One of the cables INSIDE the tailgate of my 2002 Silverado has broken?

Those cables don't break very often, but they do get gummed up pretty easily. Replacement would be a major job. Spraying down with WD-40 and working 'em back and forth 'till they move freely is time consuming but cheap. If you pull up on the tailgate release handle, you can remove the plastic panel behind the handle and reach more of the mechanism.

If the cable inside the tailgate is actually broken and not just stuck, you're probably better off looking for a replacement tailgate at a junkyard. Good luck.

This happened to me. I used a large flat screw driver to open the side with the broken cable then use the catch to open the other side. I haven't fixed mine yet but I tied a rope around the catch so the broken side cannot latch, so it's not hard to open.

open the tailgate and then you can remove a panel exposing the transmission and cables replac as needed... aftermarket parts are available

i think i know what your talking about. correct me if i,am wrong but your talking about those 2 cables on each side of the tail gate? if you are then you can replace them.

It may be too late for you, but GM recalled those cables a few years back...