The Busan Human Rights Center, operated by the City of Busan, hosted a special human rights lecture featuring Yewon Kim, a lawyer and prominent human rights advocate, as the invited speaker.
Held under the title “I Thought It Was Nothing, But It Was About Human Rights”, the lecture was part of Busan’s civic human rights education series. The talk was based on Kim’s notable work, Standing for Someone, which explores everyday injustices through the lens of human rights.
The event attracted a large audience of Busan citizens and concluded with a book signing session by the speaker. The lecture offered a meaningful opportunity for reflection and dialogue on the role of human rights in daily life, marking a significant moment in the city’s ongoing commitment to human rights awareness and education.
The UN Human Rights Academy, organized by the Korea Center for United Nations Human Rights Policy, is currently being held from April to September in both online and offline formats.
As part of the program, the fourth lecture took place in June under the title: “Are Children Truly Recognized as Rights Holders?” The session was led by Yewon Kim from DRAC (Disability Rights Advocacy Center), and featured in-depth discussions and active engagement from participants, reflecting significant interest in the topic.
In July, Yewon Kim will return as a speaker for the fifth lecture, titled: “Persons with Disabilities and Non-disabled Persons – But What Matters Even More?” The lecture will continue to examine fundamental human rights issues through expert insights and open dialogue.
The Academy remains committed to fostering public understanding and discourse on essential human rights themes.
“The One-Eyed Warrior Fighting Injustice” Featured in Chosun Newspaper, South Korea’s leading national newspaper (2023)
In this feature by Chosun Newspaper, Attorney Yewon Kim discusses the deep flaws in South Korea’s child protection system, the unintended harm caused by poorly designed legal reforms, and her own journey as a public interest lawyer.
On child abuse: Kim criticizes the narrow focus on sensational cases, arguing that most abuse occurs within families and is often overlooked. She advocates for child-centered approaches that listen to the child’s voice rather than defaulting to institutional care or punishment. She shares heartbreaking cases where children suffered more from the system’s response than from the initial abuse.
On criminal justice reform: Kim voiced strong opposition to the 2022 law that removed investigative authority from prosecutors, arguing it makes it harder for victims—especially the most vulnerable—to access justice. She warned that the new system creates delays, confusion, and discourages reporting.
On challenging discrimination: Kim, who is blind in one eye due to a birth injury, led a successful seven-year legal effort to change Korea’s traffic law, allowing people with partial vision to obtain a Class 1 driver’s license. She also won a landmark Supreme Court case recognizing a prosthetic leg as part of the body for the purpose of workplace injury protection.
On her mission: Rather than framing her work as sacrifice, Kim emphasizes agency and purpose. She has handled over 1,000 cases representing people with disabilities, abuse survivors, and other marginalized individuals, stating: “When society turns its back on the vulnerable, justice must be the one to hold the line.”
“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.”
“Is it okay to breastfeed during a trial?” – “I don’t have time to worry about that.” Featured in Kyunghyang Newspaper (2018)
Attorney Yewon Kim was profiled in Kyunghyang Newspaper for her lifelong dedication to public interest law and her personal journey as both a lawyer and a mother. Born with a visual disability due to a medical accident, she has devoted her career to advocating for people with disabilities, women, children, and other marginalized groups.
From founding the Disability Rights Law Center to representing victims in landmark human rights cases, Attorney Kim has combined legal advocacy with legislative reform and deep community engagement. Her work is driven by lived experience and a strong belief that justice must reach those without power or privilege. With over 1,000 cases handled, she continues to fight for a world where vulnerability is met with dignity, not silence. As she puts it: “My work may seem small, but for the people I help, it can mean an entirely new life. That is enough reason for me to keep going.”
In 2023, Attorney Yewon Kim was honored with the Public Interest Lawyer Award by the Korean Bar Association. This prestigious award is given to only one individual or organization each year in recognition of exceptional contributions to human rights and the public good. Since beginning her legal career in 2012, Attorney Kim has devoted herself exclusively to public interest work—offering free legal representation to victims of abuse, discrimination, and violence, particularly those with disabilities. The award highlights her unwavering commitment to justice and social service.
In November 2021, Attorney Yewon Kim was awarded a Presidential Commendation by the Republic of Korea in recognition of her significant contributions to the protection and support of crime victims. This honor reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing public safety and promoting social justice.
In 2020, Attorney Yewon Kim received the Youth Ilga Award from the Ilga Foundation, which recognizes young individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society. Born with a visual disability due to a medical accident, Attorney Kim has turned her lived experience into a lifelong commitment to justice. For over a decade, she has provided legal support to people with disabilities and other marginalized communities, using the law not only to resolve individual cases but also to drive systemic reform. Her work spans strategic litigation, legislative advocacy, and public interest law, resulting in meaningful legal precedents and improved protections for vulnerable populations. This award honored her efforts to expand human rights and social inclusion through compassionate and courageous legal practice.
