"If I die... I'm okay. I've already gotten to experience this freedom." Those words are so meaningful, and also shows how selfish we are in the western civilizations.
+Noboru Sora "How dare you appreciate things your country already had when you were born...you're all so selfish." Yes that's exactly how you will get support....
I can't change where I was born or who I was brought up with. If you expect me to say sorry for having things in my life I won't, I just thank God that I don't have to go through what these people went through
The people who are laughing obviously don't know what it feels like to be tortured and give a good reason as to why humans like them deserve a place in hell
My grandmother is from North Korea. She actually lived there when the war first broke out. Her father traveled ahead to the South to secure safe passage and was going to return to the family. When the family didn't hear from him for weeks and weeks, they sent out their oldest daughter, my grandmother, to go look for him. The day after she left the North, the armistice came down and she was never able to go back to North Korea. She was around 10 or something at the time. My grandmother is in her 70s now and she has literally not seen her mother, grandmother, aunt, and her FIVE younger siblings since she was a child. I asked her if she missed her siblings and she told me "everyday". I asked her what their names were and she told me four of their names. I asked her what the youngest's name was. She told me the baby was born when her father had gone and the family was waiting for him to come back before they named him. So for 60+ years she has known her little brother's name and 'till the day she dies she will never know. Growing up as a rather privileged Korean American, I never understood the true reason why South Koreans hate the Northern government. It wasn't until my grandmother told me her story that I began to cry uncontrollably and understood.
Form of Therapy dude this story alone made my eyes water, I hope your grandma and her family as well as yours are doing alright over there, god bless them ok man
Thank you for sharing something that's personal to your soul. It's a great teaching tool, that makes others realize what they have and to be grateful for it.
A noniem I don't want to doubt the story's authenticity. I can only conceive of the separation of this family was after the armistice and the country officially being divided into two. Maybe comprehension is not your strong suit.
Oh my God......young girl burying her father in the middle of the night....terrified, heartbroken, alone....this is so hard to watch :( really puts life into perspective. We complain about such silly trivial matters in our lives....whilst this little girl has to give her own father a grave to lay rest in. Just heartbreaking.
@Aki Ami Masen None of what you stated is correct. She didn't even say she was Christian either so I have no idea what you're trying to say to her? Christianity doesn't mean God can just solve all our problems and help everybody in need or dying. You know absolutely *nothing* about Christianity, and it sickens me that you think that the God all Christians believe in somehow is the cause of every bad thing that has ever happened in history. That's just being ignorant and blindly accusing us of believing in a false God. You can't tell us what we believe in is wrong, that's messed up as fuck and insulting us. I can't tell if you're joking or not because what you just said is so unbelievable that I wonder if you even had an education. Please focus on fixing your facts.
Well I have some doubts about her good intentions for her family, she knew how they would be treated if she escapes the country and still she did it without trying to take them with her, she could be just pretending she cares for them at all, coas what she did seams very selfish.
This made me realize how hard my parents life was in North Korea They escaped from North Korea to China when they were teens (mom 17 dad 19) and then they moved to South Korea where they were going to be citizens and that's where I was born (South Korea) I used to hear my mother crying almost every night because she remembers all the scary/hard to time of North Korea I thank her every day for having me in South Korea and she never let's me skip a meal 😂 I love her and I want her to tell her story to the world but she is scared and not ready
미나김 wow, damn! You should have her write down all of her experiences in North Korea, how she escaped, and trying to integrate into South Korea. That would be an amazing thing to have as a precious keepsake.
I think modern feminists should be forced to live in North Korea for 1 year, they'll lose that pink hair and attitude in the first week. We live in the most arrogant, ungrateful, spoiled brat, gluttonous, brainwashed society's right now.
I read her book and I was really touched by it, especially if you consider how young she was and how mature she acted unter these circumstances. She also is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.
I had to pause this video several times because honestly I was in pain. The part where she was speaking about her father was heartbreaking. I wish her and her family all the best.
This is why if we do strike NK military, we have to be very precise. These people have suffered enough. They don’t need bombs killing the innocent people there. But we do need to free them from this psychotic monster.
I think if we don't there'll be a peoples revolution within the next 10-20 years, it's certainly not going to be over night nor can anyone with a rational thinking mindset expect them to transition easily either it's going to take a lot of time and a whole lot of effort as well. If you really think in anyways this is going to happen at some point it's going to sadly involve some innocent people being killed, I can almost sadly bet on it if I was as awful to do something like that (which I am not), but it's just a fact, you have to be realistic about it. I really think we should trial their leader for crimes against humanity, be amazing to see him suffer true karma be amazing really.
My best friends dad is North Korean, and he tells me stories. It has messed him up so badly. My friend 혜진 and I cry over her fathers stories. It’s so upsetting how much he went through. Thankfully, he made it to South Korea successfully. He now lives peacefully in 서울 . 혜진 and I never realized how privileged we were until we heard her fathers stories. Let me say, not many people will have it worse than North Koreans and their defectors. Yes, you may not be able to stop off at your favourite fast food restaurant . At least you know you still have food at home. You can go outside durning the day and not be scared. You can have freedom of speech and not be scared. Never take your privileges for granted.
This is heartbreaking...and this is a story with an uplifting ending. Imagine how many individuals, how many families attempt to escape and fail. How many devastating endings...?
to be honest though it's a win win situation. If you get there to your destination, wether it be China or South Korea, it's a win. If you die, it's a win because id honestly rather die than live the rest of my life in North Korea.
North Korea propagates that everything in there is all right and how everyone love Kim un, the same way south and the U.S. propagates that North is like a HELL. so only God knows the reality..... I would still give credit to North for becoming a nuclear power and having the best missile technology, at-least they can defend themselves but South has surrender to U.S just like Japan. feel sorry for them.
+Irfan Asim nuclear power? best missile technology? lol, omg that's such a great joke. really, tell me more. i can't stop laughing. omg, there's nuclear power in north korea? and their missiles are the best? hahhahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahahahahhahahahhaha
From burying your father alone in the snow to celebrity in S Korea. I see things like this and am thankful I am in the US. It's obviously not perfect here, but I know I would never have to go through such strife.
"A lady asked Dr. Franklin. Well Doctor what have we got, a republic or a monarchy - A republic replied the Doctor if you can keep it.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
I didn't watch until the end, but three reactions: 1. What a strong girl. 2. How did she learn english better than most South Koreans? 3. Holy crap she is cute.
The people who have studied abroad there have said that almost everyone there knows English there. Also search it up. Many people in South Korea speak English
@Tired Turtles - Everyone I've spoken to say few people speak english, and the ones who do does it poorly. Looking at interviews with Korean celebs, they don't speak english either and require translators. When I google "do korean people speak english", most answers say that you can probably manage to roughly communicate with most hotel employees and some college students, but average people don't speak english so bring a korean phrase book. There are also youtube channels about Korea, apparently it's fashion to wear T-shirts with western alphabet words on them. In one clip, they went out and asked people wearing T-shirts with common words on them if they knew what the text said. Few people did.
It is horrible that north Korea stands with the abuse they give to its people. this was an eye-opening and heroic tale. Best wishes and prayers for that family and the many like them.
+AmiNunni they are too cowardly to do a coup d'etat and kill that fish head in his sleep...it's so simple it could be all over tomorrow if one of his right hand man would just put a bullet in kim's big fat head
+ᵐᵃˢᵗᵉʳ ʳᵃᶜᵉ yea, a nation that can't feed it's people and when it can just fats up it's military is better then nations dealing with obesity and nations that can achroly project there power.
Yeon-Mi has STOLEN MY HEART... this is the first I'm hearing of her. This girl has experienced heaven and hell on earth, and she feels completely content dying at her young age simply because there is absolutely nothing life can throw at her that can be worse to what she's already faced. I'm so happy she has been given a platform as an performer/celebrity to share her story and message, as well as stick it to her former "supreme leader" in the process. What a beautiful human being, and such a tragic yet triumphant life.
