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Wed, October 4, 2023 | 19:57

On 'Squid Game:' A reaction from a North Korean defector

On 'Squid Game:' A reaction from a North Korean defector

I am a North Korean defector now living in the United States. After I finished watching “Squid Game,” the first thought that came to mind is that the North Korean regime would try to use this film for propaganda purposes.

2021-10-23 09:08

Many North Koreans are still searching for freedom in South

Are 'North Korean defectors' traitors?

Are 'North Korean defectors' traitors?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, has accused North Koreans in South Korea of being defectors, describing us as “traitors and trash.” I think many of you have seen Kim Yo-jong in the media. One of her roles is being the speaker who blames South Korea.

2021-09-18 10:00

Working with North Korean refugees and their angels

Working with North Korean refugees and their angels

My first year in Korea a friend of mine gave me a copy of a book called, “Nothing to Envy.” I was completely consumed by the stories of the six North Koreans who eventually escaped to freedom. Their real-life experiences hit me in a way similar to the first time I read stories detailing Nazi concentration camps, the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge, or the excruciating...

2021-08-29 09:16

Colonizing the colonizers: My moments of freedom

Colonizing the colonizers: My moments of freedom

When you are born free, it may be difficult to see how precious freedom is. How easy it is to take things for granted without ever thinking about the consequences of being without it.

2021-07-10 08:53

Suffering, South vs. North Korea (Part 2)

Suffering, South vs. North Korea (Part 2)

As I mentioned in part 1 of my speech, I suffered in North Korea, and escaping was the only way to deal with it. When I came to South Korea for the first time, I felt like an alien. I was struggling with many challenges. The first suffering for me was English. Even though South and North Koreans use the same language; I couldn't figure out some Korean characters on apartment ...

2021-07-04 09:18

Suffering, South vs. North Korea (Part 1)

Suffering, South vs. North Korea (Part 1)

Suffering, South vs. North Korea (Part 1)

What's the difference between suffering in oppression and suffering in freedom? In an oppressive country like North Korea, when you suffer, you don't have the opportunity to solve your problems. In a free country like South Korea, you may suffer, but you have the opportunity to overcome your problems.

2021-07-03 09:50

Suffering, South vs. North Korea (Part 2)

What does freedom mean to you?

What does freedom mean to you?

What does freedom mean to you? It's easy to ask that question, but extremely hard to answer if you think about it deeply.

2021-06-19 10:03

Here's why I want to open a North Korean restaurant in Seoul

Here's why I want to open a North Korean restaurant in Seoul

I grew up in a North Korean coal mining village near Hoeryong, North Hamgyeong Province. I lived there for 21 years until I escaped in search of freedom. Later this year, I will be celebrating my 10th year of freedom in South Korea.

2021-06-19 09:43

Defector talks about struggle as woman in North Korea

Defector talks about struggle as woman in North Korea

Women in North Korea are routinely deprived of the basic freedom of expression, which is what ultimately persuaded North Korean refugee Park Eun-hee to leave her home and come to South Korea when she was 19 years old.

2021-05-15 09:09

What I have learned about suffering after escaping North Korea

What I have learned about suffering after escaping North Korea

I spent a decade in the North Korean army before being released in 2010. Shortly after that, I escaped from North Korea to South Korea, lived in Canada for two years, and earned a master's degree in public administration from Korea University.

2021-05-09 09:24

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3	Genesis GV80 Coupe looks to compete with Mercedes-Benz, BMW

4	Korean steelmakers on alert over initiation of EU carbon border tariff

5	Korean shipbuilders seek lead over Chinese rivals in selling LNG carriers to Qatar

6	30 out of 74 major financial companies lack female board member

7	Hyundai, Kia to extend earnings rally on strengthening dollar, solid sales

8	Dong-A Socio Group’s honorary chairman passes away at 96

9	Lawmakers want chairmen of financial firms held accountable over misconduct

10	Returning home from Chuseok holiday

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