My parents escaped North Korea with me when I was a newborn. I read Yeonmi's book and I just felt amazing and proud of my parents. We are now living in the UK happily and we're all very healthy. The upsetting thing is that even until now, my parents can't bring themselves to speak badly of Kim Jong Un. They're scared that the rules in North Korea would haunt them in the UK. I hate that evil ball of monstrosity. EDIT: (2 years later from the original post) Hi! Thank you all so much for the extremely supportive and sweet replies. I originally posted this not expecting to get this much attention. I'm one of 300 defectors in the entirety of UK and I feel pretty rare and special, not to be conceited or anything. ;) This isn't a hoax, but you are free to believe whatever! Bless everyone (although I'm not religious) and I hope you all lead beautiful lives. Now, my parents are completely free of mind. They weren't per say scared as I stated before but subconsciously aware? I'm not sure but they tell me stories and experiences and they're so interesting. I'd love to share but don't really want to dig a dangerous hole in which I give away too much information, you know? Recently, my mum found out my grandma died a year ago- so she was under the impression that she was alive whilst she was dead. The brainwashed country of North Korea caused a barrier in which someone's daughter couldn't be aware of their mother's state 24/7. I wish in the future this would change. Please don't take the presence of your parents for granted. Love them. But only if they love you. :) EDIT: 2021, 4 YEARS AFTER MAKING THE ORIGINAL POST. Hi everyone. At the time of writing this post, I was around 12-13 years old. I'm currently 17 and I thought maybe an update was needed. Our lives are pretty ordinary at the moment and I no longer think my place of birth comes with bragging rights. I regret making such a cringeworthy comment and have realised how much I've changed as a person. I don't really care to show off or appreciate my parent's achievements anymore, I've grown to become selfish. I'm not proud of my growth as a person but I don't despise it either, I'm fiending for my own needs. They're not the best of people and of course I've grown to dislike them, whether it's immoral or not I don't really care. Thank you all for your sweet comments once again, I do appreciate it and It's nice to know there are amazing supportive people out there I guess. EDIT: 5 years from original post. Reading this huge log makes me laugh, it's hilarious to me that I've updated once every year or so with a completely different voice. My last edit was pretty cynical, and I've grown to be in a much better place. An important person to me emphasised the importance of forgiveness, and I've come to be appreciative of how much my parents provide for me. Only recently have I unveiled my ignorance and realised I am incredibly better off in terms of being provided for, and I cannot be more thankful for my parents despite the emotional neglect, trauma and everything else. Not to get into too much detail, but my parents have shocked me with how they've built everything from nothing. I'm so happy for that. Lastly, I have my struggles but I'm overall more true to myself. I think I have a better pathway now. Thank you guys very much for your supportive words, to know that you guys are all individual souls out there that have taken the time to read this and respond with such nice words, I am truly in love. EDIT: 6 years from original post. As always, I thank you for the supportive words from the bottom of my heart. I wrote this post when I was 12/13 and I am 19 now! Time flies... We are all doing well, my parents recently got a huge surge of happiness due to my great grades (typical asian moment haha). If you are reading this, I hope life treats you well, keep working towards your goals, you matter :)!
So glad your family got out. That's so crazy that they still won't speak badly about Kim Jong Un, but totally understandable since they are so indoctrinated into those rules.
I'm very happy to hear that your parents escaped and glad you and your folks are living in a better place. but im sure as well Kim Jong Un will die in a early age knowing how fat and obese he is now just like his father and grandfather were and im sure he will rot in hell just like how they are right now
+zeepster There are tens of millions of horny and lonely men in China itching to get their hands on female North Korean defectors. Being a trafficker of said women can be lucrative.
To be able to talk so openly and tell the world her experience. And she uses her freedom to fight for people from North Korea who does not have that freedom yet. I wish freedom to all people on this earth. Like she said, we all very much deserve it.
"I just ate dragon flies, bugs, or grass because I was trying to live off the nature." "My mother was raped in order to protect me." "I could not believe that they were negotiating my price in front of me." These are some of the things she is saying for people who cannot understand. The suffering is real. Slavery still exists.
TrillestJD yeonmi park is so beautiful gorgeous. I am so glad she escaped from North Korea for good. She don’t need goes back there in the old past as let it goes then she can has new life and new knowledge in her life as she can do her best for her good chance.
Human beings can be really disgusting. This poor girl. How we are even wired to have the potential watch people suffer like this is just sick. It really just is so sick.
+Repair Man What the hell are you talking about. kim jung un would have an easy time with you. He would have you singing "bend me, shape me, any way you want me" in no time.
Nathaniel Ng The general public has no access to internet except the big guys in North Korea.They will not discard their nuclear and biological weapons even with increasing pressure and sanctions. Perhaps Mr Trump can invite Kim Jong Un over a cup of coffee and American buggers.
When Yeonmi was talking about how she unintentionally defended Kim Jong-Un at some part horrified me because even if you're free, your mind isn't truly free from Kim Jong-Un. It's kind of horrifying...
Yeonmi, I will probably never meet you, but you will be in my heart forever. Strength is so much more than who has the loudest voice. I wish her the very best of everything
"if people can be treated like this in North korea, it makes us all less human" wow. both women are so brave. to escape a country and come to speak for its people, and to devote your life to helping those less fortunate...they are doing amazing work. yeonmi is so sweet and brave, and hannah seems like a sharply intellectual and driven person...wish them the best
caramel coffee They are speaking on behalf of North Koreans who are under a tyrant's rule to escape and have a better future.The great leaders enjoy good life but not the common people.
caramel coffee You are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS and I LOVE your Long Ginger Locks! Wish I could Get to Know you better! Very Intelligent post as well!!! 😎 😉😙😉
I cannot even describe how much I adore yeonmi! Wow she is amazing and so inspiring. I would love to find a way to help North Koreans. I can’t believe the absolute unimaginable hell these people go through every day. I just can’t believe we are allowing this to happen in 2020.
She is so innocent, sweet and honest even after being through such hardships. Also she makes us feel how privileged we are in our democracy, no matter how shitty it may seem. BTW not to make any comparison but what a contrast she is to Malala.
"Not to make any comparison..." & proceeds to make a comparison. Please elaborate on your comment, because I cannot understand it after your first nice comments and because I see no contrast. I was going to mention how similar the two are.
Well to each his own, so if you guys think that there is no contrast, I totally get it. But the contrast which I see or was talking about is more in terms of gain. In my opinion Malala milked her struggle to gain a freaking nobel peace prize. She already mentioned she wants to be a politician and her latest comments proves that, particularly about regressive Islam. It seems words are given to her on a plate to chew. She isn't mockingjay to me. Oh and did I say that her book name is "I am Malala", how narcissistic.
Gosh ! such a powerful speech she said at the end. It touched my heart ❤ . I am from Russia and I believe that nationally means nothing. We are human beings and we all want the same. We want just to be ourselves..
Khazova Ru - What you said is very touching . I'm in the U.S. and like you feel that we are all human beings and all created the same and should all be treated the same. Sadly we don't yet live in such a world but I pray that someday we will. Both of these young ladies are very brave and their stories very touching. I hope to see more stories in the future of those who've been able to escape such tyrants like Un. God bless these ladies and all those oppressed in the world
Yes I know there is no direct equation,these two run away countries are run by military.One in NK directly rule and the other in Pakistan has been capturing power at will or dictating from out side. Malala was a dissident of tribal culture. Yeonmi was also a dissident against military suppression. Both are truly intellectuals. Both love their countries.Both ladies are true representatives of women's liberation and reform.
+padmanabhan venkatesan From your opinion of Pakistan I'm guessing you are Indian, I have a really negative opinion of the Pakistani government - I'm Pakistani
No hatred towards any nation or nationality. Asia could be better if a few countries in general do not indulge in violence and promote hatred. Religious nation,democratic nation ,nations run by dictators,Capitalist countries ,Communists and racists differ from each other. Countries without a government or ideology too exist in this world.Humanity is the only expectation of international community from all these way of politics.If any one's actions are blatantly against humanity world must have the courage to correct them or at least express resentment.That is all I try to do.
