“Leadership is about amplifying voices that have long been overlooked,” said Choe Il-hwa, a North Korean defector whose personal journey of survival and resilience has shaped her advocacy for human rights. Her words resonated with the audience at the Women in International Schools Empowerment (WISE) Conference 2025 on Feb. 23, where she joined Jeanie Y. Chang, a Korean American therapist to deliver powerful keynote addresses.
Choe, who escaped North Korea at the age of 14, now works as a partnership manager and program coordinator at Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), helping others navigate the challenging path she once walked. “Shaping the discourse on North Korean human rights requires diverse perspectives,” she emphasized, stressing the need to include women’s voices in leadership and policy discussions.
Chang, a mental health expert and advocate for cultural representation, explored how K-dramas have redefined leadership. “K-dramas give us a chance to reimagine leadership, especially for women,” Chang explained, illustrating how media can influence societal perceptions of empowerment, mental health, and workplace dynamics.
Held from Feb. 21 to 23 at Dulwich College Seoul, the WISE Conference brought together over 160 female educators and professionals from around the world, fostering discussions on leadership, empowerment, and inclusivity. The Chosun Daily had the opportunity to speak with both keynote speakers, delving into their unique journeys and insights on leadership in a changing world. Below is a Q&A with Choe Il-hwa and Jeanie Y. Chang.
Choe Il-hwa: Amplifying Overlooked Voices
As a woman leading international advocacy and program coordination efforts, what challenges have you faced in a leadership role, and how have you addressed them?
“Advocating for North Korean human rights on the international stage requires the collaboration and commitment of people from diverse backgrounds. However, leadership roles and policy discussions on this issue have historically lacked women’s voices. While this does not diminish the contributions of those who have long fought for this cause, it underscores the need for a wider range of perspectives.
When I first took on the role of managing partnerships and coordinating programs, asserting my voice in roundtable discussions was a challenge. I strongly believed that shaping the discourse on North Korean human rights required greater diversity, yet opportunities for underrepresented voices remained limited. To address this, I focused on creating platforms where North Korean women and others with overlooked perspectives could share their experiences firsthand. At the same time, I actively built relationships with a broad network of stakeholders to strengthen support systems.
This approach aligns closely with the core values of Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), which emphasizes the power of individual stories. By amplifying personal narratives—each distinct and courageous—the organization helps cultivate a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of North Korea."
What were the greatest challenges you faced in rebuilding your life as a woman after escaping North Korea, and what steps are necessary to overcome them?
“One of the greatest challenges I faced was the repeated need to start over in unfamiliar environments. After fleeing North Korea at a young age, I settled alone in Daegu, where I initially struggled with a sense of belonging. Over time, I built relationships and found stability, but moving to Seoul meant beginning again. As a young professional in a new city, I had to navigate employment and housing entirely on my own. Many in similar situations can likely relate—overcoming high living costs, limited networks, and the complexities of independent resettlement is no easy task.
Tackling these challenges requires both societal change and personal resilience. I hope to see a society that naturally embraces people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive environment. At the same time, those adapting to new surroundings must shift their perspective—rather than viewing their past or background as limitations, they should approach their circumstances with pragmatism and optimism.
Recognizing these needs, Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) designed its English education program to go beyond language instruction. It creates a space where individuals from different backgrounds can connect, share experiences, and redefine their own narratives. Through these exchanges, participants often gain new perspectives, opening doors to personal growth and self-reinvention."
As a woman leading advocacy efforts for North Korean defectors, what unique perspectives do women bring to global movements, and how can more women be encouraged to take on leadership roles in international organizations?
“Women leaders contribute a unique, inclusive approach to the North Korean human rights movement, characterized by heightened sensitivity—a capacity to question conventional methods, embrace fresh perspectives, and seize emerging opportunities. In our organization, leadership is exemplified by a second-generation Korean American whose grandparents hailed from Pyongyang. Her impactful leadership is marked by an unwavering commitment to learning from all stakeholders and genuine care for her team. In our advocacy for North Korean defectors, we consciously avoid one-size-fits-all solutions, instead honoring the distinct circumstances of every individual case.
