Internship Program Report

Byul Kim

International Studies (International Relations)

During my internship at the Data Base Center for North Korean human rights (NKDB), I was in charge of various tasks related to North Korean human rights and international relations in the planning and public relations team.
 

I collected books and papers related to North Korean human rights and helped upload them into an online database on the North Korean Human Rights “Larchiveum” (Library, archive, museum). In addition, we planned a North Korean Human Rights Larchiveum Talk Concert and held a forum with practitioners. In the process, I was able to meet many people. Finally, I helped to record video interviews about North Korean human rights with North Korean defectors. Through this, I learned about videography and was able to serve as a project researcher at NKDB from 2022. During this winter break, I am planning to further develop my academic and videography. And now, I’ve entered into the UniKorea Foundation(통일과 나눔) as a research Intern after completing the NKDB internship program. Thanks to NKDB, I was able to gain a lot of experience and confidence. As I was serving in the internship, all the researchers welcomed me with respect which helped me to concentrate more on my research and intern duties.

I was in charge of the video team, and I got the opportunity to arrange interviews with many of the most popular North Korean human rights activists, who are working with organizations such as NAUH, LiNK, NKHR, NK WATCH, Daily NK, Unification Media Group(국민통일방송), and UniKorea Foundation(통일과 나눔). 

I can say without doubt that the 6-month internship program gave me such a broader perspective, deeper insights, and helped to clarify my post-graduation blueprint. I will never forget the memorable experiences I had, and the touching welcoming atmosphere from the center researchers. I dare say they are some of the most intelligent, thoughtful, and outstanding people whom I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I now see that the work these researchers are doing is based on their core values, which has motivated me to reflect on what my core values are in my life, work and study.