+Tom Jones I dislike it because Yeon Mi Park is a proven fraud who steals the stories of other defectors then charges $40,000 too speak them out like they are her own, when in reality SHE WAS A ONE OF THE PYONGYANG ELITE, WHOS DADDY GOT CAUGHT ENGAGED IN FRAUD. Fuck Yeon Mi Park.
+KironVB apparently even the elites there are not safe, Even the dictator's own relatives were ordered to be executed, not to mention his own uncle who was featured in a South Korean magazine was executed.
Whatever, the thing is i don't need to hate DPRK or anybody else, it may be a war mongering propaganda of some sort as you say, but why so defensive?!? Why the hate against US and democracy? Why not comply with the UN's effort against nuclear weapons testing? You can not talk peace and have a gun... apparently there are many questions NoKor should answer.and like China, the most relevant and important issues were left unanswered... Let the world hear DPRK's voice and where it really stands and be truthful.. We all know the world is full of deception.... DPRK is not the only country who has dictatorship as the norm, and history in the most part usually speaks for itself, and maybe history is itself dictated by the victors. I am a Filipino by the way, and I do not hate DPRK or China..it is just that we also had a dictator as a leader and as much as other people hide atrocities. It will always reveal the truth.. Pol pot, Idi Amin, even Ghaddafi of Libya who was actually had a good governance and knows how to take care of his people, was later on got drunk by power. Much Love kapatid!
She is so great I love her. She's a strong, elegant, eloquent, independent, positive, smart and beautiful lady and her English is absolutely amazing. She deserves everything she's worked so hard to achieve
This video is a year or so old but it only has over 100K views and just 915 thumbs up?... where are all those 100s of millions of ppl who likes watching videos of cats/music/memes/etc?. This girl has suffered so much but still manages to smile a bit from time to time. My highest respect for her for speaking up and found her own voice and my best wishes to the people of North Korea can fight their own path to freedom.
+peetrpeetr I asked for herbook for Christmas, I started reading on Christmas Day and had finished it by the end of Boxing Day. Utterley amazing girl, family and story. Wow!
+천사 I don't understand your comment. Are you saying she is a slave and no one thinks highly of her? I beg to differ. I live in upperclass society and I admire her. she is an inspiration to soon millions.
+천사 I watched the tour. The children were learning state of the art technology on a computer with no keyboard????? How does that happen. The library had millions of books behind the wall yet when the vacationer tried loom at some she said there's no time and made 6 other excuses The mall he tried to shop at nothing was for sale. I don't know how you have Internet. I'll give you that. Also your gross leader murdered his uncle and tried people to stakes and murdered them in a public audience just for minor infractions that are legal in the Western world. Your brainwashed into thinking your country I'd great. A teacher who taught in North Korea has been around the world and told them how shitty their country was. Your country is shit. We have a movie called the interview mocking your country and your leader.
I am a South African and watched this woman Yeomin Park I tried not to cry but that was impossible tears just flowed at the absolute horror of one man that has been allowed to do this to a nation .Now my question is when,how and who will being an end to this despote .How is it possible to still live like this in a 21st modern day society.
It certainly is unimaginable that this reign.ll of terror is persisting. Maybe if Kim Jung-un continues binging on imported luxury foods and alcohol Mother Nature will do the job.
Yeon-mi she is an absolute angel, unbelievable dignity she shows after been through all this hell yet she is still able to keep her posture and smile. Telling the world about it is courageous and brave but something has to be done about a regime that needs no introduction anymore. Our so called world leaders that we choose are only thinking economics and profit. Priorities need to change! Wasn't there a famous quote regarding Nazism and the atrocities being commited during the second world war : "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". This is exactly what we have been doing worlwide regarding the situation for the people unfortunate enough to live in North Korea. Like this woman sais "It's not about the freedom of speech, it's about freedom to live".
I would just like to add (for certain people who say she is lying, because when comparing different interviews her age is always different) that the Korean age system isn't the same as ours, (well for South Korea at least, I don't know if it's the same in North Korea, but I'm gonna guess it is). For example: I'm 18 (western age) but in Korean age I'm 20. So maybe the explanation for her saying that she was 15 once and 17 another time is that she just got confused because she's not used to saying/calculating her age in a certain way. Ok so that's it, I just wanted to point that out in case some people didn't know about it. And if I'm wrong feel free to just say it, but at least give me a piece of evidence to prove your point.
Frankie Harper No I'm pretty sure it is actually 20 since this year I turned 19. And you're supposed to add 1 to the age (western) you're turning to during the year.
You would be 19 or 20 Korean age depending on whether your birthday has come and gone to calculate your age in Korea - just split the calendar year at your birthday - before your birthday - your Korean age is 2 years older - from your birthday to the end of the year - you are 1 year older why? the Koreans use the old Chinese system - which means you are 1 year old when you are born (cuz you've been alive in the womb) if that were the only thing different - calculating your Korean would be simple - just add 1 to your current age as determined most international cultures but in Korea - your age is incremented not on your birthday - but on New Years Day - so starting on New Years Day - you are 2 years older than your international age - until your birthday arrives - since that's when you increment your age - your Korean age is reducd to 1 year more - from then til New Years Eve
I've watched a few of her interview and they never fail to make me shed a tear, it makes me so sad to think her story is probably happening to someone right now. Her story could have been any of our stories, but through no choice of our own we weren't born in NK. We may have problem but we are so blessed to live in the USA. May God bless her and all those who today face her story with courage and bravery.
j12232 camp 14 someone had to stay there their whole life cuz their grandfather or grandmother did something wrong and they do work,eat,and if you try,plan or even talk about escaping guess what happens: YOUR.FAMILY GETS TORTURED WITH FIRE!!
As a South Korean living in NYC, I send my very best respect to these brave women, especially impressed by Ms. Hanna Cha for what she taught us. Yeonmi, life has its own story everywhere, pls keep your faith in little things and enjoy your best while at the same time striving for your people's freedom.
I love you Yeonmi Park! You are one of my heroines in life, you are stronger than a mountain and as gentle as a butterfly. Your story inspired me to never take granted my freedom and to help others who have none. Also, make others aware that other parts of the world not as blessed as we are in America. Bless you Ms. Park!
+eric martens she is not a hero. she lies about her experiences in north korea so that she can be famous. there are real defectors who are real heroes, but not this woman. she just tells everyone what they want to hear and gets paid to say certain things. if you look her up, her stories have constantly changed. her first interview she said her father was let out of prison because of his medical diagnosis, now the story is different and that he wasn't in prison and was bought by a man she had to be a mistress to. so much other stuff too just look it up, there are countless of sources to multiple interviews where every story was different. people just fall for yeonmi and eat up her lies like dogs..
Goo gle i know but this page just has all the different stories she has told jooparkblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/yeonmi-park-defector-who-fooled-world.html
Yule tbh this blog is suspicious. its only got like 2 posts.. but there is this huge post about her? thats really weird, who just randomly makes such an effort when they usually dont do it? it could be someone supporting NK regime tbh. yes, there may be inconsistency in her stories and there are some critical parts, but many times inconsistency does not mean that she entirely lied. if she left some parts out of the story one time does not mean she lied..there are many small things criticised that i dont really acknowledge.. the only part i do care about is the raping story. its possible that she made it up, but its also possible that she just didnt want to talk about that part in her first interviews... you never know, its on a whole other personal level. anyway, she does deserve respect either way, she is a brave person. in the end, this blog really just seems very suspicious to me so i can not hold a grudge against her
I've heard several of her interviews. This was a very condensed version of the events. Her dad was in prison and was released. He was then brought to China, where he died and was buried by his daughter, Yeonmi.
what bullshit argument is that? Communism is an economic theory and has nothing to do with the political system. Same for the US for example, which is based on free markets and capitalism, but turned into a fascist corrupt oligarchy. By the way, Show the misery of the "losers" of our societies in any country and you will find much worse off people.