Despite a strong presence of women in mid-level management within many North Korean human rights organizations, female representation in senior decision-making roles remains limited. To address this imbalance, it is vital to expand mentorship programs and leadership workshops tailored specifically for women activists. Moreover, restructuring decision-making processes to be more transparent and participatory will help ensure that a broader spectrum of voices is incorporated into policy discussions."
Jeanie Y. Chang: K-Dramas as a Tool for Reimagining Leadership and Empowerment
How can K-dramas be used to address workplace mental health issues, particularly the mental health of female leaders?
“First, let’s talk about mental health. Mental health is something that should be normalized in everyday life and at every moment. It encompasses our emotional, social, and psychological well-being, and is always a part of every environment, including the workplace.
K-dramas do an excellent job of depicting various workplace environments, from toxic and unhealthy offices to positive and supportive ones. For instance, ‘Incomplete Life’ presents a toxic office, while ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ shows a positive, supportive workplace, both contributing to a healthier view of work life. Representation in media is beneficial to our mental health because it allows us to feel, heard, and seen.
Since most K-dramas are written by women, they often depict strong, capable women breaking barriers in the workplace, which is inspiring. K-dramas show female characters who drive positive change in society, particularly in a patriarchal society like South Korea. Most recently, in ‘Love Scout,’ Han Ji-min played a CEO, which is an example of a role reversal that’s becoming more common in K-dramas. Her character was a good leader, highly respected by her employees, embodying the qualities of a strong leader.
There are also K-dramas that depict female leaders struggling with workplace hardships and unfair treatment. Just witnessing such portrayals can be liberating because they reflect real-life experiences. Addressing social issues in the workplace is crucial, especially because women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, not only in South Korea but also in places like the U.S. K-dramas can provide us with life lessons that offer insight, learning opportunities, and practical applications."
As a Korean American leader, how have you navigated cultural barriers in leadership? What advice would you give to women who feel constrained by societal expectations in their leadership journey?
“It is crucial to trust in your own skills, strengths, and successes. Recognizing our achievements is vital for our well-being, as neglecting this can make us feel constrained by societal expectations. We must believe in ourselves and define our own identity. While societal expectations will always exist, the more we practice self-affirmation, the more confident we become in overcoming barriers.
As a Korean American woman, I constantly navigate leadership challenges. People often assume my husband is the CEO, but I proudly embrace my identity as the founder and CEO. I also face biases when I voice my opinions, but I strive to communicate respectfully and refuse to remain silent.
Mental health and identity are deeply interconnected. Prioritizing mental health is essential to overcoming cultural barriers in leadership. As leaders, we must prioritize our well-being to effectively handle societal pressures and challenges.
Lastly, women need confidence, especially in Korea, where compliments are not often given. Korean parents frequently don’t acknowledge our successes, and this attitude is a big issue in society. We need to get better at saying, ‘Good job!’ or ‘Well done!’ even for accomplishments like getting into a good college. This is crucial for our mental well-being. Not appreciating your success leads to sadness and depression. It’s important for everyone, but especially for women, to celebrate their achievements.”
How can international schools integrate K-Drama-inspired mental health strategies to promote empowerment and inclusivity for female educators and students?
“International schools have the advantage of being exposed to diverse global communities consisting of students, parents, and faculty. This means that when it comes to mental health resources and services, it is crucial to consider the cultural nuances involved. There will always be various perspectives on mental health strategies that must be understood.
I have found that providing mental health resources to faculty, staff, and school leadership is essential so they can be well-prepared to support students when needed. In general, schools tend to focus on students' mental health, which is, of course, important. However, it is just as critical to also pay attention to faculty and leadership.
I have noticed that when it comes to psychoeducation, schools often fall short. However, international schools, due to their funding structures, have an advantage in this area. Increasing budgets for mental health education resources for both families and faculty would be highly beneficial."
