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Strengthening the Marginalized
If I were to summarize my two greatest passions, they would be raising environmental consciousness among the public and empowering the human rights of those living on the margins in various settings within our society.
Since high school, I have been deeply interested in empowering vulnerable and marginalized groups within society. Witnessing the rapid demographic changes in Korean society, where I grew up and currently serve as a soldier to protect the country, sparked my initial interest in the lives of migrant workers in Korea.
Through my research, I found that migrant workers are one of the most vulnerable groups in Korea. Despite their contribution to the Korean economy, especially amid the country's declining population, they are often treated as invisible or relegated to the shadows.
To support migrant workers and raise awareness of their rights, I began writing for Easy News, an online newspaper created and run by students to inform the less-informed in our society.
My roles at Easy News have been twofold: as a contributor and reporter focusing on human rights issues affecting migrant workers, and as a motivator and guide, helping high school student reporters who are passionate about human rights but need advice and support in advocating for social issues.
I volunteered at the Korea Migration Foundation, a government-authorized NGO that supports migrant workers in Korea.
While assisting the NGO staff and migrant workers, I learned about the many difficulties they face. Some workers needed legal help because employers withheld wages or violated employment contracts. When migrant workers became involved in disputes with employers, other workers, or Korean nationals, translators and advocates were often needed to ensure their voices were heard.
The most tragic case I encountered was a fire at a lithium-battery factory that killed more than twenty migrant workers. It was meaningful to help and observe how the Foundation coordinated funerals and provided support and consolation to bereaved families.
When I could not assist migrant workers in person because of my military service, I translated their legal documents and government reports on the status of migrant workers in Korea.
These experiences strengthened my commitment to support migrant workers, who remain among the most vulnerable members of society.