He said he doesn't want to say his message in Korean because he might tear up but I seriously started to cry as soon as he said "Noona" which means older sister in Korean....Oh God...
honestly, I felt like that was very very personal and maybe they should have done it privately for his sake of trying to keep his composure, it was a good thing but seeing him struggle to talk broke my heart :(
You'd think the world would've been invaded to free these people but Eisenhower thought threatening the regime would be enough but it made them obsessed with nuclear weapons he really messed up and every president since that has ignored them calling their nuclear program a sham when they knew this was happening for years the best to time to invade was the 90s when they stopped giving their people rations they had plenty of food but Kim father sold the rations because he wanted to put it nuclear power and he had citizens working overseas but took their checks without giving them a dime he even stopped giving his higher ranking people money while working them to death starving them too that's why so many detected around that time. Also the united states' south Korea was sending millions of dollars worth of food aide unchecked not knowing it wasn't going to the people until everything came out yet did nothing but hoped the people could topple the regime not knowing how it's set-up especially after Kim came to power he's an evil smart psychopath he placed people in pairs stop people from moving around and traveling to different countries and areas of North Korea and set up the system so that it's a paramyd type system and he's at the top anytime he's paranoid he knock off his team directly beneath him plus implemented nothing but brutality and fear making it almost impossible to topple him this is the worst I've ever seen in history it's worst than Hitler. Kim kills his own family and trusted people making everyone terrified of him he trust no one because his higher ranking people has to leave extended family and at least one child in north Korea if they travel making it impossible to run this why many people higher up was defected they were getting killed instead to save their families lives which still didn't work if he kill them for no reason than showing his absolute brutality their families die too and friends. I hope things change at least many NKs now are aware of their situation because they get illegal information so they will become more disgruntled. I dream about getting Kim Jong Un and taking him out of dropping a nuke on whatever building he's in because invasion means many innocent people will die because of him he makes them fight out of fear. This why some people that carry out hits he plan don't get severely punished because we know majority just have to or it's death for sure and the rest are brainwashed or pretending really good to save their lives. But his sister gotta go too execution publicly for both and the loyal ones who won't denounce him once he's caught. That's if this ends I truly hope so before his nuclear project is complete.
When he said “noona”, my heart broke. As an older sister who would do anything for my younger siblings, I really hope that his big sister is able to see him again so that she has the chance to know how well he has done for himself.
"Hope is personal. Hope is something that no one can give it to you. You have to choose to believe in hope. You have to make it yourself." Hats off to this guy. RESPECT.
He was raised in a poor environment as a child and lost all of his family member but still didn't give up hope and gained success over short period of time! It is absolutely amazing and inspiring. Therefore he has my respect :)
Now that is what i call masterpiece of propaganda. So disgusting to us whoo have diferent (uncensored) sources of information and actuly whent to that country.
why were you thinking his grammar? just think the message of sadness, sacrifices and being orphan, he lost his entire family and does not even sure if his mother and sister still alive..
when he was talking about crossing the river and said that he did it in the daytime because he "was a child and still afraid of the dark" it really struck a chord oh my gosh.
I agree, it hit me right it the gut. He was 16 at that time and refers to himself as a child. Most 16 year olds that I know refuses to acknowledge that they are still a child, let alone afraid of the dark and freely going places.
+whytedaises well I am an exception then cos I am 15 and scared of the dark and being alone but the last one doesn't define me.. It is indescribably awful.. I wish we could do something against but it is so risky.. idk I am just heart broken to hear his life story.
+whytedaises Well its the cultural influence. In Eastern Asia, especially in China and Korea,if you're under 30, you're a child. For example, they will address you as Xiao "insert last name". Xiao meaning little. Even Kpop idols say "when I was very little" about when they were 16 and 17.
Veritas Cognitio Thank you for your info. I get that 16 and 17 are still considered young. Even those in the 20s as well. It's the understanding that when you are young, you don't know much. My parents are traditional so they did that to me all the time when I was a teenager. : ) For the excerpt, I was talking about how teenagers in general like to refer to themselves as older/mature and does not want to be seen as a child anymore. What got to me is that he is in fact, a child still. That feeling as a child who think they can do it, but realize you can't because you're too young.