She speaks so eloquently. When she said she still gets that warm feeling in her chest......thought the mouse could hear and relay her thoughts.....my heart broke for her! She is amazing! I'm so proud of this young woman and hope she can one day be truly and fully happy and feel safe! Thank You.... young lady for sharing your story and your life!
Wow powerful voice with such sweetness of a human who has lived more than most in her young years nothing but prayers for the people who are still there.
It is not wrong to stand up to injustices of the first world. Even if there are greater injustices somewhere in the world, they're still injustices. Otherwise the world never becomes a better place.
Yes, but this seems to not have a solution. The others even imagine by some stretch creativity a way to fix it. When I think of North Korea and all that it would entail to end that suffering, I come up empty with........anything.
Many comments said it all. I just want to say that this sweet and brave young lady makes me cry. Escaping from a cruel system and facing hardship after hardship. I wish you a happy life, you deserve it.
Both women, especially Park Yeonmi (sorry if I get the name wrong) are brave and inspiring women. You guys are just reminders and role models of a better world where human beings can live in peace, harmony & freedom. thank you.
Anyone who thinks Yeome Park isn't the real deal should watch this. I know from several sources that she is genuine. People like this are the foundation of a human world that deserves to exist. I can only hope that somehow, some day, I will have this kind of strength
*F A K E T E A R S O N P R E T T Y F A C E* Please do your due diligence and research this woman's credibility. She has already been exposed as a fraud exaggerating/fabricating her claims. Her stories have been inconsistent and contradictory over the years, raising questions as to the veracity of her claims. Anyone who is tempted to believe that this woman might be telling the truth should look up ***. Park Yeonmi is a compulsive liar and a narcissist. She has been caught in a million lies and simply profits off her NK sob story and by virtue signaling. No better than Greta Thunburg! Short version, her story is full of holes and she has changed it multiple times (she can't even remember it consistently which is a problem with people who make things up since things that actually happened are just plain easier to remember than things you made up for profit.) Also see "Why do North Korean defector testimonies so often fall apart?" in The Guardian. The combination of cash incentives (from various political organizations as well as the government) and the media’s constant pursuit for disturbing stories encourage refugees to exaggerate for financial rewards as well as popularity which in her case, she was able to use to tour the world AND become an actress. Also look up North Korean defector Shin Dong-hyuk who wrote a bestselling book about his life in a gulag he was never actually in and admitted the fact AFTER earning vast sums of money with a memoir which he made up.! We have to do a great job in putting together a very strong case that exposes Park as a deceitful opportunist & charlatan who took advantage of the Western society's goodwill & sympathy for her own financial gain. I also noticed that she seems to really enjoy the spotlight & relish in her celebrity status, which made me very weary about her real motives. But her contradictions, distortions & lies can't be excused away or justified. So many commenters here have made asinine remarks about trauma, developing memories, age counting differences, etc. in order to deny or deflect the objective facts presented here. Really sad that people become so emotionally invested in someone like Park to the point they are unable or unwilling to critically analyze the reality & the facts that clearly demonstrate her manipulation & fabrication of the facts. She can't seem to get her story straight . Anything about the life about her family is said to be lies. Life in North Korea may be shit. Life in many countries of the world is shit. She was never a “defector”. At most she is a refugee, at least, an economic migrant. Her mother and herself lives like princesses according to testimony of people who knew her while she lived in the DPKR. She has become a Millionaire and is living the dream. She didn't waste any time capitalizing on the misfortunes of her fellow North Koreans. Really sucks that UA-cam has made it so easy for con artists to create a channel with a fake bleeding heart story and get super rich off the caring public that falls for it. There's so much of this going on across many different subjects. ***Please google this: "The Strange Tale of Yeonmi Park" in The Diplomat
I cried a lot watching this. I wish I could help in some way. She is so brave for speaking and I was really brought to tears to know about the suffering the people there are enduring.
Yeonmi Park, you are a very brave and delightful person. I am so happy that you now own yourself and have the freedom to be the unique person that you are. Your story resonates deeply. You should be very proud of yourself. Your story inspires us all. Be well and happy, whatever you do.
This is Yeonmi's story, not hers. How selfish would you have to be to display your emotions as an interviewer, when you're trying to make sure that girl's voice is heard? After years of living under an oppressive dictator regime, selling herself off as a mistress to save her family, watching her family being sold off, watching her father die right after being reunited with her, crossing the Gobi desert in freezing weather with poison, and knives in hand just in case you're caught, because you don't want to risk being tortured for information. Do you honestly think the interviewer needs to cut her off, and say "Oh my god, I'm so sorry for you." and make it all about themselves? No! It's her story, not the interviewer's, as their job is to ask her for her story so the truth can be heard.
My how ignorant you are. The job of an interviewer is to remain detached, and allow the interviewee to tell their story. Of course, if you prefer propaganda... But this interviewer did a good job.
I've just come across this VDO clip after many years of interviewing of this young girl's, but listening to her story burying the ashes of her late father and her words towards the end of the interview makes the tears roll up in my eyes. I feel really sorry for what befelt her. I'm just thinking how fortunate we are not to be born in such a country. Glad that now you've successfully escaped from that country. Love you Yeonmi.
Tears just keep falling down my eyes watching this. I admire her for her extreme courage and for voicing out to the whole world what the N.Korea is facing for the longest time. N.Korea should be free and live like the rest of the world. The leaders in N.K just need to go to hell asap. ㅠ.ㅠ
what a brave girl. but, so sad to hear.. i can feel her pain and ordeal that we went under in such a tender age.. i wish i could do something to her.. rightnow, what i can do is to say a pray for her happiness for the rest of her life. i was also fled from my iwn country during cold snowy winter from the China Nepal border when i was three years old... and it is obvious that i don't remember at all... since then i haven't seen my family and our town as well.. i am rotting in exile...
Such unimaginable sufferings Yeonmi went through, so proud of her plight and courage to retell the gruesome experience, to name and shame 'animals' who can be so ruthless. I have read many stories of sufferings but your book touched me in so many ways. I really feel your pain. Soldier on and help others to fight for freedom and STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING!
love yeonmi park, shes brave and emotionally intact which is miraculous. i cant imagine having no freedom of thought. What is so beautiful is her empathy.
What a truly beautiful person Yeonmi is... and yes, are all alike... it is our governments which usually keep us apart due to their fear, greed or their lust for power and control.
God loves her so much that he rescued her from the clutches of Evil. Iam happy for her n feel sorry for her parents. May she live a hundred years. God bless u Yeonmi 😘😘😘😘😘😘
God bless Yeonmi she is brave and strong after such a horrific younger life. She really shed light on the sad life of her people and what this horrible dictator does to his people, if he does this to his people he's capable of wiping out any people if he keeps getting away with all this.
*I read Yeonmi's book just this year, after wanting to read it for 2 years. I've been following her story and the stories of other North Korean defectors that give a voice to the millions of people without freedom, food, critical thinking, safety and expression of love. These stories are heartbreakingly beautiful, but very painful. I hope more people become aware of the actual situation within the country because awareness is the first step to change. I hope people stop thinking of North Koreans as the same entity as the totalitarian regime. North Koreans are victims to the regime, although they may not know or believe it. But they are people, humans, too, and they deserve human rights and the compassion of humanity. I hope we all can appreciate whatever freedom we have now, and use our voices to speak for the voiceless.* Yeonmi is one of my role model, and she motivated me to start becoming more aware of human rights and of the vulnerable people in North Korea and around the world. I want to learn more because of her, and she renewed my sense of compassion and hope again. I hope she is safer and happier now, despite the horrors, hunger and trauma in her past. She is so strong and I'm so glad she continues to tell her story to give a voice to the voiceless in North Korea. Humanity in general is not that promising at these times, but I still hope for a better future and unity, both against oppression and with the oppressed.
