Our Approach
Who we are
Korea Future is a non-profit organisation that pursues legal claims on behalf of survivors and advocates for policy interventions, utilising both legal and non-legal avenues to promote accountability.
Founded in 2017 at the request of North Korean survivors, we conduct in-depth investigations, employ legal and advocacy strategies to hold perpetrators accountable, and strengthen the capacities of survivor-led organisations.
With offices in The Hague, London, and Seoul, our diverse team is guided by our Board of Trustees. We are registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in the United Kingdom and as an Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling, or Public Benefit Organisation, in the Netherlands.
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to conduct comprehensive investigations into human rights violations and international crimes within North Korea and to present our findings to national and international authorities to seek justice with victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Our vision is to achieve meaningful justice for victims and ensure accountability for those responsible.
Our strengths
Diverse team
Our strength lies in the diversity and global reach of our team. Operating across two continents, we are a gender-balanced group fluent in five languages, enabling us to navigate complex policy landscapes and connect with communities, policymakers, and international bodies with nuance and depth.
Survivor-centred
We prioritise and pioneer survivor-centred and trauma-informed documentation practices. Our engagement with the diaspora is not just participatory; it is foundational to our organisation's existence and 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 our 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 North Korea. This value reflects a long-term commitment to change, advocating tirelessly for the rights of survivors and victims.
Compassion
Empathy towards survivors and families of victims, 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 North Korean prison system.