"Can I also make a small message to my mum?" I hope, with all forces of good and love in this seemingly cruel world, that you reunite with your family. What an inspiration. X🌌
Carrot Stiks I was saying that giving his speech at age 23, he had endured much hardship during his childhood and teenage years. He didn't lose his innocence at 23.
@Turbo_Turlet not necessarily. When you read his book you'll know that he doesn't have much of a family anymore. Also, his sister and mother could still live somewhere in China. When it comes to punishment, you are right, but they don't always punish everyone. His mother was caught twice in China and only she was punished.
We joke and we laugh about N. Korea and its dictator, but do we really do anything to help these innocent people, who deserve a better life than the one they currently have?
Actually there are a LOT of organizations that help North Koreans. People from SK even throw bottles with rice in the sea hoping smb will get in up in the North. It's also good to laugh at the system and the Kims, because it means we're not afraid. Whole world jokes at them and that surely makes them feel not so powerful and respected anymore, but pathetic.
@@MrFenkins At least they will have a life! So many starve to death in the world from lack of while we die from compulsively over eating food with no nutritional value (McDonald's). If there is a god those of us who "suffer" from too much will be held accountable for not helping our fellow starving man... Cheers mate!
After reading his book, "Under The Same Sky"there was a reference to the group that aided in his escape from the DPRK. The groups name goes by LiNK or Liberty in North Korea. They also have a website which I promptly looked up and donated to their cause. The people in North Korea deserve a right to freedoms we take for granted, so pay their website a visit and give to their cause any way you can....The plight for the North Korean is so heartbreaking, and it seems Kim Jon Un has no desire to change the current regime... He can only be overthrown from within by the people of North Korea who yearn for freedom...God bless Joseph Kim (Kwan Jim) and hope he finds his sister, Bon Sook, soon...
I was holding my tears till the moment he asked “Can i make a message to my mom too?” My tears are not stopping, My God...I just hope every North Korean refugee gets a wonderful life of freedom one day.
Weirdest thing, when he says something with date, and i think, what i might have done that same day, and i've been had propably been drunk on some party while someone is escaping for hes life to get to live normal life. Damn..
I just want to say that this story made me realize how much pain my grandparents went through when they were younger. They are North Korean and escaped North Korea when the civil war started. They talk about the horrible dead bodies they've seen and the hunger they faced everyday on their journey to the south. They talk about how they survived by never giving up and having hope. I miss my grandpa who passed away 2 years ago. And I never got to thank him for his brave escape because that is the only reason I am alive today. So, grandpa, thank you for everything. And I miss you so much.
America started that war you idiot. Ask your elders how many Coreans were kiled by American invasion on your now divided country, in both north and south.
bark obama Your grandparents are so brave. :) I’m glad you were born into a better world than thy were. And I’m glad they have the bravery and hope to escape that horrible place.
Boris Bojanic You seriously have the audacity to say something like that who’s grandparents suffered and almost died because of that totalitarian regime? He isn’t even talking about America he’s talking about North Korea what’s your point you fucking idiot? North Korea started the war America joined in to help the south. People like you make me sick to my stomach.
wow.... As a Korean, I feel deeply appreciated to his foster parents. Your act of love changed someone's life forever and that someone will also change many other's life.
It's 2021, I just wanna know how he is now, and did he ever find his noona? I cried a bucket watching this and he is so strong. I wish him well. I hope the situation gets better in North Korea. I wish they would get international help.
Feuch M I agree! Petition for support groups to find his sister (or any information at all). Sadly because I am considered underaged, I cannot help but I can still hope :) I hope Joseph finds his family soon God bless him 💕
Nah fr we the public need to get on this. Their was a tweet that went viral of a girl who shared a picture of herself and another girl when they were little kids. They met on a cruise I think and she wanted social media to help her find the girl (its been about a decade) and social media actually found the girl 😭😭😭😭😭 I hope this happens with his sister
The most overwhelming talk I've ever watched. People who never meet like this adversity and difficulty will never understand the pain. That kind of agonizing feeling is terrible. Hope we all live in a peaceful world.
I literally just found out about him and his story 😭😭😭 it made me look at refugees hella differently. North Korea is SICK man i talk ish about the US but reading about NK makes me really grateful to be an American 😭 This guy is more than incredible. God bless him. Learning a new language....escaping a dictatorship..risking his life... Homelessness...losing his sis and mom and dad...At the age of 16... I have no words man.