You are an amazing young woman I wish you all the best, and the work you are doing is saving life . I'm so sorry you had to go through all that pain you have touched my heart forever...xo
Actually, there is something you can do. A few things, actually. :) There are many groups, including LiNK (Liberty In North Korea), like what Hannah Song is from, that you can help support. The thing that I absolutely love about LiNK is that 100% of whatever money you give to them to help the North Korean people, goes to help the North Korean people. They don't make even a fraction of a penny off of the donations they get or the proceeds from their merchandise that they sell on their website, www.libertyinnorthkorea.org. I HIGHLY recommend that you check out their website and get more information from them about how you can help. You don't even have to give money, there are other ways you can help rescue refugees. You'll find all the info you need on their website. I've even had the opportunity to meet Yeonmi and other defectors like her through LiNK, so that's another reason to get involved. God bless!
+Evolvedgaming china is a bunch of assholes , they wouldn't help her in fact ... her sister was taken advantage of as a slave laborer basicly because chinese knew she was a defector so she had to sneak to SK . but south korea is more than understanding of their situation .
+Evolvedgaming China is not a destination for these people. The government's standing policy is to deport any North Korean defectors they catch back to DPRK.
+DallasHammster Yeah, it's sad really. China doesn't mind South Koreans though, yet their "allies" are deported back only to get tortured and executed. There are only 4-5,000 Legal DPRK(NK) residents while there is 121,750 legal ROK(SK) residents
My girl is South Korean, I wish the American people knew how amazing these people are. My soul bleeds for these people and my heart is lightened by this one amazing beautiful girl that escaped the hell on earth that is North Korea. Korean people you all have my admiration for your extreme kindness and your 5000 year culture. Korean people are to me some of the most amazing people god ever put on this earth. These people that are being tortured and murdered and brainwashed I only hope and pray someday that they are all set free. These are people that I would love to see come to our country. The hardest working kindest people I've ever known.
Also hosting and asking sensible questions especially in topics like this is not easy. She is doing a great job, while maintaining steady flow of questions and navigating between 2 interviewees and keeping time, not everyone is oprah winfrey. While just sitting there and answering questions that is obviously in your expertise fueled by passion is easier, no?
Why do you want to know? No, not as of now but she has written a wonderful book. It is the story of her life as a memoir, it is called "in order to live" I highly recommend it, it really is very moving.
No, because that would mean liberal hollywood would have to cast an Asian as the lead role. And as we all know, liberal hollywood discriminates against Asians.
I hope I live long enough to see North Korea become free from the dictatorship they are under. People in America need to remember, freedom isn't free. Many men and women lost their lives so we can live according to our constitutional rights. That's why it is so important to fight for them and not let government change them or take them away. WE THE PEOPLE.🇺🇸
This girl has experienced more heartbreak at her young age than a lot of people experience in their lifetime.
She’s a liar 😂 her story switch more then a hooker do in the community she is known as the lair
Thas an understatement. She has had to witness public executions and seeing dead children in the street among other terrors.
My parents escaped North Korea with me when I was a newborn.
I read Yeonmi's book and I just felt amazing and proud of my parents.
We are now living in the UK happily and we're all very healthy.
The upsetting thing is that even until now, my parents can't bring themselves to speak badly of Kim Jong Un. They're scared that the rules in North Korea would haunt them in the UK.
I hate that evil ball of monstrosity.
EDIT: (2 years later from the original post) Hi! Thank you all so much for the extremely supportive and sweet replies. I originally posted this not expecting to get this much attention.
I'm one of 300 defectors in the entirety of UK and I feel pretty rare and special, not to be conceited or anything. ;)
This isn't a hoax, but you are free to believe whatever! Bless everyone (although I'm not religious) and I hope you all lead beautiful lives.
Now, my parents are completely free of mind. They weren't per say scared as I stated before but subconsciously aware? I'm not sure but they tell me stories and experiences and they're so interesting. I'd love to share but don't really want to dig a dangerous hole in which I give away too much information, you know?
Recently, my mum found out my grandma died a year ago- so she was under the impression that she was alive whilst she was dead. The brainwashed country of North Korea caused a barrier in which someone's daughter couldn't be aware of their mother's state 24/7. I wish in the future this would change. Please don't take the presence of your parents for granted. Love them. But only if they love you. :)
EDIT: 2021, 4 YEARS AFTER MAKING THE ORIGINAL POST. Hi everyone. At the time of writing this post, I was around 12-13 years old. I'm currently 17 and I thought maybe an update was needed. Our lives are pretty ordinary at the moment and I no longer think my place of birth comes with bragging rights. I regret making such a cringeworthy comment and have realised how much I've changed as a person. I don't really care to show off or appreciate my parent's achievements anymore, I've grown to become selfish. I'm not proud of my growth as a person but I don't despise it either, I'm fiending for my own needs. They're not the best of people and of course I've grown to dislike them, whether it's immoral or not I don't really care. Thank you all for your sweet comments once again, I do appreciate it and It's nice to know there are amazing supportive people out there I guess.
EDIT: 5 years from original post. Reading this huge log makes me laugh, it's hilarious to me that I've updated once every year or so with a completely different voice. My last edit was pretty cynical, and I've grown to be in a much better place. An important person to me emphasised the importance of forgiveness, and I've come to be appreciative of how much my parents provide for me. Only recently have I unveiled my ignorance and realised I am incredibly better off in terms of being provided for, and I cannot be more thankful for my parents despite the emotional neglect, trauma and everything else. Not to get into too much detail, but my parents have shocked me with how they've built everything from nothing. I'm so happy for that. Lastly, I have my struggles but I'm overall more true to myself. I think I have a better pathway now. Thank you guys very much for your supportive words, to know that you guys are all individual souls out there that have taken the time to read this and respond with such nice words, I am truly in love.
EDIT: 6 years from original post. As always, I thank you for the supportive words from the bottom of my heart. I wrote this post when I was 12/13 and I am 19 now! Time flies...
We are all doing well, my parents recently got a huge surge of happiness due to my great grades (typical asian moment haha). If you are reading this, I hope life treats you well, keep working towards your goals, you matter :)!
So glad your family got out. That's so crazy that they still won't speak badly about Kim Jong Un, but totally understandable since they are so indoctrinated into those rules.
Akiamea Art Thank you for your respect ~
I'm very happy to hear that your parents escaped and glad you and your folks are living in a better place. but im sure as well Kim Jong Un will die in a early age knowing how fat and obese he is now just like his father and grandfather were and im sure he will rot in hell just like how they are right now
Ahaha, that made my day ;). Thank you so much. ~
Miguel Navarro Yep! Let's hope a new leader can bring hope!
Damn the human traffickers who harm helpless women and girls.
+zeepster There are tens of millions of horny and lonely men in China itching to get their hands on female North Korean defectors. Being a trafficker of said women can be lucrative.
+krnpowr Is that supposed to be an informative comment? It's painfully obvious. Apparently that's your specialty: trafficking in the obvious.
+TheBerto3141 lmao.
TheBerto3141 I evoked emotion on your part. Let me guess, you have an interest in trafficked women and girls?
If those women become actual wives and not prostitutes then I wager it's a better life then in North Korea.
I love this girl sooo much! She is so brave, smart and sweet. I admire her a lot!
To be able to talk so openly and tell the world her experience. And she uses her freedom to fight for people from North Korea who does not have that freedom yet. I wish freedom to all people on this earth. Like she said, we all very much deserve it.
me too
I totally agree too.
Elin Hägglund Shes like Ariana Grande, Lol.
