Starting a New Life After Leaving North Korea

For Kim Eun-cheol, leaving North Korea was not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new one. After arriving in South Korea in 2002, he worked tirelessly to adapt to a new society. He continued his education, started a business, and built a foundation for self-reliance. Over time, however, he came to realize an important truth.

"The greatest challenge facing Young North Korean defectors

was not simply employment or income"

Many young people had left behind their families and communities and were navigating life alone. They lacked trusted friends to share their concerns with, senior mentors who could guide them, and supportive networks that could help them recover from setbacks and move forward.

"Many young people had achieved economic independence, yet still felt alone socially. I realized how important it is to have a sense of belonging and connection with others."

Invisible Isolation Among North Korean Youth

Many people view the challenges of Young North Korean defectors primarily through the lens of employment and economic independence. In reality, social isolation often becomes an even greater challenge. Many young people live far from their families.

Many are still adapting to an unfamiliar society. Others struggle with difficult experiences but have no one they feel comfortable talking to. This isolation can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, making it more difficult to adapt and thrive.

The relationships formed during youth play a critical role in shaping a person's future. Without meaningful social connections, sustaining economic independence can also become much more difficult. Kim Eun-cheol believed that what these young people needed was not simply financial support, but a community that connects people to one another.

The Round: Creating Safe Spaces for Connection

That belief led to the creation of The Round. The Round is building a community where Young North Korean defectors can connect, grow, and support one another. Through regular gatherings, networking programs, leadership training, and community activities, The Round helps young people form meaningful relationships naturally and organically. The goal is not simply to organize events. The goal is to create a foundation of trust where young people can share their experiences, support one another, and grow together.

"We are not simply building programs. We are building a safety net of relationships that young people can always return to for encouragement and support."

The impact of The Round extends far beyond individual participants. Young people who grow within the community often become supporters of others. Some become mentors for younger participants. Some organize new gatherings. Others share their personal experiences to encourage those going through similar challenges. Those who once received support become the people who provide support to others. This cycle of mutual support is one of the most important values The Round seeks to create.

Help Build Connections for North Korean Defector

Kim Eun-cheol envisions a future where Young North Korean defectors do more than simply adapt. He hopes they can thrive as confident and active members of society. The Round will continue building a community where more young people can connect, support one another, and grow together. The power of relationships can transform an individual. The transformation of an individual can strengthen a community. And strong communities can create positive change in society.

Those Who Once Received Support

Become the People Who Support Others

Your contribution is about more than creating opportunities to meet. For some, it becomes the first trusted friend they can open up to. For others, it becomes the encouragement they need to stand up again after failure. For many, it becomes the strength to begin a new chapter in life. Please join The Round in creating a future where Young North Korean defectors can grow together, rather than alone.