Donald Kirk

Don researched and wrote all three studies of Korean issues -- North Korea, South Korea and the late Kim Dae Jung -- for the Encyclopedia of Human Rights, published by Oxford University Press in 2009. These articles, in volume three of the five-volume set, discuss and analyze in detail, from a wide range of sources, the hugely differing histories and experiences of the two Koreas in dealing with the fundamental rights of their citizens to life and liberty. The articles were written at the request of David Forsythe, distinguished professor at the University of Nebraska and editor-in-chief of this monumental project.

The article on North Korea covers the tragedy of the gulag, in which tens of thousands of North Korean citizens are consigned to work, suffer and die. David Hawk's studies, notably The Hidden Gulag, provided much useful material. The article on South Korea analyzes the country's transition from the Korean War through the era of dictatorship to democracy. The biographical entry on Kim Dae Jung chronicles his life from his birth, upbringing and education in South Cholla Province, an oppressed region in southwestern Korea, to his battles with Korea's dictatorial leaders to his election as president in 1997, his June 2000 summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Il, his long quest for the Nobel Peace Prize and the corruption that compromised and complicates his legacy.

"This encyclopedia comes at a momentous time in the world movement to protect human rights because it is now maturing into a force to be reckoned with." -- Andrew Natsios, author, The Great North Korean Famine, distinguished professor, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University.

Oxford University Press

Crowds swarm to bow before statue of the Great Leader, Kim Il Sung

Sailor beside USS Pueblo, the captured U.S. "spy ship," standard tourist stop on Daedong River, Pyongyang

Cattle power driving the North Korean economy beside highway to the port city of Nampo beneath slogan urging, "Win with the Great Leader"

People power, central Pyongyang

Spiraling candycane brightens where Chongyechon emerges as a stream in shadow of central Seoul office blocks

Statue of King Sejong on busy Sejong Avenue against background of culture ministry and American embassy, Seoul

©DON KIRK PHOTOS