Elin Hägglund She is seen a window of North Korea to the outside world.
"I just ate dragon flies, bugs, or grass because I was trying to live off the nature." "My mother was raped in order to protect me." "I could not believe that they were negotiating my price in front of me." These are some of the things she is saying for people who cannot understand. The suffering is real. Slavery still exists.
DIAbycmgm and yet bruce jenner gets named woman of the year. Smh...
And America is the third biggest slaveholder after NK and Russia.
Your prison system is just confederate 2.0
Ae Norist where are you from?
Yet you have those in America whining about slavery from 100+ years yet they don't care about modern slavery.
DIAbycmgm ... I understood, so powerful!
"Really only the stars were with us"
Yeonmi Park
TrillestJD yeonmi park is so beautiful gorgeous. I am so glad she escaped from North Korea for good. She don’t need goes back there in the old past as let it goes then she can has new life and new knowledge in her life as she can do her best for her good chance.
Human beings can be really disgusting. This poor girl. How we are even wired to have the potential watch people suffer like this is just sick. It really just is so sick.
+Maya Beans this bitch is bullshiting around to scam idiots like you so she can make money
+Maya Beans I hope you ain't American otherwise that statement would be hypocritical considering the regimes and governments the U.S. supported.
+Maya Beans she is paid to tell bullshit to you..
+Anon .Equal Yea because of May Beans those damn Americans supported those regimes.
+Repair Man What the hell are you talking about. kim jung un would have an easy time with you. He would have you singing "bend me, shape me, any way you want me" in no time.
The 93 dislikes are Kim Jong Un and his 92 commanders and generals
Nathaniel Ng very funny, but probably true!
Nathaniel Ng The general public has no access to internet except the big guys in North Korea.They will not discard their nuclear and biological weapons even with increasing pressure and sanctions. Perhaps Mr Trump can invite Kim Jong Un over a cup of coffee and American buggers.
jaya tissa 
jaya tissa .
jaya tissa .
The true definition of "Small, yet Mighty"... What an amazing woman!
Im in tears...
Lets pray for a change in this country!
My worst nightmare is getting transported illigaly to North Korea. Fuck hell, fuck death, North Korea is way worse.
me to......because I usually say what I think, so they would kill me
still better than living under ISIS ha ha
they did abduct foreigners, mostly south koreans japanese and chinese. possibly to teach their language to north korean spies
@stormycliffs
Wrong place to make such a joke, pal, just wrong place. Use your situational awareness please :(
When Yeonmi was talking about how she unintentionally defended Kim Jong-Un at some part horrified me because even if you're free, your mind isn't truly free from Kim Jong-Un. It's kind of horrifying...
I know this old comment but I agree with you whole heartedly. It scary
Yeonmi Park....may the force be with you... all the best from India.
swear to Babaji!
pp basu0079 what force?
JESUS is with Her. Jesus is God.
Yeonmi, I will probably never meet you, but you will be in my heart forever. Strength is so much more than who has the loudest voice. I wish her the very best of everything
She may have an accent, but she's more articulate than most college-educated Americans.
It's good to have an accent.
I agree with you, and most important of all.... Her accent is very charming !!!!
She is awesome.
Actually foreign students tend to be more accurate in school than American students.
you mean indoctrinated don't you?
"if people can be treated like this in North korea, it makes us all less human" wow.
both women are so brave. to escape a country and come to speak for its people, and to devote your life to helping those less fortunate...they are doing amazing work. yeonmi is so sweet and brave, and hannah seems like a sharply intellectual and driven person...wish them the best
caramel coffee - Me too! ✊
caramel coffee They are speaking on behalf of North Koreans who are under a tyrant's rule to escape and have a better future.The great leaders enjoy good life but not the common people.
Yes she was very perceptive. Anything that degrades the dignity of the individual hurts everyone.
caramel coffee You are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS and I LOVE your Long Ginger Locks! Wish I could Get to Know you better! Very Intelligent post as well!!! 😎 😉😙😉
677b
I cannot even describe how much I adore yeonmi! Wow she is amazing and so inspiring. I would love to find a way to help North Koreans. I can’t believe the absolute unimaginable hell these people go through every day. I just can’t believe we are allowing this to happen in 2020.
She is so innocent, sweet and honest even after being through such hardships. Also she makes us feel how privileged we are in our democracy, no matter how shitty it may seem.
BTW not to make any comparison but what a contrast she is to Malala.
Please explain the contrast with malala. I know that Pakistan is also kind of dictatorship of army there.
"Not to make any comparison..." & proceeds to make a comparison.
Please elaborate on your comment, because I cannot understand it after your first nice comments and because I see no contrast. I was going to mention how similar the two are.
Well to each his own, so if you guys think that there is no contrast, I totally get it. But the contrast which I see or was talking about is more in terms of gain. In my opinion Malala milked her struggle to gain a freaking nobel peace prize. She already mentioned she wants to be a politician and her latest comments proves that, particularly about regressive Islam. It seems words are given to her on a plate to chew. She isn't mockingjay to me.
Oh and did I say that her book name is "I am Malala", how narcissistic.
Maria L what about her?
If you are in the U.S., you are in a Republic that exercises democracy.. You are not in a full fledged Democracy.
Gosh ! such a powerful speech she said at the end. It touched my heart ❤ . I am from Russia and I believe that nationally means nothing. We are human beings and we all want the same. We want just to be ourselves..
Khazova Ru yeah its to tell these leaders to respect human rights.
Khazova Ru - What you said is very touching . I'm in the U.S. and like you feel that we are all human beings and all created the same and should all be treated the same. Sadly we don't yet live in such a world but I pray that someday we will. Both of these young ladies are very brave and their stories very touching. I hope to see more stories in the future of those who've been able to escape such tyrants like Un. God bless these ladies and all those oppressed in the world
Sadly North Koreans are literally in the dark.
Awesome u r 😊 v r humans dats enuf
Very true. We r human beings who r loveable. What does borders mean, nothing. It's ultimately d human nature to love, help, forgive n forget r real
A Malala from Pakistan made waves. Yeonmi is another angel from North Korea. World must recognize the plights of North Korean people too.
How does Pakistan and Malala have anything to do with this ?
Yes I know there is no direct equation,these two run away countries are run by military.One in NK directly rule and the other in Pakistan has been capturing power at will or dictating from out side. Malala was a dissident of tribal culture. Yeonmi was also a dissident against military suppression. Both are truly intellectuals. Both love their countries.Both ladies are true representatives of women's liberation and reform.
+padmanabhan venkatesan From your opinion of Pakistan I'm guessing you are Indian, I have a really negative opinion of the Pakistani government - I'm Pakistani
No hatred towards any nation or nationality.
Asia could be better if a few countries in general do not indulge in violence and promote hatred. Religious nation,democratic nation ,nations run by dictators,Capitalist countries ,Communists and racists differ from each other. Countries without a government or ideology too exist in this world.Humanity is the only expectation of international community from all these way of politics.If any one's actions are blatantly against humanity world must have the courage to correct them or at least express resentment.That is all I try to do.
+padmanabhan venkatesan ya bro u right
What kind of person dislikes this... Kim Jong un must've made 12 accounts
+천사 wait I thought you tube was banned in your shit country
+천사 you must be trolling
+Tom Jones I dislike it because Yeon Mi Park is a proven fraud who steals the stories of other defectors then charges $40,000 too speak them out like they are her own, when in reality SHE WAS A ONE OF THE PYONGYANG ELITE, WHOS DADDY GOT CAUGHT ENGAGED IN FRAUD. Fuck Yeon Mi Park.
+KironVB
apparently even the elites there are not safe, Even the dictator's own relatives were ordered to be executed, not to mention his own uncle who was featured in a South Korean magazine was executed.
Whatever, the thing is i don't need to hate DPRK or anybody else, it may be a war mongering propaganda of some sort as you say, but why so defensive?!?