*She’s a troll, plain and simple* She’s been caught lying about so many things that everything she says is suspect. Journalists have lost their careers for less egregious lies. She makes money saying shocking things that experts and even other defectors have called her out on. Didnt she claim to cross the Gobi desert in 40 degree below zero conditions without any winter clothing? And then justify that claim’s outrageousness by appealing to miracles? She’s a troll, plain and simple. Nothing she says can be trusted. She's a reliable western Propaganda machine. She was caught lying on multiple occasions. There was one instance where she claimed that they had to use sticks for eating since they couldn't get chopsticks. might i ask why not use your hands? That’s such a dumb lie since it’s trivially easy to carve any stick into usable chopsticks. Even dirt poor parts of Laos use chopsticks. And again, there’s your hands and/or a spoon. Moreover, this isn't the only part that makes no sense. Remember when she said she and her sister lived off eating grass in the mountains? Well humans cannot digest grass, so it holds zero nutritional value. If she had tried to live off grass, she would have died. Simple fact. It sounds good for a story, but unfortunately you cannot get around the hard truth of human biology, no matter how much you claim she is "traumatised". I watched a couple of her videos, but I got discouraged by the blatant showoffness of wealth and clear work she had done on herself. She doesn't resemble her book cover photo anymore, her insta is full of posing and weird fashion and this kind of discredits her in my eyes. Not to say don't do what makes you feel good, but it implies she can be bought. Well yeah, she is enjoying her "freedom" and she can do what she wants. But her page is 45% dancing videos, 45% commercial to her own book and just 10% some "news" about North Korea. My personal opinion is that she knows very well about her "beauty" and she (and some people around her) knows how to make money. She is a living commercial, and almost all of the articles about NK on her page are just supposed to shock people, but the main focus is on her new clothes, decorations and of course her book. She makes $10-30 k per speaking engagement. It doesn't make sense to me how she got into Columbia university or even made fame, and I think she did come here as a higher ranking government and seeked asylum, and her stories just doesn't seem factual. There are many defectors here and they do not go around seeking fame as she does. Nothing adds up. It is so sad that she has become a celebrity for tarnishing the beautiful people of North Korea through lies and exaggeration. Actually, it's disgusting.
Wow what a story, the part where she had to bury her father alone unimaginable. What a beautiful and intelligent woman she is, it's incredible what she already achieved. Hope they'll have a fantastic life together. A very brave statement not wanting to change her name or stay out of the public eye.
I'm a Chinese, and I really hope that our government can improve the policy against north Korean defectors, North Koreans living in border cities are treated badly, cuz you see, if Chinese report them, cops will arrest them and send them back, and they will receive tortures.
2:17 "Next to the school some street kids were there. And they were dying there. But i saw that too many times. So i did not know it was really a sad thing because nobody told me that's a really horrible thing." 2:17
It's honestly so saddening to see that this happens to people and that thousands were born under such harsh rule...It really makes you grateful for being able to experience freedom when so many others die without ever being able to escape from torturous circumstances...
+Aadarsh Balireddy is that *Escape From Camp 14*? I think I read some of that book a while ago, and I remember being really sad because of the terrible things he described. Truly disheartening stuff...
Who will come to mine??????????? at least that man was blessed with his daughter.. I have no family.. no one to bury me when I die.... He was blessed with a daughter.
@@nicholascorbett3671 Nicholas, don't be a nasty, evil person to somebody just crying their sadness out! Why do you have to be so aggressive and rude? You don't.
I can't believe that nurse at 9:30. She escaped and was returned 8 times, and was tortured each time, and yet managed to finally escape. What a brave woman. Unbelievable.
Wow very touching and beautiful young ladies. I love the part she said I dnt care if I die know av tasted freedom. FREEDOM is the most fundamental,exquisite thing u can experience in this earth.🌎
Perhaps the socialists in the democrat party should watch this video and consider the possibilities of what could happen if they succeed in creating their socialist utopia. Nikita Khruscheve once said, "Socialism first. Communism always follows."
@@douglasrodrigues9329 Eh, he said that because that's what Marx said. Not claiming socialism is good or bad, but that's standard Marxist thinking is all.
Yeah, after communism took over around 1919 in the USSR, only about 20 million Russians living on there own farms, resistant to giving up ownership of their lands to the communist government, were intentionally starved to death because they were incompatible with the communist idealism prohibiting private ownership of property. The communist government confiscated everything they grew on their farms leaving nothing for the farmers to eat. Could have been more starved to death? Is that what you mean by "the USSR wasn't so bad? World wide, in all of the newly formed communist countries, about 100 million people total have died or were murdered who wouldn't conform to the communist "Utopia." Socialism is the first step to communism, where there is a distinct difference between the ruling class, and the workers. The ruling class here would be the left wing politicians telling everybody else how to run our lives. The politicians themselves would be exempt from all of the rules they place on us. That's how it was in the USSR. The ruling class had their own hospitals, their own food stores, their own upscale living communities, while everybody else would stand in long lines to buy a loaf of bread or a few rolls of toilet paper, as they now do in Venezuela. In this country, the benefits of socialism are based on lies. Socialism is presented to school children with a Happy Face.🙂 The schools basically brainwash the children into imagining a peaceful world where everyone is equal. In reality, everybody would become equally poor except for the politicians, sort of what we have now with Obama Care. The politicians have exempted themselves from being penalized for not enrolling in Obama Care. At one time Congress exempted themselves from being prosecuted from inside stock trading. But I digress. You believe that the USSR wasn't so bad. If you were one of the millions who were starved to death, or in more modern times, one of the many thousands of people murdered by the communist government because your political party disagreed with communism, I seriously doubt that you would continue thinking that the USSR wasn't so bad. Do you know what allowed the murderous communists to take total control? The citizens were ordered to turn in all guns, for their own safety of course.
Omg I'm so scared for her!!! I know she's proud and I applaud her like hell for fighting! But I feel like they can definitely kill her. But aww, she refused to change her name because it was the last thing her dad left for her :'(
it was the only thing her dad left her. its like that in america too.. all I got left was a name.. and the only reason I dont change it is because it is ancient. and belongs to some really great ancestors.. the children of God.. Sons of the Most High... but now.. nothing but shame and sorrow.. But then..... prosperity and hope.. a people of Love.. Kindness.. Mercy.... so when I consider my name.. I consider them.. and I try to forget the thousands of years of hate and pain. Who am I?
I got teary eyed when she was talking about her father's death but when she said "If I die... I'm okay, I've already gotten to experience this freedom." I balled tears!!
12:21 to my knowledge was the first time I’ve actually heard her speak Korean. As sad as the context is it was much more touching in Korean. She speaks English flawlessly, I don’t think many will deny that. She just seems a lot more genuine where she can speak naturally in Korean. I’m so glad she found her sister
Can't believe someone so young would have to go through so much, and the reality is; she's one of the really lucky ones. Really makes me think just how lucky I am to be born in the UK, and how I even have the nerve to moan about my job that I'm being paid for so I can live comfortably...
I agree with you that she was lucky, but she is more lucky then you probably think. Almost everything she said in this was an exaggerated lie. She actually had a fairly decent life in North Korea (By the average North Korean standard) and this whole thing was just a publicity stunt for her acting career. I can link you to an article for my information if you would like.
It it impressive that even after all of the traumatizing things she experienced to gain her freedom, she works so hard still and is able to enjoy her life. I would have a hard time enjoying freedom, that is, if I would survive trying to escape North Korea. The fact that thousands of the NK try to escape just shows something is not right, and the North Korean propaganda is all real. Just look at the broadcasts of the children dancing and playing instruments! It looks so crazy, like they were forced to learn these things over and over and over to be perfect.
+// jessica // They were forced to learn it over and over. The songs are all about how they're leaders are gods. They still think that Americans are demons and whether or not we invade them is a win-win for them. We either invade, the people think we're trying to colonize North Korea (that's what they think we want to do) which helps in force Kim Jong Un's power or we don't and more suffer. It truly is an international problem that we can't do anything about at the moment.
+// jess // I was thinking that too - as, despite all the hardship how she is able to adapt to S Korea, work so hard and enjoy life. Yet, a part of me thinks the trauma will catch up with her later. Perhaps when she's older and reflects upon it. There is no way someone could endure all that without some sort of psychological damage.
***** truth is, you just consciously scrolled down to the comments(which are full of opinions) and typed that you don't care. So why you here lmao? That gave me a good laugh.
