North Korea:
Propaganda, Revolution, and Escape
with
Casey Lartigue, ALB '89, EdM '91
Wednesday, March 27
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
North Korea has been called “the worst country in the world” because of its oppressive regime and harsh domestic policies. This has led many North Koreans to seek a better life abroad despite border guards being permitted to shoot to kill anyone trying to escape.
However, for those who successfully escape, the transition to life in South Korea and other countries isn't always easy as North Korean refugees face numerous challenges in adjusting to their new lives.
In this intimate roundtable discussion hosted by the Harvard Club of Broward County, you'll have the opportunity to hear from Casey Lartligue Jr. He is a Harvard graduate who is sometimes called "The American Known in North Korea."
In 2013, Casey co-founded the Seoul-based Freedom Speakers International (FSI) along with South Korean researcher Eunkoo Lee. He has worked with more than 500 North Korean refugees globally, mentoring speakers and authors like Yeonmi Park, whose 2014 speech at One Young World has been viewed more than 300 million times, Songmi Han, co-author with Casey of "Greenlight to Freedom: A North Korean Daughter’s Search for Her Mother and Herself,” and others who have given speeches internationally.
Drawing from his firsthand experiences empowering North Korean refugees, meeting and learning from former members of North Korea’s elite, writings and interviews in his Korea Times and blog, and travels along escape routes used by North Koreans, Casey can address pressing questions:
- What is daily life like for North Koreans?
- Why should we question the alleged devotion of North Koreans to their leaders?
- What motivates North Koreans to escape, and how do they do it?
- What challenges do North Korean refugees face during their escapes, and who aids them?
- What are the biggest adjustment issues for North Korean refugees, and what is the most surprising challenge?
- Despite threats from the regime, why do North Korean refugees speak out through books, speeches, and interviews?
- Has Casey, as someone who works with North Korean refugees, felt threatened by the North Korean regime?
- What are some ways the Harvard community can get involved in supporting North Korean refugees and North Koreans?
Alvin Sherman Library, Cotilla Gallery
Nova Southeastern University
3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie FL
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into one of the world's most pressing humanitarian issues. Reserve your spot now for an engaging and enlightening discussion with “The American Known in North Korea.”
All sales are final.
ADVANCE TICKETS - Your ticket includes participation in the discussion along with dinner and libations.
- Harvard Club of Broward County Members: $50.00 per person
(Plus one allowed at the Member rate)
- Regional Club Members: (Palm Beach, Miami, and the HBS Club of South Florida): $50.00 per person
(Plus one allowed at the Member rate)
- Non-Members: $65.00 per person
AT THE DOOR (Exact cash or check ONLY)
- Members/Non-members: $75.00 per person
Questions?
Please contact Club Administrator, Tricia Wansor at HarvardBroward@gmail.com or 954-914-3148.
About Casey Lartigue, Jr. ALB '89, EdM '91 - human rights activist
Casey Lartigue Jr. is an advocate and activist for educational freedom who has gained recognition in both South Korea and the United States. He is now based in South Korea where he is co-founder and co-president of Freedom Speakers International (formerly the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center) along with South Korean researcher Lee Eunkoo.
He is the 2017 winner of the Special Contribution Award presented by the Hansarang Rural Cultural Foundation, the 2018 winner of the Challenge Korea (Global) Award, the 2019 winner of Challenge Korea’s Challenge Maker Award, the 2021 winner of the Social Contribution Award presented by the Korea Hana Foundation, and in 2022 he was awarded Seoul Honorary Citizenship. He is co-director of Giving Tuesday Korea, co-chair of the Coalition on the 1969 Korea Airlines Hijacking, and a lecturer in public speaking at the Seoul University of Foreign Studies.
Lartigue received a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University Extension School and a master’s degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education.