Friends, groups mourn death of S.Korean woman in NK camp

Friends and civic groups urging human rights in North Korea have expressed deep sorrow over the confirmation that Shin Sook-ja, a South Korean woman held in a prison camp in the North, has died.

Nicknamed “daughter of Tongyeong” after her hometown in the South, Shin is survived by her two daughters Oh Hye-won, 36, and Oh Gyu-won, 34, who are confirmed to be alive in North Korea. The civic groups will step up efforts to rescue the daughters jointly with the international community.

Kim Mi-yeong, head of a coalition for rescuing Shin, said, “We express our deep condolences over the death of Shin, who had a beautiful spirit,” adding, “We will conduct a campaign to dismantle political prisoner camps in the North, along with a drive to rescue Shin`s two daughters. We will also tell the world of the human rights situation in North Korea by launching an online exhibition hall (www.sagekorea.org), which offers information in 11 languages.”

Ha Tae-gyeong, a North Korea expert and lawmaker-elect, said, “If Shin died, we have to request North Korean authorities to give us details, including place of death, and repatriate her remains,” adding, “We will continue urging the North to allow (Shin’s husband) Dr. Oh Kil-nam (in the South) to have a reunion with his two daughters in a free environment.”

The campaign to rescue Shin and her daughters began at Tongyeong Hyeondae Church in May last year, collecting signatures from more than 200,000 people through November. More than 30,000 people, or 21 percent of Tongyeong’s population, participated in the campaign. The church`s pastor Bahng Soo-yeol, who spearheaded the campaign, said, “We haven`t gained accurate information, but (if Shin did die), it is truly lamentable.”

Kim Soon-ja, 69, Shin’s best friend from Tongyeong Girls’ Middle School, said, “I wished for a miracle, and I feel really sad,” adding sobbingly, “If my friend died, they should repatriate her two daughters.”

“In an alumni association meeting Friday, many friends were curious to know about Sook-ja’s situation,” Kim said. “We hoped that we could see Sook-ja before we die, but our hopes and dreams have gone up in smoke.”

Joo Ghil-ja, 70, of Tongyeong said, “I feel so sad to hear that Sook-ja passed away,” adding, “I feel like I`m the victim."

Kim Gyeong-ae, 69, of Seoul said, “It`s painful to learn that she passed away amid pain and without having a chance to live in freedom,” adding, “We cannot fully trust what people (in North Korea) say, and I will keep my hope and wait longer.”

Lee Soo-ja, 85, the widow of South Korean composer Yun Isang, who reportedly recommended that Oh’s family move to North Korea, and their daughter Djong Yun, 62, are said to be staying at their residence in the village of Sangsam in the township of Yongnam, South Gyeongsang Province. Lee and her daughter reportedly visit on occasion other regions in South Korea, including Seoul. Upon hearing from a Dong-A Ilbo reporter over the phone that Shin died, Djong Yun said, “I have nothing to say. I`m sorry,” and then hung up.

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