In-Depth Understanding Leads to Broadened Horizons

My husband and I are often asked by other organizations or individuals how we are able to do what we do in North Korea. Ignis Community (a.k.a. Sunyang Hana) has developed from the ground up treatment and awareness for children with developmental disabilities, such as for children with cerebral palsy and autism in the DPRK. However, this process was not short nor easy. It was a direct result of the many years we spent inside the nation, building relationships, and paving the way for children with special needs.

One foundational break-through for the medical work we do in North Korea came through my husband’s, Stephen Yoon’s, earning of a Ph.D. in Medicine in the DPRK. This gave him official credentials to treat common patients in the country.

Having already a doctoral degree from the United States, the DPRK Ministry of Public Health suggested that Stephen should conduct medical research and present a Ph.D. dissertation. Over the span of two and a half years, he made several trips in and out Pyongyang. With a team of researchers from a local hospital, he studied the effects his treatment specialty had on North Korean patients. After writing up a doctoral dissertation, Stephen gave an oral defense to a panel of doctors and scientist on the premises of the Pyongyang Medical School’s campus. Once he passed his oral exams, he was to be awarded a North Korean Ph.D. in medicine!

Up until this time, most of his trips into this city were made alone. The children and I were not allowed to accompany him into the capital city. We stayed in the northeast area while he traveled back and forth. When it came time for Stephen to receive his Ph.D., we requested that I be present for the ceremony. This was no small request. The ceremony was to take place in Congress Hall. Never before had an American not of Korean ethnicity been granted permission to enter Congress Hall. We were somewhat skeptical of my chances. But the visa came through, and I was able to attend his doctoral ceremony in their top, governmental building.

DPRK Congress Hall in Pyongyang where Stephen’s Ceremony Took Place

Stephen received his DPRK Ph.D. in Medicine in April 2011. In response to North Korea granting me permission to attend the ceremony, I was requested to write a "Thank You" note to the country’s leader. (All North Korean doctoral degrees are signed off by the leader of the country, himself. The NK officials went the extra mile to ensure my ability to attend the ceremony. It was only fitting that I write a "Thank You" note.)

From the beginning of this visit, there was a theme.  Several officials had already discussed with me the significance of an American being invited into Congress Hall.  Bitterness from the war still ran deep in the hearts of the North Koreans. 

Now, I was being given an official chance for reconciliation through the writing of this "Thank You" letter. Before Stephen’s ceremony, we had visited some orphanages and schools.  I had seen pictures on the wall depicting war crimes committed by U.S. soldiers.  Although these pictures are used for propaganda, I could identify with the pain North Koreans felt. I knew I had to write a letter in response:

"Thank you for the opportunity and incredible honor that you have given my husband by awarding him a North Korean doctoral degree. I understand that this was a huge act on the part of the North Korean government. I, especially, thank you for allowing me, an American citizen to attend the ceremony. 

 After visiting local schools, I have seen pictures of the atrocities the U.S. has inflicted upon the North Korean people. Upon learning of this, I wept bitterly for the pain we have caused this country. 

 I am just an ordinary citizen. I am nobody special. But, as a U.S. citizen, I would like to officially ask for your forgiveness for the pain American has caused this nation. My wish is that our countries would someday find reconciliation. And, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me the opportunity to witness this special honor you have given my husband."

The letter was written in my best foreigner's Korean ability, and even though there were obvious errors, we left it that way so that they would know it was authentically written by me.  When our guide read it, she laughed the moment she finished reading. I was taken aback by that, but then she explained, "This is so well written, it took me by surprise. I give you a grade of 98%!"  Later it was said that she cried in private in response to the letter.

For decades, the United States has taken a hardline approach to North Korea, often demanding an all-or-nothing approach to denuclearization. But this approach only serves to add fuel to DPRK’s sense of being traumatized, bullied, and ostracized by America. We do not have to give validity to every detailed account of the North Korean perspective. However, acknowledging that they do have a unique perspective from their own traumatic experiences is important. (The DPRK was carpet-bombed in the Korean War, which resulted in entire cities being destroyed.)

When we, as humanitarian workers, identified with North Koreans in their trauma, doors we never dreamed or imagined possible started to open up to us. Our newly discovered understanding and comprehension of life from their perspective allowed us to develop mutually trusting relationships. And as a result, Stephen was not only able to train doctors and treat patients in his original Spine specialty but also develop a brand-new specialty in Pediatric Rehabilitation.

Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Pyongyang, DPRK

Now, ten years later, we are still forging paths for individuals with spinal and developmental disabilities in North Korea. This journey has not been a rapid success. In fact, it is still just yet beginning. However, we continue to cling to the hope and promise that one day a great break-through will occur not only in the capital city but also for the entire nation. We believe that our dream of providing medical treatment, education, a hope and a future for children with various developmental disabilities will one day come to full fruition.