Najaa S Thaz a very serious statement, and could be taken as an accusation. Thaz something one needs to stop doing, or never start . ......If you dunno, say it right off the bat. In lieu of all this girl hz gone thru, thaz a very ugly thing to say
I'm so *so* lucky to be American, and I try not to take it for granted too much. This poor girl has been through more than most 70 year old men here. And I bet her dad would be so proud that she's keeping his name and it means so much to her. She's strong and adorable, I hope she (and all the other defectors) have a happy and safe life from here on out.
Lucky? More like unlucky Americans are north Koreas worst enimies!! Like Trump once said Kim Jong Un is a bomb man and who knows when he has good enough weapons to destroy America?? Im Swedish so i feel safe lol
My final assignment overseas was in Seoul, Korea. I did multiple tours in Korea. Heart wrenching and very happy to see the South Koreans embrace and take care of her & the family members that survived.
Yeongmi Park is so wonderful i am so glad she has helped others in north korea using her influence, i am so glad she's free now and hope it stays that way always.
Why are some people talking about plastic surgery? She is North Korean girl, not South Korean. I know South Korea is famous for plastic surgery but it doesn't mean that all Koreans do surgery. And as the fact, America locates in top place when it comes to plastic surgery rate. Not South Korea. So it means that all Americans do surgery? or other plastic surgery country like Mexico,Brazil always do surgery? I think stereotyping can be racism. So I don't like those stereotypes.
+Naomi Washinton We sit back and watch it happen because it's outright IMPOSSIBLE to actually do anything. NK cranked their "Lockdown" lever to eleven. The only two reasonable ways to help them is through China or SK. SK/NK border is essentially an instant-death zone. China is on NK's side. You can see how well this turns out.
There are so many hate comments on here, it's awful. These people don't know what it would've been like to suffer and go through this and they're just mocking everything.
+She Left Me For Jesus she would make a great wife? what if she doesn't want to get married to the abhorrent male species? most men assume women want to marry....news flash, fuk a man n fuk a marriage
She Left Me For Jesus Please don't generalise idiotically . The Americas are very diverse you know South and North America although yes I do know you're referring mainly to the US.
MsMamacornbread not all men are awful. But while she is clearly a very loving human being who would indeed make an incredible mother and wife, that may not be what she wants, particularly at this time. And she probably doesn't want someone like this guy who only sees this in her.
Jimmy Cen She was on a show as a public speaker. She fled North Korea into China and had to learn Chinese to not be caught by the Chinese police or else they would send her back. Then she finally made it to South Korea but in SK it is very necessary to know English so that was her third language having to learn :)
Natalia Joanna Bajor It's because most americans don't take learning a second or third language seriously. They learn it all throughout high school just to get a credit for a diploma and then they drop the language afterwards. Me however I plan learning Korean, spanish, french, and japanese. I'm currently learning korean and spanish so wish me luck.
I feel so sad for her. She's such a strong person. Now I'd just like to do something to improve this world...there are so many differences between life conditions in Korea and in the United States (for example)...This is not right. Everyone should have the same opportunities to live this life in the best way. I feel so lucky to have been born in a developed and free country.
SJ Kim no offence, but, im korean and was brought up in new zealand, and everyone i know knows that north korea treats their people like shiet. how did you not know? hmm... does south korea keep quiet about this ?
Wow. I'm happy she & her family could experience this peace after all they have been through. This is a very beautiful story & I truly hope something can be done for all the north Korean people that are suffering
wegaje draft North Korea teach English though I read it so ? Learn the North Korean education system from Asian boss they said they did teach them English though
Read her book. She learned no English in NK. English is her third language. She was assessed as 2nd grade level when she reached SK and age 15. In 5 years she took herself to university level, substantially self taught. Reading is her favorite activity. She read about one book every 4 days, serious books. She still has a Korean accent but her English diction today is university level.
I have seen videos that lead me to believe that many people in North Korea may learn english but not associate it as originating in America as it is so widely spoken. There were North Korean defectors that knew some english but never heard an american speak.
It clearly states in the story they grew up in wealth in early years until her dad's business was shut down. The wealthy in NK learn English in school.
The fact that she couldn't even give her dad a funeral and needed to secretively bury the body by herself in the middle of the night is so surreal. Poor girl I can't even imagine how that's like..
Same age as me and she deserve twice as much. Bless her and her family. I wish more people from North Korea could experience life outside that corrupted side of the world and have the freedom they so rightfully deserve.
She doesn't mind dying because she's experienced life and freedom. She's satisfied. That's how grateful she is!! After all they've been through, her sister, mom, all of her family safe. And she's done something to help those that weren't so lucky. THAT IS A LIFE WITH A PURPOSE IF I'VE EVER KNOWN ONE! Or is it?
DnBastard LosingCrayon Precisely, their lives will never be perfect but they have come a long way from where they were years ago, from north korean regime, the constant running across borders, the poverty they faced, and being separated for so long under such terrible conditions.
Michelle Telfo shut the fuck up. All those people are still suffering. edit: Sorry to be so mean. It's something that should change and there's people suffering now.
Your story is so heartbreaking and inspiring. I felt like crying everytime you spoke because you spoke so beautifully and the way you strive to show and tell people about the injustices and cruelties that North Koreans face in their life is just amazing. thank you ❤ xx
Man really hit me when she said they can't even die comfortably and just hit me more from there. I'm typically pretty cold hearted, but the shit they go through is undeniable. The Korean in me is angry and the human in me feels an intense sadness.
cold hearted people cause more pain and trouble in the world for others.. Dont be proud that you are cold hearted.. What the whole world needs now is LOVE; SWEET LOVE. warm hearts and gentle hands.. smiling eyes and a tender reply. Truth instead of lies.
Did you miss that Yeon-mi's father was kicked in the testicles every day for years till they released him to find "medical treatment"? Her mother even said he could even walk because of it but you are a woman. Just a senseless piece of shit.
Pikudo Pikao Yes, because a man was kicked in the testicles every day, nails being hammered into your back shouldn't be recognized as a horrible act... wut lol
Have been watching Yeon-Mi's Videos for some time, but this has been one of the hardest to watch without 'blubbing'. God bless you Yeon-Mi and all who are trying to escape from the North.
pretty decent English :) it's impressive. many South Korean children even had to hire tutors or fly to English-speaking South East Asian countries just to learn the language
She's wonderful and doing great work. Educating the people is what will save North Korea, the people need to take a stand and rise up against their government.
aponiaa First of all, the citizens are brainwashed. Second of all, it's illegal to speak up against their government. If they do, they'll be killed. Third of all, the North Korean government denies everything that they do to innocent civilians. No one can stop it unless World War 3 happens.
+aponiaa I really hope everyone in N.K rebels against Kim jong un, that way they cannot do anything, because their army is against them too, and they have no where to run, because well, NO ONE LIKES THEM
+aponiaa They can't. They need the united state of america to the rescue. But then there is nothing to gain in that shitty place so USA doesnt give a fk.
"Because my name,Park Yeon mi is my legacy from my father. That's the only one he just left me." Well said I'm so proud of you girl u made ur father proud for being such a strong woman u never left behind ur father it lives in ur heart forever 😭😭😭 I was crying
damn,at the age of 17 she experienced that kind of horror,..but when you see her its like,you see this beautiful lady but deep inside there are things that part of her life thats purely sorrow..i admire her.for being a strong woman.
Awe, when she started talking about her father, I started to get upset. However, I think her father was seeing from heaven how his daughter is doing now. He is no longer suffering and sees his family is living a different life.
Gosh I cried really hard for her. Living is not for the weak, and someone that has been through and seen what she has is probably one of the strongest people you could meet. I hope her family is doing better emotionally, after everything they’ve suffered, even though I’m sure that’s probably not something you could ever completely recover from. And what a badass, standing up to the threat and refusing to be bullied into hiding. Seriously, she is amazing. And completely off topic, but her accent in English is very impressive. I know that most every country studies English in school(apparently even the rich kids in N Korea), but with most of the English-speaking Koreans I have heard, they seem to have difficultly with certain sounds and vowels, but she anunciantes them so well and is very clearly understandable (to me at least). As a native English speaker, I’m impressed.
+loveever89 She actually came from a pretty privileged family in North Korea. Her father worked in the capital which I heard is mainly for privileged people only.
