At Freedom Bridge Foundation, we provide educational and supportive programs that help North Korean refugees and other underserved individuals build practical skills, expand opportunities, and create long-term stability.

Our work focuses on equipping participants with the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive in new environments. Through leadership development, language learning, mentorship, and workforce training, we aim to open pathways toward greater independence and a stronger future.

We believe that refugees deserve more than survival. They deserve the opportunity to grow, lead, and build a stable future. Our programs are designed to provide not only education and support, but also dignity, connection, and a path forward.

About the Founder: Cheol "Charles" Ryu

Twice-escaped refugee of North Korea and founder of Freedom Bridge Foundation, Charles dedicates himself to educating others about North Korea and influencing change.

In Charles' words: "I didn't grow up with access to opportunity. After leaving North Korea, I had to learn how to navigate an entirely new world from scratch. What people don't see is that escaping is only the beginning. What comes next, from learning how to communicate, to finding direction and building real opportunities, is where many refugees struggle alone. Our program here at Freedom Bridge exists to change that."

What we have planned:

Each summer, Freedom Bridge Foundation plans to host our Leadership and Opportunity Program, designed to support North Korean refugees through focused, hands-on experiences here in the U.S. It's part of our lager mission to create long-term relationships and repeatable opportunities for refugees through education and mentorship.

Several participants will take part in a structured, multi-week experience that includes:

Conversations with professionals at leading companies like Google and Meta, which will provide insight into the modern job market, and help them develop a clearer path toward education and career opportunities;
Mentorship and small-group discussions focused on direction, confidence in communication, building relationships with mentors and peers, and creating long-term goals; and
Guided exposure to new environments and cultures, including travel experiences that expand perspectives and challenge comfort zones.

Every part of the program is designed with intention to help participants not only adapt, but start thinking bigger about what's possible.

Help us build the foundation.

Your support of this campaign directly funds future groups of participants, and will help shape what this program can become.

Freedom Fellows Cohort Fund

Help us welcome our first cohort to the United States!