Before I defected from North Korea, I never dreamed of giving a speech at Harvard University, the top university in the world. When I was in North Korea, I thought Kim Il-sung University was the best in the world. I didn t know much about the rest of the world, and I couldn t even imagine giving a speech in English at a world-class university.
Before I defected from North Korea, I never dreamed of giving a speech at Harvard University, the top university in the world. When I was in North Korea, I thought Kim Il-sung University was the best in the world. I didn t know much about the rest of the world, and I couldn t even imagine giving a speech in English at a world-class university.
I escaped from North Korea in March 2011. The main reason is that I didn t see a future for myself there. Things have not always been easy in South Korea, however. In late 2019, I had hit a low point in my life. I was having many personal problems and I didn t see a future for myself.
It’s become a New Year’s tradition. Every January, North Korea watchers predict that the next 12 months will be a “crossroads year” because unique conditions make it unlikely that Pyongyang can survive in its present state. The regime, they argue, will either make irreversible policy reforms and diplomatic concessions or implode.
20 Penn students and recent graduates awarded Fulbright grants Penn Fulbright grant recipients for 2021-22 include 12 graduating seniors, six graduate students and two recent graduates. Pictured left to right (top row) Daisy Angeles, Robyn Barrow, Saxon Bryant, Youvin Chung, Gabriel DeSantis, Megan Everts; (middle row) Samuel Goldstein, Maria Kovalchuk, Andreas Nolan, Caleb Oh, Neelima Paleti, Bhavana Penmetsa; (bottom row) John Sigmier, Claire Sliney, Marion Standefer, Edward Stevens IV, Judith Weston, Andrew Zheng. Not pictured: Rhina Allende and a student who asked to remain anonymous.
Twenty University of Pennsylvania students and alumni have been awarded Fulbright grants for the 2021-22 academic year, including 12 graduating seniors, six graduate students, and two recent graduates. They will conduct research, pursue graduate degrees, or teach English in Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Sout