I cried all the way through this. RIGHT NOW, people in North Korea are starving and cold as I sit here on my bed, warm, fed, SAFE ... Oh dear God... HELP THESE PEOPLE.
NoPictureHere : The 16 year old and her distraught Widowed mother should had STAYED and fought against KIM JONG-UN? DO you know ANYTHING about him or North Korea? It's like saying a teenager and her Widowed mother, believing all THIER family was dead, in a Concentration Camp should've "stayed and fought" against Hitler and his regime, instead of taking an opportunity they had to escape. Asinine.
Shedonista Shamanatrix Hahah listen to your nonsense. You call her strong and brave and then you are replying to my comment making excuses how she's too weak to stay and fight which obviously contradicts your original statement. Haha! It's remarkable how stupid you sound. I don't know what school you went to but you should sue them.
Yes she is so brave and strong !! Only North Korean propaganda would say otherwise !! And there are a few propagandist on youtube ! Every video related to North Korea they turn up and say that anything negative about North Korea is simple propaganda and discount every eyewitness testimony and every media report. Normally I block those people as they are so annoying ! Like the person saying she should have stayed and fought against the regime hilarious !
I pity you. Has it ever crossed your mind that you could have been in that situation? Would you stay there and do nothing but say "oh yes, very courage, such strong!!"? Or would you rebel and pass the rest of your life being tortured?
So happy their mother was abel to remarry... that is still so uncommon EVEN for South Koreans. When I left Korea in 2004, after living there for 7 years as an American Expat, things have changed a lot. So happy to see South Koreans accept the North Koreans more and more!!!
What an honorable human being. And my gosh, her English is so good! It's more than evident that she has worked immensely hard. Amazing story, amazing woman.
"If I die... I'm okay. I've already gotten to experience this freedom." Those words are so meaningful, and also shows how selfish we are in the western civilizations.
+Noboru Sora She's a true warrior. I think her father gave her great strength. He didn't have to die.
+Noboru Sora I was blown away by those words, incredibly powerful.
+Noboru Sora Not selfish, ungrateful
+Noboru Sora "How dare you appreciate things your country already had when you were born...you're all so selfish." Yes that's exactly how you will get support....
I can't change where I was born or who I was brought up with. If you expect me to say sorry for having things in my life I won't, I just thank God that I don't have to go through what these people went through
i cried when she said, ''Its okay for me to die i already experience freedom''
+msnat73 lol gay
I thought it was cheesy as hell.
+Curia Regis k lol
TheHighStatusMillionaire thats what you wish you were huh? gay? because you're so insecure of your own sexuality. fucking homophobic bitch.
The people who are laughing obviously don't know what it feels like to be tortured and give a good reason as to why humans like them deserve a place in hell
My grandmother is from North Korea. She actually lived there when the war first broke out. Her father traveled ahead to the South to secure safe passage and was going to return to the family. When the family didn't hear from him for weeks and weeks, they sent out their oldest daughter, my grandmother, to go look for him.
The day after she left the North, the armistice came down and she was never able to go back to North Korea. She was around 10 or something at the time. My grandmother is in her 70s now and she has literally not seen her mother, grandmother, aunt, and her FIVE younger siblings since she was a child.
I asked her if she missed her siblings and she told me "everyday". I asked her what their names were and she told me four of their names. I asked her what the youngest's name was. She told me the baby was born when her father had gone and the family was waiting for him to come back before they named him. So for 60+ years she has known her little brother's name and 'till the day she dies she will never know.
Growing up as a rather privileged Korean American, I never understood the true reason why South Koreans hate the Northern government. It wasn't until my grandmother told me her story that I began to cry uncontrollably and understood.
Form of Therapy dude this story alone made my eyes water, I hope your grandma and her family as well as yours are doing alright over there, god bless them ok man
Form of Therapy We should never take for granted the freedom and opportunities we have here in America.... 😭
Thank you for sharing something that's personal to your soul. It's a great teaching tool, that makes others realize what they have and to be grateful for it.
A noniem - I think back then it was one country...there wasn't a border with 2 separate countries...but then again, what do I know?
A noniem I don't want to doubt the story's authenticity. I can only conceive of the separation of this family was after the armistice and the country officially being divided into two. Maybe comprehension is not your strong suit.
Oh my God......young girl burying her father in the middle of the night....terrified, heartbroken, alone....this is so hard to watch :( really puts life into perspective. We complain about such silly trivial matters in our lives....whilst this little girl has to give her own father a grave to lay rest in. Just heartbreaking.
Meanwhile people in the US bitch when someone assume their fucking gender lol.
@Aki Ami Masen None of what you stated is correct. She didn't even say she was Christian either so I have no idea what you're trying to say to her? Christianity doesn't mean God can just solve all our problems and help everybody in need or dying. You know absolutely *nothing* about Christianity, and it sickens me that you think that the God all Christians believe in somehow is the cause of every bad thing that has ever happened in history. That's just being ignorant and blindly accusing us of believing in a false God. You can't tell us what we believe in is wrong, that's messed up as fuck and insulting us. I can't tell if you're joking or not because what you just said is so unbelievable that I wonder if you even had an education. Please focus on fixing your facts.
My
@Drew Hong woah
I want to reach out to her and give her a huge hug.
Lots of love to Yeon Mi Park from Yeong-Gug (🏴) 🌹♥️🌹♥️🌹♥️
It just makes you realise how lucky you are,, appreciate every moment and your friends and family
"What if I die, I have already experienced freedom"...Great Words.
Saurabh Kashyap agreed
+Dylan Modina i hate ur profile...
+Yamron Alkaizer why a curve sing appear near ur cmmmment
yes she get freedom to openly fucking in South korea which was not able in NK.
That profile pic got me
She's beautiful, smart, and brave. Absolutely perfect for being a public figure with an important message.
does one have to be beautiful to carry a message?
roulettebang To carry a message? No. To get air time? It helps.
You're pretty and you got my attention.
Well I have some doubts about her good intentions for her family, she knew how they would be treated if she escapes the country and still she did it without trying to take them with her, she could be just pretending she cares for them at all, coas what she did seams very selfish.
You are beautiful, smart, and brave. Absolutely perfect for being a UA-cam figure with an important message
This made me realize how hard my parents life was in North Korea
They escaped from North Korea to China when they were teens (mom 17 dad 19) and then they moved to South Korea where they were going to be citizens and that's where I was born (South Korea) I used to hear my mother crying almost every night because she remembers all the scary/hard to time of North Korea I thank her every day for having me in South Korea and she never let's me skip a meal 😂 I love her and I want her to tell her story to the world but she is scared and not ready
미나김 wow, damn! You should have her write down all of her experiences in North Korea, how she escaped, and trying to integrate into South Korea. That would be an amazing thing to have as a precious keepsake.
That’s terrible.. your parents are really strong💕💕 also I’m a huge fan of momoland and bts as well x I hope ur parents are doing better now..💖
You are insanely lucky to have such an amazing heroic parents, imagine your life now if they didnt escape... God bless them
Tell her to go for it 😊
Awwwwwwwww. My prayers to you and yoye family. Tell your mom. She is brave! Much love
When she said "it's okay for me to die I already experience this freedom.." and I realize I always take my freedom for granted
Chakie Demise I think we all take that freedom for granted
That bit got me!
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I think modern feminists should be forced to live in North Korea for 1 year, they'll lose that pink hair and attitude in the first week. We live in the most arrogant, ungrateful, spoiled brat, gluttonous, brainwashed society's right now.
my heart is breaking for her. she is so strong.
Mr. Ward tough woman she's got my respect
Mr. Ward hi
I read her book and I was really touched by it, especially if you consider how young she was and how mature she acted unter these circumstances. She also is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.
What is the book title ?
What’s the book
i think under these circumstances you have no other choice than to act mature
my 1st thought, what a gorgeous girl. sorry , i'm a man and we notice beauty .
PSYCHO DAD What I was thinking. They should visit the US sometime. Think they would love it.
Loved the fact that she didnt changed her name. A legacy of her father.
That gave me goosebumps. She is daam strong.
Not only. She fought so hard to be proud of her name, it would have been just a cowardice to change it
She's a hoax. It's much easier for ppl to believe than disbelieve, for to believe you need no further thinking.
