Lim Su-kyung facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lim Su-kyung
임수경
Member of the National Assembly
In office 30 May 2012 – 29 May 2016
Constituency	Proportional Representation №21
Personal details
Born	(1968-11-06) 6 November 1968 (age 56) Seoul, South Korea
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Sogang University

Lim Su-kyung (born on November 6, 1968) is a well-known South Korean activist and politician. She became famous for her visit to North Korea in 1989. At that time, she attended a big youth festival there. This visit was special because she went without getting permission from the South Korean government.

When she returned to South Korea, she was arrested. She was later released and continued her work. She is sometimes called the "Flower of Unification" in North Korea.

Her Visit to North Korea

In 1989, Lim Su-kyung was a university student. She decided to visit North Korea to attend the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students. She went as a representative for a student group. The South Korean government had not given permission for any students to go.

Lim traveled for about 10 days to reach North Korea. She went through Japan and Germany to get there. Her stay in North Korea lasted 45 days. During her visit, she even met with the leader, Kim Il Sung.

Returning Home

On August 15, 1989, Lim crossed the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) back into South Korea. This was a very significant event. She was the first regular citizen from either North or South Korea to openly cross the DMZ since the Korean War ended.

After her return, she was arrested. She was released after serving some time. In 1999, she received a special pardon from the South Korean President. Lim has always said that her visit was a selfless act.

How She Is Seen

Lim Su-kyung is viewed differently in North and South Korea. In South Korea, her visit was controversial. Some people felt she had caused problems for the government.

However, in North Korea, she is seen as a hero. They gave her the nickname Flower of Unification. This name means Flower of Reunification (통일의 꽃). A documentary film was also made about her in 1989.

Her Political Work

In April 2012, Lim Su-kyung was elected to the National Assembly of South Korea. This is like being a member of parliament. She represented the Democratic United Party. She served in the 19th National Assembly.

A Documentary Film

An Argentinian filmmaker named José Luis García made a documentary about Lim Su-kyung. The film is called La chica del sur, which means "The Girl From the South." It was released in 2012.

The film shows Lim's efforts for a unified Korea in 1989. It also shows her later meetings with the filmmaker in 2012. The documentary explores how her ideas and personality developed over the years. It has been shown and won awards at film festivals.

See also

In Spanish: Lim Su-kyung para niños

• Korean reunification
• Politics of South Korea