º Purpose

RYU Nonprofit Corporation is established in response to the critical need for structured and ongoing support for North Korean defectors, both domestically and internationally. This includes support for students who are essential to the future of a reunified Korea. Despite the commendable efforts of various public and private entities—including the South Korean government, local authorities, and diverse non-governmental organizations like churches—support plans have often encountered significant challenges.

Recognizing the urgency for more precise and comprehensive support strategies, our corporation is committed to developing robust, detailed, and systematic assistance programs. Continuous support is crucial for North Korean defectors who undertake perilous journeys to escape the oppressive regime of North Korea in search of freedom. By facilitating their successful integration and stable educational progress, we aim to reinforce their indispensable role in the anticipated reunification of Korea.

º The origin of the name of the “RYU”

In Chinese characters, “RYU” translates to 'to flow,' representing the continuous and directed flow of support and services to North Korean defectors. Furthermore, the pronunciation of “RYU” resembles ‘you’ in English, emphasizing that our services are always centered on the individual.

º Main Programs

RYU Nonprofit Corporation is dedicated to empowering North Korean defectors through a comprehensive suite of programs designed to facilitate their successful integration and development:

• Settlement Assistance and Life Support: This program provides essential support to North Korean defectors, helping them adapt to new environments and addressing their fundamental needs to ensure a smooth transition.
• Rights Enhancement Initiatives: Through targeted research and systematic improvements, we strive to advance the rights and well-being of North Korean defectors, ensuring they receive the protections they deserve.
• Educational Outreach and Awareness: We offer a range of informational and educational programs that deepen understanding of North Korean defectors' unique needs and promote their seamless integration into society.
• Student Support and Leadership Development: Our specialized support for North Korean student defectors includes mentorship and leadership training aimed at cultivating future leaders from among university students.