“The Path Already Exists Within Me”
Featured in Law Times Korea (2022)
In her 2022 interview with Law Times Korea, Attorney Yewon Kim reflected on her quiet but persistent journey as a public interest lawyer. Rather than chasing visible success or recognition, she described her approach as steady and grounded—“like pedaling beneath the surface in a swan boat.”
Born with vision loss in one eye due to a medical accident, Kim attributes her deep sense of empathy not to hardship alone, but to growing up in a rural community where she naturally connected with people often overlooked by society. She emphasized the importance of surrounding herself with good people—mentors, communities, and colleagues—who inspired her to stay true to her values.
Since founding the Disability Rights Law Center in 2017, Kim has provided legal support to people with disabilities and other marginalized groups, choosing to work quietly, away from the spotlight. “Most of my cases never make the news,” she explained, “and that’s intentional.”
She has also spoken out against political inaction, particularly on disability rights, defending protest movements as demands for overdue justice—not unreasonable requests.
Now continuing her work as a visiting scholar at Duke University, Kim encourages young lawyers to begin where they are:
“Start with what moves you. Public interest work begins not with a grand mission, but with genuine attention and care.”
