Pak Yu-sung

Pak Yu-sung (Korean: 박유성; born 1998) is a North Korean defector, documentary filmmaker, and human rights activist. He is known for his public speaking engagements where he shares his experiences of growing up in North Korea and his journey to freedom in South Korea.

Early life and background Pak grew up in Hyesan, a city in North Korea. His future path in North Korea was limited, and he was likely to become a laborer.

Pak is an active public speaker and a member of the Freedom Speakers International (FSI) North Korean Refugee Keynote Speakers Network.

Russia-Ukraine War He reported that North Korean soldiers deployed to the front lines are warned that their families will be sent to political prison camps or executed if the soldiers are captured and reveal information to the enemy. This extreme pressure to avoid capture results in very few North Korean soldiers being taken as prisoners of war.

Pak's analysis, which aligns with South Korean intelligence reports, indicates that North Korean troops are being used as "cannon fodder" in high-risk, front-line assault operations. He noted that this likely results in massive casualties due to a lack of understanding of modern warfare.

Pak has suggested that captured North Korean soldiers could provide valuable intelligence to the U.S. and its allies regarding the North Korean military's strategies and capabilities, which are often exaggerated by Pyongyang.

Awards and nominations + Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result 52nd Houston International Film Festival 2019 Bronze Award There Live Crocodiles in Mekong River