Karen Lee is an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia intending on studying Global Public Health and Foreign Affairs. She is interested in international law with a focus in global health and human rights.

As a Korean-American, Karen grew up hearing stories about the history of North Korea from her family. Since entering college, she learned of the actions of North Korea through a political and humanitarian viewpoint. Not only that, the story of Otto Warmbier, a former UVA student, has pushed Karen’s motivation to advocate for the humanitarian crisis ongoing in North Korea.

Through the opportunities given at HRNK, Karen hopes to not only deepen her understanding on the health and human rights crisis in North Korea, but to advocate for those suffering under authoritarian governance.