Why the hate against US and democracy? Why not comply with the UN's effort against nuclear weapons testing? You can not talk peace and have a gun... apparently there are many questions NoKor should answer.and like China, the most relevant and important issues were left unanswered... Let the world hear DPRK's voice and where it really stands and be truthful.. We all know the world is full of deception....
DPRK is not the only country who has dictatorship as the norm, and history in the most part usually speaks for itself, and maybe history is itself dictated by the victors. I am a Filipino by the way, and I do not hate DPRK or China..it is just that we also had a dictator as a leader and as much as other people hide atrocities. It will always reveal the truth.. Pol pot, Idi Amin, even Ghaddafi of Libya who was actually had a good governance and knows how to take care of his people, was later on got drunk by power.
Much Love kapatid!
This is one of the most incredible things i've ever seen
She is so great I love her. She's a strong, elegant, eloquent, independent, positive, smart and beautiful lady and her English is absolutely amazing. She deserves everything she's worked so hard to achieve
This video is a year or so old but it only has over 100K views and just 915 thumbs up?... where are all those 100s of millions of ppl who likes watching videos of cats/music/memes/etc?.
This girl has suffered so much but still manages to smile a bit from time to time. My highest respect for her for speaking up and found her own voice and my best wishes to the people of North Korea can fight their own path to freedom.
Because most Asian is scare to be found online and don’t want to put there lives at risk
Right, likes & comments are what grows the channel so more people see it
I am so proud of her!!! She is so humble yet so powerful!
if I had a chance to tell ms.park anything it would be to tell her that more people think highly of her than they do of that "dear leader"
+peetrpeetr I asked for herbook for Christmas, I started reading on Christmas Day and had finished it by the end of Boxing Day. Utterley amazing girl, family and story. Wow!
+천사 I don't understand your comment. Are you saying she is a slave and no one thinks highly of her? I beg to differ.
I live in upperclass society and I admire her. she is an inspiration to soon millions.
+천사 I watched the tour. The children were learning state of the art technology on a computer with no keyboard????? How does that happen. The library had millions of books behind the wall yet when the vacationer tried loom at some she said there's no time and made 6 other excuses
The mall he tried to shop at nothing was for sale.
I don't know how you have Internet. I'll give you that.
Also your gross leader murdered his uncle and tried people to stakes and murdered them in a public audience just for minor infractions that are legal in the Western world.
Your brainwashed into thinking your country I'd great.
A teacher who taught in North Korea has been around the world and told them how shitty their country was.
Your country is shit.
We have a movie called the interview mocking your country and your leader.
+천사 I sant see any send me the link
+천사 I could send you links to show you the ugly sides of your country
I am a South African and watched this woman Yeomin Park I tried not to cry but that was impossible tears just flowed at the absolute horror of one man that has been allowed to do this to a nation .Now my question is when,how and who will being an end to this despote .How is it possible to still live like this in a 21st modern day society.
It certainly is unimaginable that this reign.ll of terror is persisting. Maybe if Kim Jung-un continues binging on imported luxury foods and alcohol Mother Nature will do the job.
She is a liar!
Yeon-mi she is an absolute angel, unbelievable dignity she shows after been through all this hell yet she is still able to keep her posture and smile. Telling the world about it is courageous and brave but something has to be done about a regime that needs no introduction anymore. Our so called world leaders that we choose are only thinking economics and profit. Priorities need to change! Wasn't there a famous quote regarding Nazism and the atrocities being commited during the second world war : "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing". This is exactly what we have been doing worlwide regarding the situation for the people unfortunate enough to live in North Korea. Like this woman sais "It's not about the freedom of speech, it's about freedom to live".
I would just like to add (for certain people who say she is lying, because when comparing different interviews her age is always different) that the Korean age system isn't the same as ours, (well for South Korea at least, I don't know if it's the same in North Korea, but I'm gonna guess it is).
For example: I'm 18 (western age) but in Korean age I'm 20.
So maybe the explanation for her saying that she was 15 once and 17 another time is that she just got confused because she's not used to saying/calculating her age in a certain way.
Ok so that's it, I just wanted to point that out in case some people didn't know about it. And if I'm wrong feel free to just say it, but at least give me a piece of evidence to prove your point.
actually you would be 19 in korea
Frankie Harper No I'm pretty sure it is actually 20 since this year I turned 19. And you're supposed to add 1 to the age (western) you're turning to during the year.
You would be 19 or 20 Korean age depending on whether your birthday has come and gone
to calculate your age in Korea - just split the calendar year at your birthday - before your birthday - your Korean age is 2 years older - from your birthday to the end of the year - you are 1 year older
why?
the Koreans use the old Chinese system - which means you are 1 year old when you are born (cuz you've been alive in the womb)
if that were the only thing different - calculating your Korean would be simple - just add 1 to your current age as determined most international cultures
but in Korea - your age is incremented not on your birthday - but on New Years Day - so starting on New Years Day - you are 2 years older than your international age - until your birthday arrives - since that's when you increment your age - your Korean age is reducd to 1 year more - from then til New Years Eve
Liz Oberhauser .
Liz Oberhauser .
She is so brave.
Most definitely!
Relax lol
I've watched a few of her interview and they never fail to make me shed a tear, it makes me so sad to think her story is probably happening to someone right now. Her story could have been any of our stories, but through no choice of our own we weren't born in NK. We may have problem but we are so blessed to live in the USA. May God bless her and all those who today face her story with courage and bravery.
j12232 camp 14 someone had to stay there their whole life cuz their grandfather or grandmother did something wrong and they do work,eat,and if you try,plan or even talk about escaping guess what happens: YOUR.FAMILY GETS TORTURED WITH FIRE!!
"for the first time in my life I owned me, I owned myself" 😢
I'm so happy she feels that way now..
Both of these women are so inspirational! Their stories are amazing and I can only hope the best for them!
As a South Korean living in NYC, I send my very best respect to these brave women, especially impressed by Ms. Hanna Cha for what she taught us. Yeonmi, life has its own story everywhere, pls keep your faith in little things and enjoy your best while at the same time striving for your people's freedom.
Yeonmi is my new hero! I will never complain about my life again
Brave hearts, Her challenges really molded her into an awesome human,great personality and sense of humor.
I love you Yeonmi Park! You are one of my heroines in life, you are stronger than a mountain and as gentle as a butterfly. Your story inspired me to never take granted my freedom and to help others who have none. Also, make others aware that other parts of the world not as blessed as we are in America. Bless you Ms. Park!
+eric martens she is not a hero. she lies about her experiences in north korea so that she can be famous. there are real defectors who are real heroes, but not this woman. she just tells everyone what they want to hear and gets paid to say certain things. if you look her up, her stories have constantly changed. her first interview she said her father was let out of prison because of his medical diagnosis, now the story is different and that he wasn't in prison and was bought by a man she had to be a mistress to. so much other stuff too just look it up, there are countless of sources to multiple interviews where every story was different. people just fall for yeonmi and eat up her lies like dogs..
+Yule Your right I did notice that but Maybe he was let out then she became a mistress because he said they need to exscape.
Goo gle
i know but this page just has all the different stories she has told jooparkblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/yeonmi-park-defector-who-fooled-world.html
Yule tbh this blog is suspicious. its only got like 2 posts.. but there is this huge post about her? thats really weird, who just randomly makes such an effort when they usually dont do it? it could be someone supporting NK regime tbh. yes, there may be inconsistency in her stories and there are some critical parts, but many times inconsistency does not mean that she entirely lied. if she left some parts out of the story one time does not mean she lied..there are many small things criticised that i dont really acknowledge.. the only part i do care about is the raping story. its possible that she made it up, but its also possible that she just didnt want to talk about that part in her first interviews... you never know, its on a whole other personal level. anyway, she does deserve respect either way, she is a brave person.
in the end, this blog really just seems very suspicious to me so i can not hold a grudge against her
I've heard several of her interviews. This was a very condensed version of the events. Her dad was in prison and was released. He was then brought to China, where he died and was buried by his daughter, Yeonmi.
