This story on the public execution of a North Korean woman for distributing Bibles is currently 2nd overall on Digg. The last time it was this high was OFK’s post of Google Earth images of North Korean concentration camps.

OFK found this bizarre story on Michael Jackson’s willingness to negotiate the release of Laura Ling and Euna Kim.

In addition to the WaPo’s front page expose on North Korea’s concentration camps, this is by far the most coverage on North Korean human right I’ve ever seen.

So what does this mean in regards to actual change. If the Iranian protests are any indication, interest will wane but the optimist in me believe there will be actual change in Iran.

I admit I haven’t been closely following the situation as I used to, but if this sudden rise in awareness has to do with LiNK and the other NK Human Rights groups, then congrats.

However, attention spans are short. Here’s hoping that raised awareness translates to action.

North Korea’s human rights abuses are well documented and at this point I am no longer shocked by their actions. Until I read this (Via. Hot Air)

SEOUL, South Korea — When Im Chun-yong made his daring escape from North Korea, with a handful of his special forces men, there were many reasons why the North Korean government was intent on stopping them.

They were, after all, part of Kim Jong-il’s elite commandos — privy to a wealth of military secrets and insights into the workings of the reclusive regime.

But among the accounts they carried with them is one of the most shocking yet to emerge — namely the use of humans, specifically mentally or physically handicapped children, to test North Korea’s biological and chemical weapons.

“If you are born mentally or physically deficient, says Im, the government says your best contribution to society… is as a guinea pig for biological and chemical weapons testing.”

Even after settling into the relative safety of South Korea, for 10 years Im held on to this secret, saying it was too horrific to recount.

But with Kim’s health reportedly failing, and the country appearing increasingly unpredictable, Im felt it was time he spoke out.

Speechless.

I will have a review of Long Road Home shortly. Until then, the Washington Post has a major expose on North Korean concentration camps. The most unfortunate part of this tragedy, outside of direct intervention, there is little one can do for prisoners inside North Korea.

However, those who do get out, it is our duty to help them anyway we can.

Update: If you need a review now, ROK Drop has one.