American Rights Activist Wins 2008 Seoul Peace Prize

Long-time human rights activist Suzanne Scholte became the 9th Seoul Peace Prize laureate Tuesday for her work promoting freedom and human rights for the North Korean people and the Sharawi refugees of Western Sahara.

In her acceptance speech, Scholte called for countries to offer safe asylum to North Korean refugees and asked that human rights be the priority in international talks with the rogue regime.

“Now, I believe there is a holocaust going on right now in North Korea,” said Scholte, president of the Defense Forum Foundation. “Today, we know that Kim Jong-il is committing genocide by targeting specific groups for extermination - specifically those he deems disloyal.

She said North Korea has the worst human rights situation in the world today, and pointed out that more than 3 million North Korans have already died from starvation because of Kim’s diversion of food aid.

“How many more North Koreans need to die before we recognize and stop these atrocities?” she asked.

She contends that past policies such as the Agreed Framework, the Sunshine policy, the Engagement policy and the six-party talks have all failed in resolving the atrocities in North Korea.

She called instead for more support for the activities of North Korean defectors such as Free North Korea radio, balloon launches of pamphlets, and help for the North Koran defector churches established in South Korea.

North Korea is one of the most repressive regimes in the world. Citizens of the communist state are forced to adhere to a personality cult that revolves around worshipping current dictator Kim Jong Il and his deceased father, Kim Il Sung.

According to witnesses and human rights reports, the North Korean regime is particularly harsh on Christians, who are considered a serious threat to its power. There are many reports of Christians being publicly executed, tortured or imprisoned indefinitely simply for believing in Jesus Christ.

Around 200,000 Christians are believed to currently be in prison labor camps for their faith. Earlier this year, North Korea was listed for the sixth straight year as the No. 1 worst Christian persecutor by watchdog group Open Doors.

Scholte recalled times when she cried out to God in frustration “asking Him why He had made North Korea such a central focus of my life where people were experiencing such tremendous pain and suffering.”

“God gently reminded me that many years ago I had prayed that He would break my heart for the things that were breaking His heart,” she said. “I know that what is happening to the people of North Korea is breaking God’s heart.”

She concluded by pledging that with God’s help she will do all that she can in her life to help the North Korean people and the Sahrawi people until they are free.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.