@@anaysayersyes shut up if you don’t like then don’t watch it
Why would she? Women in Korean culture don't change their names when they marry.
I had to pause this video several times because honestly I was in pain. The part where she was speaking about her father was heartbreaking. I wish her and her family all the best.
I know right? I was crying while watching this... I am so blessed and happy to be born free
I didn't cry but my heart broke for her so much. I wish I could reach through the screen and give her the biggest hug.
Vane22april so sad
This is why if we do strike NK military, we have to be very precise. These people have suffered enough. They don’t need bombs killing the innocent people there. But we do need to free them from this psychotic monster.
I think if we don't there'll be a peoples revolution within the next 10-20 years, it's certainly not going to be over night nor can anyone with a rational thinking mindset expect them to transition easily either it's going to take a lot of time and a whole lot of effort as well.
If you really think in anyways this is going to happen at some point it's going to sadly involve some innocent people being killed, I can almost sadly bet on it if I was as awful to do something like that (which I am not), but it's just a fact, you have to be realistic about it.
I really think we should trial their leader for crimes against humanity, be amazing to see him suffer true karma be amazing really.
That poor North Korean nurse when she talked about what they did to her when they interrogated her. My heart hurts, this is so sad and cruel
A J And also she lost her daughter. they got seperated when its still baby.
Very admirable that she refused to change her name. Her father will be proud.
+genie121 ...Hate to be that guy but her father is dead.
Correction, her father WOULD be proud if he was still alive,
maybe he is proud
+Tinzy AJ I'm aware that her father is dead. But I meant it in a context that in spirit "he will be proud" from where he is now- looking down on her.
+Traci Scheelk there is no heaven
My best friends dad is North Korean, and he tells me stories. It has messed him up so badly. My friend 혜진 and I cry over her fathers stories. It’s so upsetting how much he went through. Thankfully, he made it to South Korea successfully. He now lives peacefully in 서울 .
혜진 and I never realized how privileged we were until we heard her fathers stories. Let me say, not many people will have it worse than North Koreans and their defectors. Yes, you may not be able to stop off at your favourite fast food restaurant . At least you know you still have food at home. You can go outside durning the day and not be scared. You can have freedom of speech and not be scared.
Never take your privileges for granted.
This is heartbreaking...and this is a story with an uplifting ending. Imagine how many individuals, how many families attempt to escape and fail. How many devastating endings...?
This is why communism and socialism should be resisted. Liberty is something is worth protecting above all else.
I know, I hope the two Koreas will reunite one day. No north, no south, just Korea.
to be honest though it's a win win situation. If you get there to your destination, wether it be China or South Korea, it's a win. If you die, it's a win because id honestly rather die than live the rest of my life in North Korea.
North Korea propagates that everything in there is all right and how everyone love Kim un, the same way south and the U.S. propagates that North is like a HELL. so only God knows the reality.....
I would still give credit to North for becoming a nuclear power and having the best missile technology, at-least they can defend themselves but South has surrender to U.S just like Japan. feel sorry for them.
+Irfan Asim nuclear power? best missile technology? lol, omg that's such a great joke. really, tell me more. i can't stop laughing. omg, there's nuclear power in north korea? and their missiles are the best? hahhahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahhahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahahahahhahahahhaha
She is a very brave women
They all are
You mean woman. Women is plural and means multiple females.
SalandFindles yeah, sorry about that
+SalandFindles Who cares? Jeez, do you have nothing better to do?
was*
From burying your father alone in the snow to celebrity in S Korea. I see things like this and am thankful I am in the US. It's obviously not perfect here, but I know I would never have to go through such strife.
With10Cubes never say never
So its ok as long as it doesnt happen to you? How selfish
Feeh ! That’s not what they said lol
"A lady asked Dr. Franklin. Well Doctor what have we got, a republic or a
monarchy - A republic replied the Doctor if you can keep it.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
@@pia_mater where did OP imply that?
This is literally the bravest person I've ever seen.
If you have a strong will of something, you’ll also be this brave. Respect.
I didn't watch until the end, but three reactions:
1. What a strong girl.
2. How did she learn english better than most South Koreans?
3. Holy crap she is cute.
Almost everyone in South Korea knows English.
Tired Turtles That isn't at all true
The people who have studied abroad there have said that almost everyone there knows English there. Also search it up. Many people in South Korea speak English
@Tired Turtles - Everyone I've spoken to say few people speak english, and the ones who do does it poorly. Looking at interviews with Korean celebs, they don't speak english either and require translators.
When I google "do korean people speak english", most answers say that you can probably manage to roughly communicate with most hotel employees and some college students, but average people don't speak english so bring a korean phrase book.
There are also youtube channels about Korea, apparently it's fashion to wear T-shirts with western alphabet words on them. In one clip, they went out and asked people wearing T-shirts with common words on them if they knew what the text said. Few people did.
Tired Turtles almost everyone is like 80%. Only 45% of people in SK speak English, and not even into fluency.
It is horrible that north Korea stands with the abuse they give to its people. this was an eye-opening and heroic tale. Best wishes and prayers for that family and the many like them.
+AmiNunni we should just attack their ass huh? lol
+AmiNunni This is what happens to a nation when the greed has apprehended it. I wonder when that tyrant fall will even the people be able to survive.
+AmiNunni bitch, north korea is the bestest
+AmiNunni they are too cowardly to do a coup d'etat and kill that fish head in his sleep...it's so simple it could be all over tomorrow if one of his right hand man would just put a bullet in kim's big fat head
+ᵐᵃˢᵗᵉʳ ʳᵃᶜᵉ yea, a nation that can't feed it's people and when it can just fats up it's military is better then nations dealing with obesity and nations that can achroly project there power.
Yeon-Mi has STOLEN MY HEART... this is the first I'm hearing of her. This girl has experienced heaven and hell on earth, and she feels completely content dying at her young age simply because there is absolutely nothing life can throw at her that can be worse to what she's already faced. I'm so happy she has been given a platform as an performer/celebrity to share her story and message, as well as stick it to her former "supreme leader" in the process. What a beautiful human being, and such a tragic yet triumphant life.
You should read her book, it’s amazing
Well put! I so admire Yeon-Mi!
She lives in the US now and started vlogging on UA-cam. Her vlog is awesome.
She will soon become a US citizen! 🇺🇸😍💕❤
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His son is actually North Korean-American. The Kim’s would call him a monster, but that is a true sign of triumph.
Exposing #YeonmiPark & other deceptive defectors and dissidents, from #NorthKorea to #Iraq, #China to #Syria
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*She’s a troll, plain and simple*
She’s been caught lying about so many things that everything she says is suspect. Journalists have lost their careers for less egregious lies. She makes money saying shocking things that experts and even other defectors have called her out on.
Didnt she claim to cross the Gobi desert in 40 degree below zero conditions without any winter clothing? And then justify that claim’s outrageousness by appealing to miracles?
She’s a troll, plain and simple. Nothing she says can be trusted. She's a reliable western Propaganda machine. She was caught lying on multiple occasions. There was one instance where she claimed that they had to use sticks for eating since they couldn't get chopsticks. might i ask why not use your hands? That’s such a dumb lie since it’s trivially easy to carve any stick into usable chopsticks. Even dirt poor parts of Laos use chopsticks. And again, there’s your hands and/or a spoon.
Moreover, this isn't the only part that makes no sense. Remember when she said she and her sister lived off eating grass in the mountains? Well humans cannot digest grass, so it holds zero nutritional value. If she had tried to live off grass, she would have died. Simple fact. It sounds good for a story, but unfortunately you cannot get around the hard truth of human biology, no matter how much you claim she is "traumatised".
I watched a couple of her videos, but I got discouraged by the blatant showoffness of wealth and clear work she had done on herself. She doesn't resemble her book cover photo anymore, her insta is full of posing and weird fashion and this kind of discredits her in my eyes. Not to say don't do what makes you feel good, but it implies she can be bought.
Well yeah, she is enjoying her "freedom" and she can do what she wants. But her page is 45% dancing videos, 45% commercial to her own book and just 10% some "news" about North Korea. My personal opinion is that she knows very well about her "beauty" and she (and some people around her) knows how to make money. She is a living commercial, and almost all of the articles about NK on her page are just supposed to shock people, but the main focus is on her new clothes, decorations and of course her book.
