In North Korea, I was taught that the United States was the enemy—imperialist and evil. But when I arrived here in 2023, I experienced something completely different. America was a land of freedom, opportunity, and compassion. For the first time in my life, I felt that even someone like me could dream and be supported in pursuing that dream."
- Justin

Meet Justin

Until the age of 14, Justin was fully prepared to sacrifice his life for Kim Jong-il. However, his unwavering devotion began to falter when he secretly watched Chinese dramas. Such experiences shifted his perspective, and later sparked an academic curiosity about the role of information monopolization in maintaining authoritarian power.

In North Korea, pursuing higher education was an impossible dream for Justin. The government claims that college is free, but in reality, access to a university education requires bribes and connections. Being poor with an unfavorable political background in the eyes of the North Korean regime, Justin’s family lacked both.

At the age of 14 Justin was forced into hard labor and lost part of his right middle finger in an accident. At the hospital he did not receive proper care and was simply told to buy his own medicine, which was not available at the hospital. In that moment his loyalty to the regime was shattered and anger took its place.

About that time, Justin’s 17-year-old cousin joined the North Korean army hoping to escape poverty, but he died of malnutrition during training. Terrified of the inevitable conscription, Justin and his family felt they had no option but to risk their lives and try to escape in 2011.

After arriving in South Korea, Justin felt he was finally able to pursue an education. He was accepted into a prestigious university to study political science with a full scholarship. He immersed himself in understanding inter-Korean relations and international affairs which solidified his aspiration to become a scholar and policy expert. His selection as a Fulbright Scholar opened new doors for him to study in the United States – pursuing a master’s degree and now a Ph.D. in political science.

In North Korea, he was taught that the United States was the enemy—imperialist and evil. But upon arriving in the U.S. in 2023, he experienced something completely different. America was a land of freedom, opportunity, and compassion. For the first time in his life, he felt that a North Korean refugee like himself could dream and be supported in pursuing his dreams. Justin was accepted into a Ph.D. program in political science, set to begin in Fall 2026. He is tirelessly prolific in his research and numerous publications regarding Korean foreign policy and the topic of North Korean human rights. He will also be working as a teaching assistant to help support his education.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Justin is actively involved in advocating for North Korean human rights and raising awareness about the realities faced by the North Korean people.

Journey with Justin as he pursues his vision with fierce determination, discipline, and unwavering purpose as a voice that will shape the narrative for his generation.

[Note: Given the compromising nature of revealing personally identifiable information of North Koreans, the above image has been chosen by Justin to represent his campaign.]

How Your Contribution Helps

Tuition Assistance: Your gift helps RISE Scholars more fully dedicate themselves to their studies by alleviating some financial burdens and responsibilities.
Books, Transportation, Rent, Fees, and Meals: Your gift helps to support the numerous other costs associated with daily life and health. Many refugees are on their own, without family or a robust community support system to lean on.
Encouragement: Your gift is deeply encouraging to our RISE Scholars receiving your support. The hope and confidence they gain as others come together to support them on their journeys is an immeasurable blessing.
Prayer: Your prayer support throughout the school year will help to provide care, protection, comfort, guidance, and open doors beyond any human control!

Ways to Support

Support a RISE Scholar who inspires you directly on their Givebutter campaign page.
Support the RISE Scholars program, which encompasses all base scholarships and program costs. Visit www.psaltnk.org/risescholars for more information!

PSALT NK

Founded in 2006, PSALT NK is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian charity dedicated to the needs of North Korean refugees. PSALT's work includes addressing the educational needs of North Korean refugees through RISE (Resource Initiative to Support Education). RISE services include ELL and academic tutoring, college application and essay support, career mentorship, and live education-related webinars. The RISE Scholars scholarship program, launched in 2024, expands PSALT's effort to meet the education-related needs of the North Korean refugee community across the United States. (EIN: 03-0593240)

To learn more visit: www.psaltnk.org/rise.

Visit Justin at: www.psaltnk.org/risescholars/justin

Journey with Justin

Justin is pursuing a PhD in political science to strengthen his advocacy work for North Korean human rights and influence on foreign policy