She's so beautiful! Her life story broke my heart! :(
Pray to end communism in North Korea!
what bullshit argument is that? Communism is an economic theory and has nothing to do with the political system. Same for the US for example, which is based on free markets and capitalism, but turned into a fascist corrupt oligarchy.
By the way, Show the misery of the "losers" of our societies in any country and you will find much worse off people.
We'll pray that the hearts of the North Koreans can be changed and that everyone on the outside can have a new sense of urgency to give them freedom.
Pray to end communism in both China and N.Korea...
Ruth Yoerg is not just the communism, it is the dictatorship
its not the communism thats the matter, its the oppressive dictatorship and although both come together many times they are not interchangeable
She speaks so eloquently. When she said she still gets that warm feeling in her chest......thought the mouse could hear and relay her thoughts.....my heart broke for her! She is amazing! I'm so proud of this young woman and hope she can one day be truly and fully happy and feel safe! Thank You.... young lady for sharing your story and your life!
wow ! This Young Woman, shows such, Humility... But, It also proves that such beautiful Humility, be such a Strength. She defines Hero.
Wow powerful voice with such sweetness of a human who has lived more than most in her young years nothing but prayers for the people who are still there.
cant believe in the west we can complain about the injustices of first world living when there are stories like this to compare to
It is not wrong to stand up to injustices of the first world. Even if there are greater injustices somewhere in the world, they're still injustices. Otherwise the world never becomes a better place.
Yes, but this seems to not have a solution. The others even imagine by some stretch creativity a way to fix it. When I think of North Korea and all that it would entail to end that suffering, I come up empty with........anything.
How beautiful she is, not just outwardly, it's her soul that is so captivating.
I am crying like hell,
me too 😯😯
Many comments said it all. I just want to say that this sweet and brave young lady makes me cry. Escaping from a cruel system and facing hardship after hardship. I wish you a happy life, you deserve it.
Divergent in real life just with 100 times more bravery
Unimaginable how she is endured so much! God bless you and your family
Both women, especially Park Yeonmi (sorry if I get the name wrong) are brave and inspiring women. You guys are just reminders and role models of a better world where human beings can live in peace, harmony & freedom. thank you.
This young woman has gone through so much......my heart breaks. I want to give her a hug so badly :(
Anyone who thinks Yeome Park isn't the real deal should watch this. I know from several sources that she is genuine. People like this are the foundation of a human world that deserves to exist. I can only hope that somehow, some day, I will have this kind of strength
Sorry, Yeonme not Yeome
*F A K E T E A R S O N P R E T T Y F A C E*
Please do your due diligence and research this woman's credibility. She has already been exposed as a fraud exaggerating/fabricating her claims. Her stories have been inconsistent and contradictory over the years, raising questions as to the veracity of her claims.
Anyone who is tempted to believe that this woman might be telling the truth should look up ***. Park Yeonmi is a compulsive liar and a narcissist. She has been caught in a million lies and simply profits off her NK sob story and by virtue signaling. No better than Greta Thunburg!
Short version, her story is full of holes and she has changed it multiple times (she can't even remember it consistently which is a problem with people who make things up since things that actually happened are just plain easier to remember than things you made up for profit.) Also see "Why do North Korean defector testimonies so often fall apart?" in The Guardian.
The combination of cash incentives (from various political organizations as well as the government) and the media’s constant pursuit for disturbing stories encourage refugees to exaggerate for financial rewards as well as popularity which in her case, she was able to use to tour the world AND become an actress. Also look up North Korean defector Shin Dong-hyuk who wrote a bestselling book about his life in a gulag he was never actually in and admitted the fact AFTER earning vast sums of money with a memoir which he made up.!
We have to do a great job in putting together a very strong case that exposes Park as a deceitful opportunist & charlatan who took advantage of the Western society's goodwill & sympathy for her own financial gain. I also noticed that she seems to really enjoy the spotlight & relish in her celebrity status, which made me very weary about her real motives. But her contradictions, distortions & lies can't be excused away or justified. So many commenters here have made asinine remarks about trauma, developing memories, age counting differences, etc. in order to deny or deflect the objective facts presented here. Really sad that people become so emotionally invested in someone like Park to the point they are unable or unwilling to critically analyze the reality & the facts that clearly demonstrate her manipulation & fabrication of the facts.
She can't seem to get her story straight . Anything about the life about her family is said to be lies. Life in North Korea may be shit. Life in many countries of the world is shit. She was never a “defector”. At most she is a refugee, at least, an economic migrant. Her mother and herself lives like princesses according to testimony of people who knew her while she lived in the DPKR. She has become a Millionaire and is living the dream. She didn't waste any time capitalizing on the misfortunes of her fellow North Koreans.
Really sucks that UA-cam has made it so easy for con artists to create a channel with a fake bleeding heart story and get super rich off the caring public that falls for it. There's so much of this going on across many different subjects.
***Please google this: "The Strange Tale of Yeonmi Park" in The Diplomat
I cried a lot watching this. I wish I could help in some way. She is so brave for speaking and I was really brought to tears to know about the suffering the people there are enduring.
Only Kim Jong Un made a dislike on this video..
Alekhine Hazzard lol kim jong un is 12058082086308 pounds. and im proud to say that hes really mean
Alekhine Hazzard and every brainwashed North Korean people, and a lot of brainwashed Chinese people.
***** Dude you scared the hell out of me.
Ms. Yeonmi's story is full of tears. I'm at a loss of words because my eyes are full of tears as well.
what a gorgeous brave wise mis fortuned angel... hope she is successful in opening up for more north koreans to escape.
Yeonmi Park, you are a very brave and delightful person. I am so happy that you now own yourself and have the freedom to be the unique person that you are. Your story resonates deeply. You should be very proud of yourself. Your story inspires us all. Be well and happy, whatever you do.
Hey Dear Ms Yeonmi Park, may you have happiness always!!! You are not alone! I am your new fan!!! Blessing from Singapore!!!
LOVE THIS GIRL!!!! (Yeonmi) My heart just goes out to her. THANK GOD she's happy now, married, has a kid..... NO ONE is more deserving than her!!
Two amazingly brave women. Great interview.
I love this kid, she has to be one of God’s very special angels here to send a message to us. God bless you, Ms. Park, please keep going!
These beautiful people should be as free as south korea
Aw Yeommi's English has improved so much in her time I'm the US. Such a wonderful person❤
What an amazing lack of empathy from the interviewer. She's like eh, whatever.
You stole my words for word to word.
globalcitizenn these people from the media are all like this just so you know, that are only about ratings they care not for anything else
This is Yeonmi's story, not hers. How selfish would you have to be to display your emotions as an interviewer, when you're trying to make sure that girl's voice is heard? After years of living under an oppressive dictator regime, selling herself off as a mistress to save her family, watching her family being sold off, watching her father die right after being reunited with her, crossing the Gobi desert in freezing weather with poison, and knives in hand just in case you're caught, because you don't want to risk being tortured for information. Do you honestly think the interviewer needs to cut her off, and say "Oh my god, I'm so sorry for you." and make it all about themselves? No! It's her story, not the interviewer's, as their job is to ask her for her story so the truth can be heard.
You're tripping, the interviewer was nice the whole time, she probably didn't mean to cut her off. Big deal - it was a simple mistake.
My how ignorant you are.
The job of an interviewer is to remain detached, and allow the interviewee to tell their story.
Of course, if you prefer propaganda... But this interviewer did a good job.