She makes $10-30 k per speaking engagement. It doesn't make sense to me how she got into Columbia university or even made fame, and I think she did come here as a higher ranking government and seeked asylum, and her stories just doesn't seem factual. There are many defectors here and they do not go around seeking fame as she does. Nothing adds up.
It is so sad that she has become a celebrity for tarnishing the beautiful people of North Korea through lies and exaggeration. Actually, it's disgusting.
"in North Korea there's no way to comfortably die".....
old age if ur lucky
damn...I'm touch when she said that
Ben Korsunsky tbh sucicide is the only way to die happily in North Korea
Funnily enough, South Korea's got one of the highest suicide rates in the world.
Ben Korsunsky is that even physically possible?
Wow what a story, the part where she had to bury her father alone unimaginable. What a beautiful and intelligent woman she is, it's incredible what she already achieved. Hope they'll have a fantastic life together. A very brave statement not wanting to change her name or stay out of the public eye.
I'm a Chinese, and I really hope that our government can improve the policy against north Korean defectors, North Koreans living in border cities are treated badly, cuz you see, if Chinese report them, cops will arrest them and send them back, and they will receive tortures.
chuntian zhang Thank you
Yeah, because those guys on the border keep smuggling things back from China to sell on the black market.
China benefits fron NK and vice versa so that is impossible.
my aunt in says she feels so bad for the people who are sent back home even though they betrayed their homeland.
That's really nice of you to think so. As a South Korean, i really thank you!
2:17
"Next to the school some street kids were there. And they were dying there. But i saw that too many times. So i did not know it was really a sad thing because nobody told me that's a really horrible thing."
2:17
It's honestly so saddening to see that this happens to people and that thousands were born under such harsh rule...It really makes you grateful for being able to experience freedom when so many others die without ever being able to escape from torturous circumstances...
+Aadarsh Balireddy is that *Escape From Camp 14*? I think I read some of that book a while ago, and I remember being really sad because of the terrible things he described. Truly disheartening stuff...
+CSGO ALFA don't be a jackass
✡ CSGO ALFA More than these people will ever feel, yes.
agreed :'(
✡ COME ALWAYS be
Imagine how traumatizing and depressing that is when you have to bury your own fathers body, then nobody comes to his funeral
Who will come to mine??????????? at least that man was blessed with his daughter.. I have no family.. no one to bury me when I die.... He was blessed with a daughter.
Gregory Sias shut the fuck up Gregory
@@nicholascorbett3671 Nicholas, don't be a nasty, evil person to somebody just crying their sadness out! Why do you have to be so aggressive and rude? You don't.
@@gregorysias6090 Don't worry man, it's not the person who has died that suffers, it's the person who is left behind.
I can't believe that nurse at 9:30. She escaped and was returned 8 times, and was tortured each time, and yet managed to finally escape. What a brave woman. Unbelievable.
Wow very touching and beautiful young ladies. I love the part she said I dnt care if I die know av tasted freedom. FREEDOM is the most fundamental,exquisite thing u can experience in this earth.🌎
Rachael Wangui that's the part that struck me how we take things for granted and yet another wishes they'd taste the same
Perhaps the socialists in the democrat party should watch this video and consider the possibilities of what could happen if they succeed in creating their socialist utopia. Nikita Khruscheve once said, "Socialism first. Communism always follows."
@@douglasrodrigues9329 Eh, he said that because that's what Marx said. Not claiming socialism is good or bad, but that's standard Marxist thinking is all.
@@douglasrodrigues9329 USSR wasn't that bad
Yeah, after communism took over around 1919 in the USSR, only about 20 million Russians living on there own farms, resistant to giving up ownership of their lands to the communist government, were intentionally starved to death because they were incompatible with the communist idealism prohibiting private ownership of property. The communist government confiscated everything they grew on their farms leaving nothing for the farmers to eat. Could have been more starved to death? Is that what you mean by "the USSR wasn't so bad? World wide, in all of the newly formed communist countries, about 100 million people total have died or were murdered who wouldn't conform to the communist "Utopia." Socialism is the first step to communism, where there is a distinct difference between the ruling class, and the workers. The ruling class here would be the left wing politicians telling everybody else how to run our lives. The politicians themselves would be exempt from all of the rules they place on us. That's how it was in the USSR. The ruling class had their own hospitals, their own food stores, their own upscale living communities, while everybody else would stand in long lines to buy a loaf of bread or a few rolls of toilet paper, as they now do in Venezuela.
In this country, the benefits of socialism are based on lies. Socialism is presented to school children with a Happy Face.🙂 The schools basically brainwash the children into imagining a peaceful world where everyone is equal. In reality, everybody would become equally poor except for the politicians, sort of what we have now with Obama Care. The politicians have exempted themselves from being penalized for not enrolling in Obama Care. At one time Congress exempted themselves from being prosecuted from inside stock trading. But I digress. You believe that the USSR wasn't so bad. If you were one of the millions who were starved to death, or in more modern times, one of the many thousands of people murdered by the communist government because your political party disagreed with communism, I seriously doubt that you would continue thinking that the USSR wasn't so bad. Do you know what allowed the murderous communists to take total control? The citizens were ordered to turn in all guns, for their own safety of course.
Omg I'm so scared for her!!! I know she's proud and I applaud her like hell for fighting! But I feel like they can definitely kill her.
But aww, she refused to change her name because it was the last thing her dad left for her :'(
Well, you know where he's got his anti-aircraft guns trained to, next!
it was the only thing her dad left her. its like that in america too.. all I got left was a name.. and the only reason I dont change it is because it is ancient. and belongs to some really great ancestors.. the children of God.. Sons of the Most High... but now.. nothing but shame and sorrow.. But then..... prosperity and hope.. a people of Love.. Kindness.. Mercy.... so when I consider my name.. I consider them.. and I try to forget the thousands of years of hate and pain. Who am I?
That story is so messed up. What those girls went through is unimaginable.
I got teary eyed when she was talking about her father's death but when she said "If I die... I'm okay, I've already gotten to experience this freedom."
I balled tears!!
12:21 to my knowledge was the first time I’ve actually heard her speak Korean. As sad as the context is it was much more touching in Korean. She speaks English flawlessly, I don’t think many will deny that. She just seems a lot more genuine where she can speak naturally in Korean. I’m so glad she found her sister
Can't believe someone so young would have to go through so much, and the reality is; she's one of the really lucky ones. Really makes me think just how lucky I am to be born in the UK, and how I even have the nerve to moan about my job that I'm being paid for so I can live comfortably...
I agree with you that she was lucky, but she is more lucky then you probably think. Almost everything she said in this was an exaggerated lie. She actually had a fairly decent life in North Korea (By the average North Korean standard) and this whole thing was just a publicity stunt for her acting career. I can link you to an article for my information if you would like.
I would be interested in that link.
so you are watching those videos to feel good about yourself.
+Lechiffresix six If that's what you got from that then I worry about you, my friend.
Orthadox no not me. i do not enjoy other people's misfortunes.and i sure as hell don't use it to boost my self esteem
It it impressive that even after all of the traumatizing things she experienced to gain her freedom, she works so hard still and is able to enjoy her life. I would have a hard time enjoying freedom, that is, if I would survive trying to escape North Korea. The fact that thousands of the NK try to escape just shows something is not right, and the North Korean propaganda is all real. Just look at the broadcasts of the children dancing and playing instruments! It looks so crazy, like they were forced to learn these things over and over and over to be perfect.
+// jessica // They were forced to learn it over and over. The songs are all about how they're leaders are gods. They still think that Americans are demons and whether or not we invade them is a win-win for them. We either invade, the people think we're trying to colonize North Korea (that's what they think we want to do) which helps in force Kim Jong Un's power or we don't and more suffer. It truly is an international problem that we can't do anything about at the moment.
+// jess // I was thinking that too - as, despite all the hardship how she is able to adapt to S Korea, work so hard and enjoy life.
Yet, a part of me thinks the trauma will catch up with her later. Perhaps when she's older and reflects upon it. There is no way someone could endure all that without some sort of psychological damage.
