Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) Emory welcome attendees to the Korean Dream forum.
In March 2025, Alliance for Korea United – USA (AKU-USA) embarked on a series of impactful campus events aimed at raising awareness about the pressing issues surrounding North Korea, human rights, and the vision for a free and unified Korea. The series began online, inviting university students and the larger United States audience to participate virtually. The in-person events, organized by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), AKU-USA, Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), among other civil society organizations, and held at Emory University and Southern Methodist University, brought together students, activists, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of the Korean Peninsula and the importance of unification.
Audience member asks a question during an interactive session with panelists.
The campus campaign featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including North Korean escapees, human rights advocates, and experts in Northeast Asian security. Attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of life in North Korea, the struggles faced by its people, and the urgent need for action. The events included presentations, Q&A sessions, and opportunities for networking, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and learn more about the movement for unification.
One of the highlights of the March campus tours was the emphasis on grassroots engagement. AKU is a coalition of Korean-American organizations and individuals advancing the cause for a united Korea that fulfills the historic ideals and aspirations of the Korean people and recognizes that meaningful change cannot be achieved through government-led initiatives alone; it requires the mobilization of citizens from all sectors of society. By fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective action, the movement aims to inspire individuals to advocate for a free and unified Korea.
The movement for a free and unified Korea is vital as it addresses severe human rights violations faced by approximately 25 million people in North Korea under the Kim Jong-un regime, including oppression, starvation, and lack of basic freedoms.
Hyunseung Lee, a North Korean escapee and human rights advocate, speaks during the Korean Dream campus campaign.
Speaking during the Emory University campus tour, Hyunseung Lee, a North Korean escapee and human rights advocate noted the regime’s disregard for human life, stating, “The regime regards people as trash.” He highlighted the importance of information for North Korean escapees, noting, “Information is critical.” He asserted the need for change, saying, “We cannot continue to live under this system.”
Aiming to liberate these individuals from systemic abuses and reunite families separated for generations; the movement seeks to heal the historical wounds caused by over 80 years of division, a consequence of Cold War politics that disregarded the will of the Korean people. It hopes to restore the Korean identity rooted in the spirit of Hongik Ingan, meaning “to broadly benefit all humanity,” and promote geopolitical stability, as North Korea’s actions pose significant global security threats, including its involvement in international conflicts and nuclear weapons development. The North Korean issue has far-reaching implications for international security and a unified Korea shall enhance regional stability, contributing to global peace by reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Col. David Maxwell describes the challenges and opportunities facing the Korean peninsula.
Colonel David Maxwell, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel, in his address during the campus tour at Emory University, discussed the need for a new strategy regarding North Korea, emphasizing that Kim Jong-un is unlikely to give up his nuclear weapons. He argued that the path to denuclearization lies in unification, which should be prioritized over denuclearization. He also highlighted the importance of human rights, stating that the suffering of North Koreans is a moral and national security issue, and advocated for a human rights-focused approach, empowering North Koreans with information about their rights and the outside world.
Colonel Maxwell stressed the importance of planning for peaceful unification, which involves integrating different political, economic, and cultural systems. He called for civil society involvement and emphasized that the United States should support the Korean people’s quest for unification without imposing solutions. He reiterated, “Unification first, then denuclearization. The path to unification is through human rights.” He asserted that the resolution of the Korean question—the division of the peninsula—must be achieved by the Korean people themselves.
The movement envisions a unified Korea that addresses immediate challenges of human rights and security while serving as a model for democratic governance and economic prosperity. By leveraging the strengths of both North and South Korea, a unified nation could emerge as a significant player in the global economy, benefiting from the North’s natural resources and the South’s technological advancements.
University students contribute to the discussion on reunification of the Korean peninsula.
The Global Peace Foundation and its affiliated organizations, such as Action for Korea United, are committed to building a grassroots movement for change. Initiatives like the Korean Dream Campus Campaign aim to engage students and young people in advocating for unification and raising awareness about North Korean human rights. The Korean Dream, articulated by Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of GPF, serves as a guiding vision that inspires collective action and fosters a sense of shared purpose among Koreans.
The campus campaign is a call to action for individuals to join the movement for a free and unified Korea. By raising awareness about the critical issues facing North Korea and advocating for unification, this campaign aims to inspire a new generation of activists committed to healing the historical divide and creating a brighter future for all Koreans. Together, we can work towards a future where all Koreans can live in freedom and dignity.
