So I have some friends who are moving to Korea to teach English through Teach for America. Sadly, the first thing that came to mind when they told me about their move was, “How close are you to China-North Korea??” I was immediately reminded of the capture of Laura Ling and Euna Ling for their illegal crossing of China’s borders. It’s still unclear whether or not they strayed into North Korea or were captured by forceful border guards; however, recent statements suggest that they purposefully crossed into the country to report about the country’s trafficking of women (Lee, 2009). (The two women were pardoned this Tuesday as Bill Clinton, himself, arrived unannounced in North Korea and apologized on the women’s behalf to North Korean’s leader Kim Jong II.)

Regardless of whether or not they purposefully or accidently crossed China’s borders, I believe their reason for being there was noble. The issue of human trafficking should be a worldwide concern as this has become an international criminal enterprise. In North Korea alone, 80 to 90 percent of women and girl refugees in China are reportedly victims of trafficking – representing the highest percentage of human trafficking in a single population (Jos, 2009).

To me (and the average sane individual), I see human trafficking as a form of slave trading. I mean, I thought we were done with all of this?! I believe it’s our responsibility to stand in the gap and acknowledge/fight this issue for the millions of individuals worldwide who are trapped in this horrific reality. Therefore, yeah…it’s cool that Clinton came and saved the day, but I believe there’s a deeper issue at hand. The issue of human trafficking deserves much more of our attention than what is being given.

Cited Sources

North Korea: 2 US journalists pardoned,Yahoo News

Why were laura ling and euna lee in north korea? Feministing.com