***** truth is, you just consciously scrolled down to the comments(which are full of opinions) and typed that you don't care. So why you here lmao? That gave me a good laugh.
+Najaa S oh ? how so? Some aspects are not truthful or her entire ordeal, shown here, is a lie?
Najaa S Thaz a very serious statement, and could be taken as an accusation. Thaz something one needs to stop doing, or never start . ......If you dunno, say it right off the bat. In lieu of all this girl hz gone thru, thaz a very ugly thing to say
I'm so *so* lucky to be American, and I try not to take it for granted too much. This poor girl has been through more than most 70 year old men here. And I bet her dad would be so proud that she's keeping his name and it means so much to her. She's strong and adorable, I hope she (and all the other defectors) have a happy and safe life from here on out.
you got trump for president. is gonna get worst.....dont feel lucky just yet
@@mrgenius6604 dumb fuck trump came in us debt 19.9 trillion inherited from bama bush clinton papa bush. Usdebtclock.org
Lucky? More like unlucky Americans are north Koreas worst enimies!! Like Trump once said Kim Jong Un is a bomb man and who knows when he has good enough weapons to destroy America?? Im Swedish so i feel safe lol
@@mrgenius6604 haha still better than north korea
My final assignment overseas was in Seoul, Korea. I did multiple tours in Korea. Heart wrenching and very happy to see the South Koreans embrace and take care of her & the family members that survived.
Yeongmi Park is so wonderful i am so glad she has helped others in north korea using her influence, i am so glad she's free now and hope it stays that way always.
Why are some people talking about plastic surgery?
She is North Korean girl, not South Korean. I know South Korea is famous for plastic surgery but it doesn't mean that all Koreans do surgery. And as the fact, America locates in top place when it comes to plastic surgery rate. Not South Korea. So it means that all Americans do surgery? or other plastic surgery country like Mexico,Brazil always do surgery? I think stereotyping can be racism. So I don't like those stereotypes.
Same here lol. People say to me you did plastic surgery right? Because im korean myself. It's bloody annoying.
Nathan Williams wtf hell no
Nathan Williams nope ^
Nathan Williams Are you dumb? Goku is from a Japanses anime "Dragon Ball Z". Fuck you're ignorant.
EDIT Japanese. just did a typo
Nathan Williams So what are you saying?
And the world just sits back and watches it all happen...
+ツ but government are people
+Naomi Washinton
We sit back and watch it happen because it's outright IMPOSSIBLE to actually do anything. NK cranked their "Lockdown" lever to eleven. The only two reasonable ways to help them is through China or SK. SK/NK border is essentially an instant-death zone. China is on NK's side. You can see how well this turns out.
+Naomi Washinton It is a very sad situation but realistically, what can be done about it without dire consequences?
Yeah NK could start nuclear war something like that, and then the world of Fallout 4 is real. :(
+Naomi Washinton . and you're part of the world, what are YOU doing to help?
So small, yet so strong and brave. May she get to see a free North Korea in her lifetime!
There are so many hate comments on here, it's awful. These people don't know what it would've been like to suffer and go through this and they're just mocking everything.
She sounds so emotionals.. trying hard not to cry!😔
Omg I cried twice. Her dad's death so just too hard....I can't believe it when she said that as a North Korean...you can't even die in peace! >< :'(
I saw her speak at the United Nations. It was tearful.
You did a great job putting this story together. Thank you
*Amid tears*.. I'm glad her family is reunited once again. I pray for peace and blessings for them.
wow she's the most beautiful humble kind-hearted girl.
+She Left Me For Jesus she would make a great wife? what if she doesn't want to get married to the abhorrent male species? most men assume women want to marry....news flash, fuk a man n fuk a marriage
She Left Me For Jesus Please don't generalise idiotically . The Americas are very diverse you know South and North America although yes I do know you're referring mainly to the US.
MsMamacornbread not all men are awful. But while she is clearly a very loving human being who would indeed make an incredible mother and wife, that may not be what she wants, particularly at this time. And she probably doesn't want someone like this guy who only sees this in her.
Yeah, I wish to invade her.
MsMamacornbread male species?
She's able to speak English, Korean and Chinese. In such this young age !?!?!
Jimmy Cen She was on a show as a public speaker. She fled North Korea into China and had to learn Chinese to not be caught by the Chinese police or else they would send her back. Then she finally made it to South Korea but in SK it is very necessary to know English so that was her third language having to learn :)
It's not uncommon to have 3 languages under your belt at that age.
I speak three languages myself and all of my friends are at least bilingual, so I really don't get what's so shocking about that.
Natalia Joanna Bajor It's because most americans don't take learning a second or third language seriously. They learn it all throughout high school just to get a credit for a diploma and then they drop the language afterwards. Me however I plan learning Korean, spanish, french, and japanese. I'm currently learning korean and spanish so wish me luck.
So, this is a disadvantage of most native English speakers.
You can really hear the sadness in her voice. She deserves an amazing life now❤️
I feel so sad for her. She's such a strong person. Now I'd just like to do something to improve this world...there are so many differences between life conditions in Korea and in the United States (for example)...This is not right. Everyone should have the same opportunities to live this life in the best way. I feel so lucky to have been born in a developed and free country.
Watch the Journeyman North Korea playlist - click here: ua-cam.com/play/PLlGSlkijht5iab_MVkfJuUcymWJyMjazO.html
R
Lol I am South Korean And I Live In Soul But I Never Knew That North Korea Hit People I Wanna Kill Kim Jung Oun
SJ Kim
Yes; They hit their woman all the time. China is a dirt bag country.
ummmm ok?
SJ Kim no offence, but, im korean and was brought up in new zealand, and everyone i know knows that north korea treats their people like shiet. how did you not know? hmm... does south korea keep quiet about this ?
when she says those words @17:11 i was like.. nearly crying she has a strong personality..
when she spoke to her sister on the tv show i started crying :(
I AM IN TEARS. This is one of the most thought provoking documentaries I have ever watched.
Wow. I'm happy she & her family could experience this peace after all they have been through. This is a very beautiful story & I truly hope something can be done for all the north Korean people that are suffering
how and where did she learn English..very rare Korean can speak English fluently especially North Korea. I think she kinda smart girl.
wegaje draft You are aware that she's no longer in North Korea right? She can study English any time she wants now
she escaped when she was 12... english in south korea is very important and everyone who is anyone have taken english courses in school
wegaje draft North Korea teach English though I read it so ? Learn the North Korean education system from Asian boss they said they did teach them English though
Read her book. She learned no English in NK. English is her third language. She was assessed as 2nd grade level when she reached SK and age 15. In 5 years she took herself to university level, substantially self taught. Reading is her favorite activity. She read about one book every 4 days, serious books. She still has a Korean accent but her English diction today is university level.
I have seen videos that lead me to believe that many people in North Korea may learn english but not associate it as originating in America as it is so widely spoken. There were North Korean defectors that knew some english but never heard an american speak.
This is so sad , I’m crying rn
Withasante 😢
wow.. she speak english so well
I was thinking the same thing
and you are not ..
wow a total wow factor here
probably some agent, useful idiot either way
I just like the fact you edited this comment lol
It clearly states in the story they grew up in wealth in early years until her dad's business was shut down. The wealthy in NK learn English in school.
Saddest story I have heard ....God bless her and her family.....She is indeed a strong woman......
The fact that she couldn't even give her dad a funeral and needed to secretively bury the body by herself in the middle of the night is so surreal. Poor girl
I can't even imagine how that's like..
She is so beautiful...!
NIK_X yes definitely
@@D_M_S_4 pls stfu 😂
@@freshfrozen3035 she is tho
Omg this left me with tears❤️❤️❤️ we love u girl and always will support you to ur success
Pray for the people of North Korea that they will be set free from terrany!
Praying is the most useless thing to do in this case and generally
KyllieJay 46 praying is the only thing we can do
Ruth Yoerg Tyranny***
Same age as me and she deserve twice as much. Bless her and her family. I wish more people from North Korea could experience life outside that corrupted side of the world and have the freedom they so rightfully deserve.
