korean residents and an opportunity to highlight the importance of freedom and human rights to the international community.

Once again, I express my deepest respect for the determination and efforts of North Korean defector artists who have blossomed with their artistic talents in the land of freedom.

I ask for the continued support and cooperation of the international community in the journey towards a "Unified Korea" that spreads freedom and human rights.

Thank you.