N. Koreans risk lives for UN art show

In a stunning act of courage and defiance, four young North Korean artists are risking their safety by participating in a new exhibit at the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan this week, The Post has learned.

The move comes just months after the UN slapped new sanctions on the Hermit Kingdom over its ongoing missile tests, and is so risky, the artists couldn’t put their names on the works, which are signed, “Anonymous.”

“We don’t want to see any repercussions,” said Gloria Starr Kins, editor of the Society & Diplomatic Review, a UN-accredited publication, which is co-hosting the event.

“There is courage with the North Korean artists there. It’s an important, yet delicate initiative.”

The exhibit opens Friday.

Nearly all artwork sanctioned in North Korea is done under strict government guidelines for propaganda purposes.

But the artists defied Pyongyang by submitting their work without the approval of Kim Jong-un’s regime, in an effort to promote cross-cultural friendship.

“This is a very important step. The initiative is under the table — very low key,” said Starr Kins.

The paintings in the show, organized by the Beijingbased nonprofit Eye Art International, include one of a young Korean woman in a traditional garb and another of a mom kneeling next to her toddler.

The works will be presented in the UN headquarters’ Delegates Hall, where all foreign ambassadors enter the building.