Guys, I feel so sick with myself. I complain about little things all the time, like my eggs are over cooked or I popped the yolk. I waste so much food. I never really thought about all the people who have no food and die of starvation while I eat a burger. I'm just here bawling because of how fortunate I am to not have been born on the "other side" (N.Korea) of S.Korea, or how I still have all my family members, or all the food in my fridge. Trust me, I'm a very fortunate person and I never really appreciated things till now. I think I can safely say videos like these make me see life in a new perspecitve. To not take things for granted, to not indulge so much with things I don't actually need.
Ember Castillo I know that I'm late, but your comment helped me realized too! I'm such a fool, I just bawled my eyes over how sad this story is but didn't seem to take the message seriously. I am not in a very rich family, but I have all of them still alive, food and good education. I will try to appreciate all of it that has been given to me. Thank you :)
I know, right?! It makes me sick that nothing is done, that we just "eat" all the bullshit that media and mags feed us and just get on with our meaningless lifes still complain about our phones and stuff...
It makes me sick that ungrateful Leftists waste all of our time with their ridiculous bullshit, while we could use that energy to help other people. Leftists are disgusting and make this world a much worse place
Such an amazing individual. As a person who was introduced to English language at his later teen years, his English is beyond good. From a F rated student back in NK to a Academic Excellence Award winner in US requires will, hard work and confidence .....well done brother. You have seen things in life as a child which even an adult shouldn't, you have been through times which are probably our worst nightmares.....but, you fought this through and am so happy to see you live a normal life now. Hearing your story gave me HOPE, made me realise that whatever petty issues/problems that we go through in life will end only if we decide to take our stand and act on it. Thank you brother....thank you for sharing your story with us. I really wish you reunite with your sister one day :) ................... Like i say..... "Keep your hope up high and your head down low".
In case anyone is wondering: Adrian Hong, the man who appears at the end of Joseph's talk, is one of the co-founders of an organization that helped him called Liberty in North Korea. If you want to do something to help the North Korean people and make a real difference, please consider donating to their rescue efforts. I have done fundraising and awareness campaigns for LiNK for the better part of three years now, and they are an amazing organization staffed by incredible people whose hearts are too big to put into words. They do amazing work and I'm proud to associate with them. They've rescued almost 200 refugees and have funded the rescue of another 40+ in the last couple of months alone. They hope to fund another 40 by January. If Joseph's story inspires you to act, please consider helping them.
I first saw this story about Joseph a few years ago, have never forgotten about him, (now viewing it again in 2019, prompted by Trump's visit at DMZ with KJU). I always wondered how he is doing, whether it's possible to get an update from your organization on how Joseph is doing in life, and has he united with Mom and sister? Hope there is a happy ending. Please provide a link to your organization. Thank you.
I feel extremely guilty when I compare my life with these people. Sometimes, we complain about unnecessary things when there are bigger issues in the world.
Brought me to absolute tears. What a beautiful story of hope, strength and courage. I pray he finds his sister and mother. The trials and tribulations for this young man have been nothing short of amazing. I hope he is able to have a fulfilling life.
Oh god, I can't hold back my tears anymore! The message to his sister and his mother just broke my heart. I hope that he and many others can reunite with their families.
pp XVIII qq that's not necessary! I don't know what to think about his mother, but I'm sure that his sister tried really hard and was really hoping to come back and bring him food... I know some other refugees who's parents used to travel back and forth between North Korea and China to bring food to their children, until they reached a point where they decided to escape... But I also know many refugees who's parents or other relatives tried to do the same but got caught in China... For example, when Yeonmi Park her parents travelled to China they received a treatment that none of them was expecting, and for a long time they struggled with Chinese soldiers... We can say the same for Yeonmi's sister, who travelled to China before her family and couldn't reunite with them for many years... Joseph's sister might have been captured by Chinese soldiers, or even worst, but honestly I want to not believe it...
Now that is what i call masterpiece of propaganda. So disgusting to us whoo have diferent (uncensored) sources of information and actuly whent to that country.
Yes. And to those who think it's okay to embarrass someone for missing an L, which can easily be a typo, I'll remind you that at least he's being a nice and positive person instead of sitting and trolling others.
