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Mon, December 11, 2023 | 01:59

A moving ordeal in Seoul

A moving ordeal in Seoul

American novelist and humorist Mark Twain once said: “It is less trouble and more satisfaction to bury two families than to select and equip a home for one.”

2020-04-04 10:32

North Korean refugee's unification wish: 'I have a dream'

North Korean refugee's unification wish: 'I have a dream'

Since the North-South Korea summit was held in Panmunjom in the spring of 2018, a peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula has been created. According to the research done by Seoul National University in 2018, the people's perception of unification was improved.

2019-11-09 11:02

Why North Korean defectors learn English (8)

Why North Korean defectors learn English (8)

When I was in North Korea, I learned English for one reason: to curse American soldiers as they were dying after I had shot them. When I went to the USA, it felt so strange because I had been taught to hate Americans, but they seemed normal, gentle, even strangers smile at you.

2019-11-02 10:06

North Korean defectors: 'Please, don't ask me about…' (Part 2)

North Korean defectors: 'Please, don't ask me about…' (Part 2)

I don't want to talk about North Korea. When people ask, I just avoid answering. South Koreans see North Koreans as poor, starving, beggars. That makes me feel sad, then when I hear South Koreans talk about North Korea like that, then I don't want to reveal that I am from there.

2019-10-27 13:41

North Korean refugees speak out: 'My Hanawon experience' (7)

North Korean refugees speak out: 'My Hanawon experience' (7)

Hanawon was fun. After a difficult escape, Hanawon was a relaxing and calm time. It was the most comfortable and enjoyable time I have had in Korea.

2019-10-16 10:31

Taking photos with North Korean refugees (Part 3)

Taking photos with North Korean refugees (Part 3)

My English is so bad. Please don’t let people know I am studying English now. After I arrived in South Korea I had surgery done on my eyes to fix a problem, so it is possible that I won’t be as recognizable as before. Anyway, my mother is still in North Korea so I am sensitive to photos and being identified as a North Korean refugee. I don’t want to do anything that could put...

2019-10-13 10:02

Taking photos with North Korean refugees (Part 2)

Taking photos with North Korean refugees (Part 2)

I was on TV in the past so I am actually okay with photos. When I first arrived here I would run from cameras and refused to let anyone take my photo, even close friends. My brother is still in North Korea in an influential position, so I don’t want him to have any trouble. These days, I don’t run from cameras, but I don’t want people to mention political things about North K...

2019-10-07 10:47

Taking photos with North Korean refugees (Part 1)

Taking photos with North Korean refugees (Part 1)

Please, no, I hope the volunteers won’t try to take my photo, I really don’t want it. I have a couple of reasons for wanting to maintain my privacy. I worked at a casino when I was in North Korea, so I was connected with some high-level government officials and I know about their corruption. They think I am dead because my family reported that I was missing. Second, I still h...

2019-10-05 10:42

'Have you ever considered returning to North Korea?' (Part 2)

'Have you ever considered returning to North Korea?' (Part 2)

No, I haven't thought about it. North Korea was hell for me. I had to pretend to be someone I wasn't so I wouldn't get into trouble.

2019-09-30 09:51

'Have you ever considered returning to North Korea?' (Part 1)

'Have you ever considered returning to North Korea?' (Part 1)

I thought about it a lot when I first arrived. I had left my family behind in North Korea, I was here on my own. South Koreans seemed to be so unsympathetic and uncaring.

2019-09-29 15:06

'Have you ever considered returning to North Korea?' (Part 2)

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