Actor Yoo Ji-tae "I will reveal the horrific reality faced by North Korean defectors"

Appointed as North Korean Human Rights Ambassador... "Will Raise Awareness of Defectors' Pain"
Direct Investigation of Human Rights Situation... Also Writing 'Ankkai' Scenario

"If you are Korean, shouldn't you have thought about 'North Korean human rights' at least once?"

Actor Yoo Ji-tae's opening remark was like this. Appointed as the Ministry of Unification's North Korean Human Rights Ambassador on the 27th, he told reporters, "I have experience acting in a film based on a North Korean novel, and even though the same words were used, I had a very different feeling, which left a strong impression on me," expressing his conviction on North Korean human rights issues. Yoo Ji-tae also personally wrote the scenario for the webtoon 'Ankkai,' which deals with human rights violations of North Korean defectors residing in China. 'Ankkai' is the Hamgyeong-do dialect word for 'wife,' and the work reflects realistic issues such as forced repatriation, focusing on the hardships faced by North Korean women in China.

On the 27th, actor Yoo Ji-tae, appointed as the Ambassador for North Korean Human Rights Promotion by the Ministry of Unification, is sharing his thoughts with reporters. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Yoo Ji-tae said, "Even if we talk about North Korean residents without using the word 'compatriot,' the human rights issues of defectors must be highlighted," adding, "I am grateful to be appointed as the North Korean Human Rights Ambassador. If there is any way I can help or contribute to North Korean defectors, I will do my best."

When asked about the specific reason that sparked his interest in North Korean human rights, Yoo Ji-tae hesitated for a moment before answering, "My childhood." He said, "It's a bit embarrassing, but my impoverished childhood left a strong impression on me," and added, "Perhaps because of that, I feel a lot of compassion for people who experience poverty of the heart." He continued, "I naturally became interested in topics such as North Korean defectors and overseas Koreans, and among them, I thought I should make a film about the situation faced by North Korean defectors in China. During the research process, I witnessed defectors in very difficult circumstances and realized how serious the situation is."

Actor Yoo Ji-tae is taking a commemorative photo after receiving a letter of appointment from Minister of Unification Kim Young-ho at the 2024 Ministry of Unification North Korean Human Rights Ambassador Appointment Ceremony held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 27th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued with a serious expression. Yoo Ji-tae said, "While researching, I encountered many absurd and outrageous situations," giving examples such as defectors being used as sex slaves, being called pigs instead of humans, and human trafficking. He added, "If I did not have a sense of purpose to work on improving North Korean human rights, I might have thought that these absurd cases could be used as commercial material," and said, "Even if we do not use the word 'compatriot,' I hope these issues are highlighted from a human rights perspective."

Human rights violations against North Korean defectors in China stem from the Chinese government's policies. The international community protects refugees under the so-called 'non-refoulement' principle contained in the 1951 Refugee Convention signed in Geneva, Switzerland, in July 1951. Non-refoulement, a French term meaning 'not to trample,' is an international legal principle that prohibits sending asylum seekers back to countries where they face persecution. North Korean defectors are a representative example. However, the Chinese government regards defectors as illegal border crossers who crossed the border to make money.

Because of this, North Korean defectors in China live with identity insecurity and are always exposed to the risk of forced repatriation. Due to their unclear status, they become targets of major crimes such as human trafficking, forced marriage, and sexual violence, and these harms occur regardless of age.

On the 27th, actor Yoo Ji-tae, appointed as the Unification Ministry's North Korean Human Rights Ambassador, is sharing his thoughts with reporters. [Image source=Yonhap News]

When asked about the claim that filmmakers are indifferent or negative toward North Korean human rights, Yoo Ji-tae gently drew a line. He said, "My interest lies beyond ideological lines, focusing on who is suffering and how sincerely films or content about them are made. That is more important," emphasizing, "How it is perceived politically is not an important part for me."

When asked what he hopes for as the North Korean Human Rights Ambassador, he said, "Isn't it heartbreaking that the same words give different feelings or thoughts?" and added, "I hope people understand these defectors as I understand language in my mind."