It will happen. Every year more and more north Koreans escape, and the ones that haven't are realizing whats actually is happening because of Kim jong un. They are smuggling films, news and cellphones in there. It's only a matter of time before Kimmy is assassinated or the people rebels.
@@miccalito that won't be for a loooong time tbh. We still have racism in the US and complete ignorance about minoritys bc we arent taught about them in school. Only taught what they wanted us to know. Now that more and more people are becoming aware via social media we still have debates about certain cultural issues. So imagine the millions in NK waking up without the freedom of the internet or Google like how we have in the West. It's gonna be tough but I pray they'll get there one day
For the people wondering, the latest thing I've heard (from Joseph himself, at the Liberty In North Korea Summit) is that he hasn't found his sister yet, but he is still looking.
I had the utmost privilege to meet this man a few days ago. I interned as a lobbyist for the Korean Church Coalition, am organization that fight for human rights in North Korea, and he came as a guest speaker in our conferences. His testimony is powerful and amazing. Such a kind hearted and loving man.
6:37 "you're not my son anymore." Though amazingly his father must've sacrificed his own life to have starved to death and for his children to not. He clearly did not give up on Joseph, and gave him and his sister as much as he could before dying.
I think that asian especially Korean parents say a lot of strict things which may give us westerners the idea that they are crueler to their children, but I think they love their children just as much as any other parent, and only say things like that because they want their child to succeed.
I couldn't help crying hearing his story and listening to his sister and mother message :'( I hope he found them and I hope he is happy now. He went through so many hard times that I wish he has a beautiful life today. He deserves it ....
It rips my heart and mind apart to try to even comprehend the pain and suffering he and other refuges have been through. I send him so much love ans thanks for sharing his story.
I moved to tears when he sent mesage to his mom and sister. Blood relationship is very great. I hope his close relatives will have happy life as him. Best regards to them.
Joseph Kim if you are reading this, I just want to say that you are such an inspiration. Your courage, bravery and determination is amazing. Also, you made me cry like a baby with your speech lol.
What an extraordinary and inspiring young man. He is the epitome of genuine strength, hope, kindness, compassion and perseverance. I'm so grateful to have watched this video of his story!
I hope there's been an update with finding his mother and sister after all this time, though such information is very tricky to track down. Many prayers for him, absolute respect!
All those were able to successfully escape NK are the instruments of GOD to.let.those world leaders and powerful countries open their.hearts.that life.is the.greatest gift from God. God is life.
To all Americans: PAY ATTENTION and STOP THROWING FOOD AWAY. The dishes here are so ridiculously exaggerated...Thousands of TONS of foods end up in the trash......
Yes, but as someone who lives in America, it has been proven that we waste and eat a lot more food than other countries as well as throw away tons of garbage while other european countries (i cant remember which one exactly) have a recycling system that's almost perfection.
This deserves so many thumbs up, I wish I could give more than one! He is so inspiring and courageous to talk about something so personal in front of so many people...
This video makes me think of the smallest thing that I should be grateful of, the way he talks about hope, a very simple philosophy but he makes me believe that hope could bring you anywhere and positivity in your life when you're feeling down
"Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America" - the whole book about him and his heartbreaking, shocking story. Im here, watching this video because of that book, I still cant belive in things I read there. I really reccomend it.
Hope is a powerful thing. It pushes a person to keep moving forward.. Thank you for sharing this message. I know it wasn’t easy and I pray you will find peace one day...
YOUR MASSAGE to your Mom and Sister just broke my heart, I was in tear, connot control my self!! I loved your way of life, even though the life is difficult and full of pain but that HOPE make you keep to go ahead!!
+Sam Taylor The message was emotional and all (I know, honestly I'm crying right now for the first time in...) but.. he should have made the message in Korean so it could actually reach his mother and sister..
SystemCurse dude, tears just fell in my face! I was sitting there watching this video not crying and poof, just fell in my face. They came from nowhere.
This video was 6 years ago and I just discovered it on 2019 because of my sudden interest with NK survivors. However among all of the videos I've watched, he literally make me cry the moment he said "noona". I wonder how he is right now. Did he found his sister? His words touched me. His beautiful mind and spirit wanting to survive despite the unimaginable hardships is one of my source of to keep on going as well. My hope for him is that he will reunite with his omma & noona again. God is always be with you young man. Thank you for the sharing.
