Pro-North Korea Organization Operating in New York Draws Public Attention

Nodutdol Headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, Calls for End to US-South Korea Alliance

NEW YORK — A non-profit organization with a pro-North Korea stance is expanding its operations in the United States, headquartered right in Midtown Manhattan and openly calling for an end to the US-South Korea military alliance, according to information published by the New York Post.

The organization, named Nodutdol — meaning "stepping stone" in Korean — states its founding goal is to promote "US-Korea understanding and education," according to non-profit tax filings. However, the article states the group frequently criticizes so-called "US imperialism" and organizes events advocating for fundamental changes in US-South Korea relations.

Conference Attracts 500 Attendees at New York Church

Last July, Nodutdol organized the three-day "People's Summit for Korea" conference at Riverside Church in the Morningside Heights area, attracting approximately 500 attendees.

At the event, participants chanted the slogan "tujaeng" — a term critics argue is associated with North Korea's communist revolutionary movement.

Another conference, titled "US Out of Korea conference," held in Colorado in 2024, featured sociology professor Haruki Eda, introduced as a Nodutdol member. Professor Eda spoke about North Korea's electoral system, suggesting that achieving "100%" results reflects a collective discussion process.

Reportedly Linked to Chinese Influence Network

According to the New York Post article, Nodutdol is linked to a network of organizations associated with tech entrepreneur Neville Roy Singham, who currently resides in China. This network reportedly includes organizations such as The People's Forum and Code Pink.

The article cites a U.S. State Department report to Congress stating that organizations within this network are connected to China-backed influence operations.

Nodutdol hosts numerous events at The People's Forum headquarters on West 37th Street in Midtown Manhattan, including fundraising activities like the "Kimchi Bowl" and a Lunar New Year celebration, featuring content about "Korean revolutionary martyrs."

Participates in Anti-ICE Campaign, Links Immigration to "US Imperialism"

One of Nodutdol's central demands is to end the US-South Korea military alliance and promote the reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

Recently, the group has also participated in campaigns protesting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing that U.S. immigration policies are linked to the "intervention and war" that Koreans have experienced. A recent post by the organization stated: "US Out of Everywhere, ICE Out of our Communities!"

As of now, there has been no official response from Nodutdol representatives regarding the contents mentioned in the New York Post article.