This is so sad..it brings tears to my eyes just to think how free i am
shes actually really beautiful and seems an amazing person grateful for what she has. whoever her boyfriend is should count himself as extremely lucky
Jack Finnigan I agree
She doesn't mind dying because she's experienced life and freedom. She's satisfied. That's how grateful she is!! After all they've been through, her sister, mom, all of her family safe. And she's done something to help those that weren't so lucky. THAT IS A LIFE WITH A PURPOSE IF I'VE EVER KNOWN ONE!
Or is it?
Michelle Telfo They aren't safe. if you watched to the end of the video her detective told her she has to change her name.
DnBastard But still, they're a lot more safe compared to when they were living in North Korea.
DnBastard LosingCrayon Precisely, their lives will never be perfect but they have come a long way from where they were years ago, from north korean regime, the constant running across borders, the poverty they faced, and being separated for so long under such terrible conditions.
Michelle Telfo No, worshiping the magical sky man is the only true purpose.
Michelle Telfo shut the fuck up. All those people are still suffering.
edit: Sorry to be so mean. It's something that should change and there's people suffering now.
Your story is so heartbreaking and inspiring. I felt like crying everytime you spoke because you spoke so beautifully and the way you strive to show and tell people about the injustices and cruelties that North Koreans face in their life is just amazing. thank you ❤ xx
This is heartbreaking. I can't imagine knowing my dad was suffering like that
It's so weird to realise how lucky we are....what a brave girl .
Man really hit me when she said they can't even die comfortably and just hit me more from there. I'm typically pretty cold hearted, but the shit they go through is undeniable. The Korean in me is angry and the human in me feels an intense sadness.
cold hearted people cause more pain and trouble in the world for others.. Dont be proud that you are cold hearted.. What the whole world needs now is LOVE; SWEET LOVE. warm hearts and gentle hands.. smiling eyes and a tender reply. Truth instead of lies.
"Nails hammered into my back" God help them
Did you miss that Yeon-mi's father was kicked in the testicles every day for years till they released him to find "medical treatment"? Her mother even said he could even walk because of it but you are a woman. Just a senseless piece of shit.
Pikudo Pikao Yes, because a man was kicked in the testicles every day, nails being hammered into your back shouldn't be recognized as a horrible act... wut lol
Pikudo Pikao You are fucked up, a worthless human. You need to be disrespected for being such a stupid piece of shit
Have been watching Yeon-Mi's Videos for some time, but this has been one of the hardest to watch without 'blubbing'. God bless you Yeon-Mi and all who are trying to escape from the North.
pretty decent English :) it's impressive. many South Korean children even had to hire tutors or fly to English-speaking South East Asian countries just to learn the language
yep. I'm from the Philippines, too. hehe
Cavite ^^
she's been to U.S.A
oh wow I guess I missed that part. cool.
that's because filipines are cheap
The part that made me the happiest was just seeing her casually pick up a smartphone and hammer away at it like a pro!
She fits right in.
+cidshroom My fav moment was seeing her type away on the keyboard.
*****
Her English is good. Don't judge.
She's wonderful and doing great work. Educating the people is what will save North Korea, the people need to take a stand and rise up against their government.
aponiaa First of all, the citizens are brainwashed. Second of all, it's illegal to speak up against their government. If they do, they'll be killed. Third of all, the North Korean government denies everything that they do to innocent civilians. No one can stop it unless World War 3 happens.
xeresaj the sad truth
+xeresaj not really world war 3 but korean war lawl.World war 3 would only occur if usa go into war with russia
+aponiaa I really hope everyone in N.K rebels against Kim jong un, that way they cannot do anything, because their army is against them too, and they have no where to run, because well, NO ONE LIKES THEM
+aponiaa They can't. They need the united state of america to the rescue. But then there is nothing to gain in that shitty place so USA doesnt give a fk.
"Because my name,Park Yeon mi is my legacy from my father. That's the only one he just left me."
Well said I'm so proud of you girl u made ur father proud for being such a strong woman u never left behind ur father it lives in ur heart forever 😭😭😭 I was crying
I respect her to every last bit!!
damn,at the age of 17 she experienced that kind of horror,..but when you see her its like,you see this beautiful lady but deep inside there are things that part of her life thats purely sorrow..i admire her.for being a strong woman.
She's gorgeous. She's like a little, North Korean teddy bear with a cute, pullstring voice. I just wanna hug her. On top of that, though, sad story.
Lol fucking creep
oscar martinez Crazy in the bedroom, honey. ;)
How Do Ya Like Me Now, Chucklehead? wow
oscar martinez Yeah, you can't wait now, eh, chico? :)
*****
I can't do that, Coke, I'm busy with Oscar right now. ;)
Awe, when she started talking about her father, I started to get upset. However, I think her father was seeing from heaven how his daughter is doing now. He is no longer suffering and sees his family is living a different life.
what a strong brave woman! she deserves an award. Such a brave soul to have done what she did. Her and her family are amazing. God bless u all
Gosh I cried really hard for her. Living is not for the weak, and someone that has been through and seen what she has is probably one of the strongest people you could meet. I hope her family is doing better emotionally, after everything they’ve suffered, even though I’m sure that’s probably not something you could ever completely recover from.
And what a badass, standing up to the threat and refusing to be bullied into hiding. Seriously, she is amazing.
And completely off topic, but her accent in English is very impressive. I know that most every country studies English in school(apparently even the rich kids in N Korea), but with most of the English-speaking Koreans I have heard, they seem to have difficultly with certain sounds and vowels, but she anunciantes them so well and is very clearly understandable (to me at least). As a native English speaker, I’m impressed.
She speaks very fluent english good job girlfriend!!
Lazz Kitten then why the subtitles?
For one they have subs because some people might not understand her but I do Dylan
In north Korea, they teach english. Mostly the wealthy, who's parents work along side the military have a great chance at learning english.
+loveever89 She actually came from a pretty privileged family in North Korea. Her father worked in the capital which I heard is mainly for privileged people only.
I cried all the way through this. RIGHT NOW, people in North Korea are starving and cold as I sit here on my bed, warm, fed, SAFE ... Oh dear God... HELP THESE PEOPLE.
For her to know fluent korean and english is quite outstanding. she says english very well too!
If you read her novel it tells of how she learnt to also speak fluent Chinese in order to survive and save her mother.
What bravery, such strong WOMEN!
Bravery would be to stay and fight not to escape. She's actually the opposite but ok
NoPictureHere : The 16 year old and her distraught Widowed mother should had STAYED and fought against KIM JONG-UN?
DO you know ANYTHING about him or North Korea?
It's like saying a teenager and her Widowed mother, believing all THIER family was dead, in a Concentration Camp should've "stayed and fought" against Hitler and his regime, instead of taking an opportunity they had to escape. Asinine.
Shedonista Shamanatrix Hahah listen to your nonsense. You call her strong and brave and then you are replying to my comment making excuses how she's too weak to stay and fight which obviously contradicts your original statement. Haha! It's remarkable how stupid you sound. I don't know what school you went to but you should sue them.
Yes she is so brave and strong !! Only North Korean propaganda would say otherwise !! And there are a few propagandist on youtube ! Every video related to North Korea they turn up and say that anything negative about North Korea is simple propaganda and discount every eyewitness testimony and every media report. Normally I block those people as they are so annoying ! Like the person saying she should have stayed and fought against the regime hilarious !
I pity you. Has it ever crossed your mind that you could have been in that situation? Would you stay there and do nothing but say "oh yes, very courage, such strong!!"? Or would you rebel and pass the rest of your life being tortured?
The story about her father dying just broke my heart.
We need to support these strong women. Respects from USA 🇺🇸
So happy their mother was abel to remarry... that is still so uncommon EVEN for South Koreans. When I left Korea in 2004, after living there for 7 years as an American Expat, things have changed a lot. So happy to see South Koreans accept the North Koreans more and more!!!
I'm crying .. such a good speaker, god bless her
I'm cry right now 😭
Henry Dinh I know Henry, it’s hard to watch. 😢 stay strong
These women are so strong and brave. Seriously.
It's crazy to think how much we take for granted in North America too.
when the mum was talking about her time in jail omf. im so glad they live a happy life now
this...this is just terrible. heartbreaking.
that moment when she said that she wanted her sister to be confident and embrace other people... oh! what a beautiful thing to say and do.
What an honorable human being. And my gosh, her English is so good! It's more than evident that she has worked immensely hard. Amazing story, amazing woman.