Declaration on the Oh Kil-Nam affair
by the Managing Committee of the International Isang Yun Society

For some time now, Isang Yun has become the target of heavy accusations by Korean-language media and on campaigners’ banners. The International Isang Yun Society feels the urgent need to take a stand on this.

The root cause of the trouble is the so-called Oh-affair: The Southkorean economist Oh Kil-Nam, then resident in West-Germany, in 1985 had moved to North Korea of his own free will, taking along his wife and two daughters, aiming to build up a new livelihood there. Due to the permanent indoctrination, he was disillusioned and made off back to West-Germany via Copenhagen. Mr. Oh is now calling public attention to the fate of his family which had to remain in North Korea. So far all his efforts to reunite have failed.

Since his return to South Korea in May 1992 he has been claiming, that Isang Yun had talked him round into moving to North Korea. This is a false accusation, presumably brought up by political circles bent on defaming Isang Yun as an agent of North Korea.

The International Isang Yun Society points out, that already in May 1992, Isang Yun has convincingly rejected this accusation. He stated, that he got to know Mr. Oh personally only after his escape from North Korea, and then tried to help him in the following years.

Isang Yun always has made great efforts to further dialogue between all of his fellow countrymen. His name must not be misused for the ends of domestic political campaigns.

We therefore draw your attention to Yun’s own statement made in 1992, and give a summary of it.

December 12, 2011
International Isang Yun Society
Managing Committee

Isang Yun: "Oh Kil-nam, the affair and me" (autograph version, korean)
Isang Yun: "Oh Kil-nam, the affair and me" (content specification, english)