Okay I lost it when I heard he hadn't seen her since he was 15 or 16, but once he started the letter to her,, I LOST ALL MY WILL TO HOLD BACK MY TEARS DEAR GOD
People are suffering around the world and here I am, laying down in my comfortable bed wishing to not go to school... Joseph Kim, you have changed me for the better.
I shouldve said thanks to and sorry for my grand parents before they passed away...who escaped to S.Korea and left members of family in the North during the Korean war 1950.... My grandfather used to cry when things like this was on TV. back then i couldnt understand cuz i was too young to understand different ideology and what horrible things happend to N.Korea.... Hopefully he will find his missing sis and mom soon never give up and wish the best luck to you Please Chinese people help defectors or refugees from N. Korea
my grandparents are also escapees from North Korea during the Korean war. it's hard to see your grandparents tearing up remembering their families that they had to leave behind
I was able to hold my crying during the whole speech until he said "Noona", I bursted out crying, I really hope that he will reunite with his sister and his mother some day!
what a change between the comments on this video and the speech with the female north korean. Mainly because the comments are not about his looks, but what he spoke about.
oh my, this made me cry for him, i will try to be more thankful and not complain about anything, God bless you Joseph and i hope you'll find your sister and see your mom again. love you!
Thats so emotional, it makes me think how life can be hard for so many people and yet we sometimes argue or become sad over petty things. I really hope that u meet up with your family 🤞😊
He said he doesn't want to say his message in Korean because he might tear up but I seriously started to cry as soon as he said "Noona" which means older sister in Korean....Oh God...
me too ... that noona was so emotional ...
i can't even imagine the sorrow he must have
same here :(
I couldn't hold back my tears when he said noona too
honestly, I felt like that was very very personal and maybe they should have done it privately for his sake of trying to keep his composure, it was a good thing but seeing him struggle to talk broke my heart :(
Can we just take a moment to appreciate his grammar.
+Vikan Ronru His English is PHENOMENAL!!!!
Amazing!
IKRR
+Vikan Ronru Of course. They have several weeks to prepare and think of what to say before the talk
+BLS. that proves what?
“You can change someone’s life with even a smallest act of love”
This is so true. A small kindness can mean everything to someone in need.
So true.
I'm watching a lot of North Korean stories and I can't believe what's happening and how we are letting this happen. My heart breaks.
You'd think the world would've been invaded to free these people but Eisenhower thought threatening the regime would be enough but it made them obsessed with nuclear weapons he really messed up and every president since that has ignored them calling their nuclear program a sham when they knew this was happening for years the best to time to invade was the 90s when they stopped giving their people rations they had plenty of food but Kim father sold the rations because he wanted to put it nuclear power and he had citizens working overseas but took their checks without giving them a dime he even stopped giving his higher ranking people money while working them to death starving them too that's why so many detected around that time. Also the united states' south Korea was sending millions of dollars worth of food aide unchecked not knowing it wasn't going to the people until everything came out yet did nothing but hoped the people could topple the regime not knowing how it's set-up especially after Kim came to power he's an evil smart psychopath he placed people in pairs stop people from moving around and traveling to different countries and areas of North Korea and set up the system so that it's a paramyd type system and he's at the top anytime he's paranoid he knock off his team directly beneath him plus implemented nothing but brutality and fear making it almost impossible to topple him this is the worst I've ever seen in history it's worst than Hitler. Kim kills his own family and trusted people making everyone terrified of him he trust no one because his higher ranking people has to leave extended family and at least one child in north Korea if they travel making it impossible to run this why many people higher up was defected they were getting killed instead to save their families lives which still didn't work if he kill them for no reason than showing his absolute brutality their families die too and friends. I hope things change at least many NKs now are aware of their situation because they get illegal information so they will become more disgruntled. I dream about getting Kim Jong Un and taking him out of dropping a nuke on whatever building he's in because invasion means many innocent people will die because of him he makes them fight out of fear. This why some people that carry out hits he plan don't get severely punished because we know majority just have to or it's death for sure and the rest are brainwashed or pretending really good to save their lives. But his sister gotta go too execution publicly for both and the loyal ones who won't denounce him once he's caught. That's if this ends I truly hope so before his nuclear project is complete.
North Korea has nukes, so if the U.S. tries to do anything about it, North Korea will nuke South Korea. So unfortunately there isn’t much we can do. 😔
Can't do nothing about that
@@pnwadibie yeah
Its happening because north korea is ruled by a lunatic who will set off nuclear strikes even if u as much as breath near him.
