Gratitude for the warm support for the new beginnings of North
Korean defectors
Hanawon holds event to express gratitude to donor supporting North
Korean defectors (April 2)
On April 2, Hanawon (Settlement Support Center for North Korean
Refugees) of the Ministry of Unification held an appreciation event in
honor of Mr. Yang Han Jong, a donor who contributed to supporting
North Korean defectors, to promote a culture of giving and providing
settlement support for North Korean defectors.
*Donor Yang Han Jong, a member of a separated family, despite facing
hardships after his father and eldest brother moved to North Korea
following liberation, built a successful business from the ground up.
While supporting his mother and six siblings on his own, he also
devoted himself to helping others, holding charity concerts, and
taking part in various acts of social service.
The event was attended by Minister of Unification Kim Yung Ho,
Chairman of the Community Chest (CCK) of Korea Kim Byung Joon,
Chairman of the CCK Seoul chapter Kim Jae Rok, and Director of Hanawon
Lee Seung Shin. The program included the presentation of an
appreciation plaque, the signing of an agreement between the Ministry
of Unification, the donor, and the Community Chest of Korea, a
commemorative tree planting by donor Yang, and an appreciation luncheon.
Under the agreement, the 500 million won donation, which is part of
the 1 billion won Yang donated, will be distributed to North Korean
defectors graduating from Hanawon, with each individual receiving
700,000 won.
“It’s a small amount, but I decided to donate it in the hope that
our neighbors who came down from the North can successfully settle in
our society. I truly hope my small contribution can help North Korean
defectors pursue new dreams,” said Yang.
Minister Kim stated, “The Ministry of Unification will continue to
work with various organizations, including the Community Chest of
Korea, to support the successful settlement of North Korean defectors
in our society.”
