Our Story
The Free Korean Association stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of North Korean refugees who found a new home in America. Founded in collaboration with these individuals, our organization arose from a shared commitment to shedding light on the untold stories of those who have suffered under the North Korean regime.
Our journey is deeply intertwined with the personal experiences of North Korean refugees who escaped unimaginable hardship. Through their trials of escape, loss of loved ones, and pursuit of freedom, our members have found strength in unity and a renewed purpose — advocating for the rights of those left behind.
Today, that same commitment shapes everything we do: welcoming newly arrived refugees, supporting the next generation, and building understanding between the U.S. and Korea on both sides of the DMZ.
Mission
The Free Korean Association is dedicated to strengthening the successful settlement of North Korean refugees in the United States, supporting the generations that follow them, and advocating for human rights and understanding both nationally and internationally.
Who we are
FKA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in the United States. Our membership consists entirely of North Korean refugees who have found sanctuary in the U.S., and our mandate extends globally — uniting people in the U.S., South Korea, and beyond who share a commitment to improving human rights conditions for North Koreans.
Program area
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Settlement Support — Strengthening the successful settlement of North Koreans who have found refuge in the U.S., and fostering a supportive environment for their integration into society. This includes direct financial support for defectors and for missionary work supporting them, member retreats, and regular training sessions that build community among members.
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Educational Programs — Hosting events and programs that inform the public about the human rights challenges faced by the North Korean people, and creating a platform for dialogue and advocacy.
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Second-Generation Support — Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the children of North Korean refugees, we run educational initiatives to promote understanding of how North Korea's history and their families' journeys shape their lives — and to help them build resilience and identity.
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Global Unity & Advocacy — Uniting people worldwide, including in the U.S. and South Korea, around a shared interest in human rights in North Korea. FKA has briefed and met directly with the U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights, participated in the North Korea Freedom Coalition and the State Department's North Korean Human Rights Network, and works with advisors such as former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Roberta Cohen.
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Memorial Project — In collaboration with North Korean refugees residing in the U.S., establishing a memorial space in Washington, D.C. to commemorate those lost, honor those who escaped, and shed light on those still held in captivity.
History
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Jan 2020 — Free Korean Association founded in Virginia.
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Mar 2020 — Hosted a welcoming gathering for Oh Cheong-seong, the North Korean soldier who defected at Panmunjom.
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Jul 2020 — First member retreat, Virginia Beach.
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Dec 2021 — Second member retreat, Bethesda, MD.
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May 2022 — Visited Arlington National Cemetery and the Korean War Memorial.
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Jul 2022 — Third member retreat, Maryland.
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Jun 2023 — Wreath-laying ceremony at the Communist Victims Memorial Service.
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Aug 2023 — Third FKA training session, Maryland.
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Sep 2023 — Conversation with Julie Turner, U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights.
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Oct 2023 — Attended Special Envoy Julie Turner's oath ceremony.
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Nov 2023 — Celebrated FKA's 4th anniversary; provided direct financial support to North Korean defectors and missionary work supporting them.
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Mar 2024 — Launched a 10,000-signature campaign for a memorial to victims of the North Korean regime.
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May 2024 — Formed the FKA Board of Directors; elected Oh Gong-dan as Chairman.
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Jul 2024 — Briefed the North Korea Freedom Coalition on the memorial; announced it publicly at North Korean Defectors' Day; briefed Special Envoy Julie Turner directly.
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Aug 2024 — Appointed Roberta Cohen, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, as Senior Advisor.
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Sep 2024 — Hosted FKA's Chuseok event.
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Oct 2024 — Participated in the U.S. State Department's North Korean Human Rights Network event.
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Nov 2024 — Memorial campaign reaches 2,000 of 10,000 signatures; $16,703 raised to date.