"One chicken wing can change your life" Best.Quote.Ever
Also agree
That's a poignant epitaph if I've ever read one.
A comment on youtube changed my perspective permanently
KFC recommends chicken rather then burger.
KFC says."Try our motherfawking chikun!.""Unlike Mc only burgers."
High five for kfc! Anyone?
These stories make me ashamed of myself when I take the smallest things in my life for granted.
take the ''i don't'' out of the sentence so it can make sense.
oishii.t Aw me too
Don't. His experience is not your experience. We all have our struggles in life.
You're problems don't suddenly become invalid because someone has bigger ones.
i feel the same bro.. funny that we annoy so many people for our own needs..
“I decided to cross during the day, bc i was still a kid and i was scared of the dark” 😭😭😭😭😭 my sweet child I’m already crying
When he said “noona”, my heart broke. As an older sister who would do anything for my younger siblings, I really hope that his big sister is able to see him again so that she has the chance to know how well he has done for himself.
"Hope is personal. Hope is something that no one can give it to you. You have to choose to believe in hope. You have to make it yourself." Hats off to this guy. RESPECT.
He was raised in a poor environment as a child and lost all of his family member but still didn't give up hope and gained success over short period of time! It is absolutely amazing and inspiring. Therefore he has my respect :)
Now that is what i call masterpiece of propaganda.
So disgusting to us whoo have diferent (uncensored) sources of information and actuly whent to that country.
why were you thinking his grammar? just think the message of sadness, sacrifices and being orphan, he lost his entire family and does not even sure if his mother and sister still alive..
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
The word is not use , to believe it is must believe in hope cos it make you feel strong must believe
when he was talking about crossing the river and said that he did it in the daytime because he "was a child and still afraid of the dark" it really struck a chord oh my gosh.
I agree, it hit me right it the gut. He was 16 at that time and refers to himself as a child. Most 16 year olds that I know refuses to acknowledge that they are still a child, let alone afraid of the dark and freely going places.
+whytedaises well I am an exception then cos I am 15 and scared of the dark and being alone but the last one doesn't define me..
It is indescribably awful.. I wish we could do something against but it is so risky.. idk I am just heart broken to hear his life story.
+whytedaises Well its the cultural influence. In Eastern Asia, especially in China and Korea,if you're under 30, you're a child. For example, they will address you as Xiao "insert last name". Xiao meaning little. Even Kpop idols say "when I was very little" about when they were 16 and 17.
Veritas Cognitio
Thank you for your info. I get that 16 and 17 are still considered young. Even those in the 20s as well. It's the understanding that when you are young, you don't know much. My parents are traditional so they did that to me all the time when I was a teenager. : )
For the excerpt, I was talking about how teenagers in general like to refer to themselves as older/mature and does not want to be seen as a child anymore. What got to me is that he is in fact, a child still. That feeling as a child who think they can do it, but realize you can't because you're too young.
Lucy Drury man me too :(
I wish his mom and sister would find him . It was hard for me to hold up my tears.😭😭😭😭😭
shut up little kid
@@carleighalbright1417 What but-? Oh wait I forgot some people have mommy issues and their dad is still on the hunt for the milk 🙄🙄 Feel sorry man.
"Can I also make a small message to my mum?"
I hope, with all forces of good and love in this seemingly cruel world, that you reunite with your family.
What an inspiration. X🌌
Thank you for letting me be in this world. ❤😭❤😭❤😭
Wow he was only about 23 when he made this speech. What a loss of innocence in such short a time.
Carrot Stiks I was saying that giving his speech at age 23, he had endured much hardship during his childhood and teenage years. He didn't lose his innocence at 23.
thanks for clarifying your questionably worded comment lol
+Carrot Stiks you're very welcome :-)
i believe he has always kept it, somehow
+Karen Grace Yes! He's so wise for his age, especially given what he's been through. I completely understand and agree with your original statement.
Oh, God. His message to his sister and mom was beautiful and heartbreaking. I hope he finds his family.
Ann Nonato i cry on that
Ann Legaspi I cried as soon as he said Nuna.
They're probably not alive
Yes! I felt his pain and earnest desire to be with his family! I pray that they will find each other!
