Helping Hands Korea (HHK). HKK a Christian mission established in Seoul in 1990, launched its first endeavor to assist North Koreans in crisis in 1996, by providing famine relief to the northeastern portion of the impoverished nation, particularly to schools and orphanages. From 1998, HHK diversified its assistance activities to North Korea by giving special emphasis to direct aid for North Korean refugees in China and, in extraordinary circumstances, coordinating logistical support for their escape to third countries. [Background: Since 1995, well over 2 million North Koreans have starved to death, and another 300,000 have fled to neighboring China in search of food and freedom from tyranny. The Chinese government has refused to grant the North Koreans official status as refugees, largely based on Beijing's traditional ties to the communist regime in Pyongyang, as well as fears that such a designation would dramatically boost the already steady influx over the border.]y boost the already steady influx over the border.] *** Local Caption *** Prayer time at the HHK.