About the website

Hello! My name is Hayoung Lee. I was born and raised in Yong-in, South Korea, and now I am a freshman attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I started this project as a high school senior. It has been three and a half years since I moved to the States.

My passion for freedom and human rights began when I met a friend who was a former North Korean defector at a bus station. After forming a deep relationship with her, I learned about her life in North Korea, her brutal escape journey, and her life after entering South Korea. Her dedication and bravery in fighting for freedom against the authoritarian government were eye-opening. Realizing that no teens I have met in the U.S. are aware of North Korea’s political situation, I was inspired to look for groups of people around the world whose entitled freedom and human rights are oppressed and to be their voice. The world really has not had a chance to hear about them!

I created this personal blog to deliver the admirable stories of freedom fighters from different countries around the world. I want to provide high school activists the opportunity to stand up for those with crushed rights and freedoms. In addition, I hope to connect and form an encouraging society with high school students around the globe while finding the value of civic engagement. 

Freedom Crusaders want to speak up for the people who are fighting for freedom by creating a community of passionate high school activists delivering untold stories. To place the world’s spotlight on freedom fighters so their stories can be heard by politicians, policymakers, and activists. To empower high school students to respond to social issues and injustice with compassion and enthusiasm. We are dedicated to a world where refugees’ freedom and rights are protected and respected. 

Using my passion for writing and art, I will post a drawing of a freedom fighter and a summary of their story, based on interviews and testimonials, every other week. Some weeks, I will publish a podcast of myself delivering the story or a related issue or interviewing a freedom fighter. As the team expands, I will host an online Zoom debate where we can discuss the validity of the policies made for freedom fighters and additional special events.