The Mission and Role of the Committee 

for the Democratization of North Korea (CDNK)

Huh Gwang-il

Chairman of the Committee for the Democratization of North Korea (CDNK)

Hwang Jang-yop's defection on April 20, 1997, caused a major stir, as he was the former Workers' Party of Korea secretary and the founder of North Korea's Juche ideology.

Hwang dedicated his life to analyzing the North Korean regime, which had fallen into darkness under the Kim family's dictatorship. He aimed to expose the flaws of Juche ideology and focused on human-centered philosophy. He engaged with government, politics, society, and economics to raise awareness about the human rights abuses under Kim Jong-il and tirelessly worked for North Korea's freedom and democratization.

On April 10, 2007, with former President Kim Young-sam as an advisor and Hwang Jang-yop as the inaugural chairman, CDNK was established at the Press Center International Conference Hall in Seoul. The goal was to achieve unification, supported by South Korean patriots.

Following the establishment of CDNK, Hwang worked diligently to build the organization's structure and to foster the spiritual growth of its members. He aimed to complete his unique human-centered philosophy that transcended contemporary issues. Sadly, he passed away on October 10, 2010, without witnessing the unification he longed for.

A monument erected to commemorate North Korean defectors who lost their lives trying to escape the regime in Paju,

Gyeonggi, is unveiled in a ceremony for together in a ceremony attended by Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho, Tae Yong-ho,

secretary-general for the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, and some 60 defectors./YONHAPNEWS

As outlined in its founding mission, CDNK aims to democratize North Korea for the sake of human rights and freedom. It also focuses on helping North Korean defectors successfully settle in South Korea, preparing them to contribute to reunification.

Given its critical mission, CDNK and other North Korean human rights organizations faced challenges whenever South Korea's political landscape shifted.

Nevertheless, collaboration with North Korean human rights organizations has enabled efforts to bring information from the "free world" into North Korea, distribute leaflets, and broadcast hopeful messages via radio to North Koreans yearning for the voice of freedom.

Additionally, to help North Korean defectors integrate into South Korean society, CDNK established the "Unification Volunteer Corps" to aid the underprivileged and conduct volunteer activities at the Daejeon National Cemetery in June (Veterans Month) and October (the month of Hwang Jang-yop's passing).

Despite financial constraints, CDNK remains undeterred. Facing multiplied challenges, the organization will steadfastly protect its mission and continue to lead the fight for North Korea's freedom and human rights liberation.

Support and interest are crucial for the tireless efforts of CDNK and other North Korean human rights organizations. Leading the unification movement, these groups strive for a future where North Koreans can enjoy freedom and South and North Korea can unite as one.