I've just come across this VDO clip after many years of interviewing of this young girl's, but listening to her story burying the ashes of her late father and her words towards the end of the interview makes the tears roll up in my eyes. I feel really sorry for what befelt her. I'm just thinking how fortunate we are not to be born in such a country. Glad that now you've successfully escaped from that country. Love you Yeonmi.
Tears just keep falling down my eyes watching this. I admire her for her extreme courage and for voicing out to the whole world what the N.Korea is facing for the longest time. N.Korea should be free and live like the rest of the world. The leaders in N.K just need to go to hell asap. ㅠ.ㅠ
she is such a brave girl, its difficult to control my tears watching her stories. she will change the country.
what a brave girl. but, so sad to hear.. i can feel her pain and ordeal that we went under in such a tender age.. i wish i could do something to her.. rightnow, what i can do is to say a pray for her happiness for the rest of her life. i was also fled from my iwn country during cold snowy winter from the China Nepal border when i was three years old... and it is obvious that i don't remember at all... since then i haven't seen my family and our town as well.. i am rotting in exile...
That's tragic. I'm so sorry for your unhappiness.
Such unimaginable sufferings Yeonmi went through, so proud of her plight and courage to retell the gruesome experience, to name and shame 'animals' who can be so ruthless. I have read many stories of sufferings but your book touched me in so many ways. I really feel your pain. Soldier on and help others to fight for freedom and STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING!
How can we be so cruel to our own species?
love yeonmi park, shes brave and emotionally intact which is miraculous. i cant imagine having no freedom of thought. What is so beautiful is her empathy.
What a truly beautiful person Yeonmi is... and yes, are all alike... it is our governments which usually keep us apart due to their fear, greed or their lust for power and control.
I just can't stop crying.... we need to take her voice to each and every one in this world.... let us all unite and fight kim jong un.
her english is so good..
God loves her so much that he rescued her from the clutches of Evil. Iam happy for her n feel sorry for her parents. May she live a hundred years. God bless u Yeonmi 😘😘😘😘😘😘
We don't realise how lucky we are living in the West!.
God bless Yeonmi she is brave and strong after such a horrific younger life. She really shed light on the sad life of her people and what this horrible dictator does to his people, if he does this to his people he's capable of wiping out any people if he keeps getting away with all this.
*I read Yeonmi's book just this year, after wanting to read it for 2 years. I've been following her story and the stories of other North Korean defectors that give a voice to the millions of people without freedom, food, critical thinking, safety and expression of love. These stories are heartbreakingly beautiful, but very painful. I hope more people become aware of the actual situation within the country because awareness is the first step to change. I hope people stop thinking of North Koreans as the same entity as the totalitarian regime. North Koreans are victims to the regime, although they may not know or believe it. But they are people, humans, too, and they deserve human rights and the compassion of humanity. I hope we all can appreciate whatever freedom we have now, and use our voices to speak for the voiceless.* Yeonmi is one of my role model, and she motivated me to start becoming more aware of human rights and of the vulnerable people in North Korea and around the world. I want to learn more because of her, and she renewed my sense of compassion and hope again. I hope she is safer and happier now, despite the horrors, hunger and trauma in her past. She is so strong and I'm so glad she continues to tell her story to give a voice to the voiceless in North Korea. Humanity in general is not that promising at these times, but I still hope for a better future and unity, both against oppression and with the oppressed.
Thank you for sharing this message. Very powerful. I am deeply moved
Aw, she's a lovely lass.
You are an amazing young woman I wish you all the best, and the work you are doing is saving life . I'm so sorry you had to go through all that pain you have touched my heart forever...xo
I really wish there's a way for us to change North Korea to be a better place so nobody like her can suffer in the future.
Her fluency is so satisfying to listen
wow how disgusting to come out of one terrible place and end up in another. North Korea and china are kinda messed up.
You are one BRAVE girl, Yeonmi!
I wish you all the luck of the world, from now on.
And keep up the good work!
It's so sad what North Koreans go through, If I could I would do anything to help them find a safer place in China or the United States
Actually, there is something you can do. A few things, actually. :) There are many groups, including LiNK (Liberty In North Korea), like what Hannah Song is from, that you can help support. The thing that I absolutely love about LiNK is that 100% of whatever money you give to them to help the North Korean people, goes to help the North Korean people. They don't make even a fraction of a penny off of the donations they get or the proceeds from their merchandise that they sell on their website, www.libertyinnorthkorea.org. I HIGHLY recommend that you check out their website and get more information from them about how you can help. You don't even have to give money, there are other ways you can help rescue refugees. You'll find all the info you need on their website. I've even had the opportunity to meet Yeonmi and other defectors like her through LiNK, so that's another reason to get involved. God bless!
+Evolvedgaming china is a bunch of assholes , they wouldn't help her in fact ... her sister was taken advantage of as a slave laborer basicly because chinese knew she was a defector so she had to sneak to SK . but south korea is more than understanding of their situation .
+Evolvedgaming China is not a destination for these people. The government's standing policy is to deport any North Korean defectors they catch back to DPRK.
+DallasHammster Yeah, it's sad really. China doesn't mind South Koreans though, yet their "allies" are deported back only to get tortured and executed. There are only 4-5,000 Legal DPRK(NK) residents while there is 121,750 legal ROK(SK) residents
You guys have no idea how many NK people live in China. even the NK soldier will cross the line, rob and kill Chinese people who live near to NK.
I cant help but notice how gracefully she is sitting , i wont talk about her story and bravery cuz she literally had me in tears .
That struck me too. Despite all her suffering, she manages to remain dignified, elegant and ladylike. Puts some of us to shame.
I think I'm in love
👏😂
My girl is South Korean, I wish the American people knew how amazing these people are. My soul bleeds for these people and my heart is lightened by this one amazing beautiful girl that escaped the hell on earth that is North Korea. Korean people you all have my admiration for your extreme kindness and your 5000 year culture. Korean people are to me some of the most amazing people god ever put on this earth. These people that are being tortured and murdered and brainwashed I only hope and pray someday that they are all set free. These are people that I would love to see come to our country. The hardest working kindest people I've ever known.
If people are being treated like this in North Korea, then it makes us all less human... wow!
This poor girl I'm still crying I just want to hug her my heart hurts for these poor people, no one deserves this treatment
The lady on the left speaks better english than native English speakers lol.
Probably because she is a native English speaker
Also hosting and asking sensible questions especially in topics like this is not easy. She is doing a great job, while maintaining steady flow of questions and navigating between 2 interviewees and keeping time, not everyone is oprah winfrey. While just sitting there and answering questions that is obviously in your expertise fueled by passion is easier, no?
Yeonmi is such a force for good. God bless this girl.
I hope everybody across the global watch this short video, to acknowledge about North Korean. I deeply well come this young lady to the new world 🌎.
She is so innocent , genuine and beautiful. May the rest of her life be filled with joy and happiness .
Worst interviewer ever. "That must of broken your heart" like wtf is that comment gonna do except add awkwardness?
I could cry till my heart bursts for the sad suffering this Yong lady has gone though
Yeonmi is an absolute miracle!!! ❤
have they made a movie about her life?
Why do you want to know? No, not as of now but she has written a wonderful book. It is the story of her life as a memoir, it is called "in order to live" I highly recommend it, it really is very moving.
Exactly the thought I had: Thanks for the book title; I need to have that.
You are not supposed to make a film of her life because she's just one of a lot.....
No, because that would mean liberal hollywood would have to cast an Asian as the lead role. And as we all know, liberal hollywood discriminates against Asians.
It would be nice to have a movie about her life as well as the people of North Korea with her starring on the film.
Fu%king heartbreaking to escape one torture to find another...thank the universe these people are free except their memories....
I hope I live long enough to see North Korea become free from the dictatorship they are under. People in America need to remember, freedom isn't free. Many men and women lost their lives so we can live according to our constitutional rights. That's why it is so important to fight for them and not let government change them or take them away. WE THE PEOPLE.🇺🇸