Our Approach
Who we are
Korea Future is the only independent, non-profit organisation committed to achieving justice and accountability for human rights violations and crimes against humanity within the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea's penal system. Established in 2017 at the direct request of North Korean survivors, we work alongside affected individuals and our global partners, employing thorough investigations and legal and advocacy strategies to dismantle impunity. Additionally, we focus on enhancing our partners' abilities to adopt survivor-centered approaches in their work, ensuring that every action we take is aligned with the needs and rights of survivors. Korea Future operates out of offices in London, The Hague, and Seoul, with a dedicated and diverse team comprising legal analysts, investigators, and organisational staff, all supported by our Board of Trustees.Our vision
Meaningful justice with victims and accountability for perpetrators in the DPRK.Our mission
To conduct effective and thorough investigations into human rights violations and international crimes in the DPRK penal system, delivering our findings to relevant national and international authorities to secure justice with victims and ensure accountability for perpetrators.Our strengths
Diverse team
Our strength lies in our diversity. Our gender-balanced team, fluent in five languages and based across two continents, excels in navigating complex policy environments and engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, driving forward our mission with cultural and linguistic insight.Strategic focus
Strategically located in The Hague, the epicentre of international justice, Korea Future is well positioned to influence human rights and justice outcomes. Our proximity to critical hubs enables us to deliver prompt and effective justice for survivors, embodying our dedication to actionable accountability.Survivor-centred
We prioritise and pioneer survivor-centred documentation practices. Our engagement with the diaspora is not just participatory; it is foundational to our strategy, ensuring that our efforts are informed by those most affected and aligned with the real needs of survivors.Rigorous methodology
We are committed to excellence in research, demonstrated by our adherence to stringent methodology standards, including undergoing three professional audits and hundreds of case tests to ensure our data's reliability and admissibility, setting the gold standard in a field where integrity of information is paramount.Our values
Integrity
Commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and honesty in all operations, ensuring trustworthiness and reliability in the collection, analysis, and presentation of data on human rights violations. Integrity fosters trust among survivors, partners, and the global community, crucial for the sensitive nature of Korea Future’s work.Persistence
Dedication to pursuing justice and accountability, despite the challenges inherent in addressing human rights violations in closed and authoritarian contexts like the DPRK. This value reflects a long-term commitment to change, advocating tirelessly for the rights of survivors and victims.Compassion
A foundational empathy towards survivors and families of victims of human rights violations, guiding a survivor-centred approach that respects their dignity, acknowledges their suffering, and supports their healing process. Compassion ensures that the organisation’s strategies and actions prioritise the well-being and rights of those affected by the DPRK’s penal system.