@Turbo_Turlet not necessarily. When you read his book you'll know that he doesn't have much of a family anymore. Also, his sister and mother could still live somewhere in China. When it comes to punishment, you are right, but they don't always punish everyone. His mother was caught twice in China and only she was punished.
"if you cant find me, ill look for you"
Crying
This guy has gone through so much and to be able to stand up and still speak up is absolutely amazing
Tried my best not to cry but failed
Us Indians will never get out of our feelings. Same here but i didn't try to control it.
Kanu Priya Don't call me heartless but somehow I didn't cry?
+Kim Tov I also didn't cry but for some people it can be a lot more meaningful and touching :)
Kanu Priya I thought I made it but when he started addressing his sister and mother I lost it
Kanu Priya Same 😢 It is sad that people have 2 suffer like this 😧😦😡😢😣😳
We joke and we laugh about N. Korea and its dictator, but do we really do anything to help these innocent people, who deserve a better life than the one they currently have?
robo2000nitro the thing we can't help them. South Korea tries helping them by sending food with balloons but the government confiscates them.
U can donate to libertyinnorth korea . U will Save so many north koreans.
Actually there are a LOT of organizations that help North Koreans.
People from SK even throw bottles with rice in the sea hoping smb will get in up in the North.
It's also good to laugh at the system and the Kims, because it means we're not afraid. Whole world jokes at them and that surely makes them feel not so powerful and respected anymore, but pathetic.
The only help North need is with killing their "supreme leader". Otherwise you are just going to send them food for the rest of your life.
@@MrFenkins At least they will have a life! So many starve to death in the world from lack of while we die from compulsively over eating food with no nutritional value (McDonald's). If there is a god those of us who "suffer" from too much will be held accountable for not helping our fellow starving man...
Cheers mate!
After reading his book, "Under The Same Sky"there was a reference to the group that aided in his escape from the DPRK. The groups name goes by LiNK or Liberty in North Korea. They also have a website which I promptly looked up and donated to their cause. The people in North Korea deserve a right to freedoms we take for granted, so pay their website a visit and give to their cause any way you can....The plight for the North Korean is so heartbreaking, and it seems Kim Jon Un has no desire to change the current regime... He can only be overthrown from within by the people of North Korea who yearn for freedom...God bless Joseph Kim (Kwan Jim) and hope he finds his sister, Bon Sook, soon...
Thank you for the information.
I was holding my tears till the moment he asked “Can i make a message to my mom too?”
My tears are not stopping, My God...I just hope every North Korean refugee gets a wonderful life of freedom one day.
Weirdest thing, when he says something with date, and i think, what i might have done that same day, and i've been had propably been drunk on some party while someone is escaping for hes life to get to live normal life. Damn..
wow... i never thought of it that way...
Same...I kept thinking what I might have been doing at that time...
glad i'm not a lone with this thought =)
omg true :(
me too
I just want to say that this story made me realize how much pain my grandparents went through when they were younger. They are North Korean and escaped North Korea when the civil war started. They talk about the horrible dead bodies they've seen and the hunger they faced everyday on their journey to the south. They talk about how they survived by never giving up and having hope. I miss my grandpa who passed away 2 years ago. And I never got to thank him for his brave escape because that is the only reason I am alive today. So, grandpa, thank you for everything. And I miss you so much.
Write down all their stories!!
bark obama Thank you for sharing this inspirational story. P.S your grandparents are amazing :)
America started that war you idiot.
Ask your elders how many Coreans were kiled by American invasion on your now divided country, in both north and south.
bark obama Your grandparents are so brave. :) I’m glad you were born into a better world than thy were. And I’m glad they have the bravery and hope to escape that horrible place.
Boris Bojanic You seriously have the audacity to say something like that who’s grandparents suffered and almost died because of that totalitarian regime? He isn’t even talking about America he’s talking about North Korea what’s your point you fucking idiot? North Korea started the war America joined in to help the south. People like you make me sick to my stomach.
wow.... As a Korean, I feel deeply appreciated to his foster parents. Your act of love changed someone's life forever and that someone will also change many other's life.
It's 2021, I just wanna know how he is now, and did he ever find his noona? I cried a bucket watching this and he is so strong. I wish him well. I hope the situation gets better in North Korea. I wish they would get international help.
i thought they were going to bring his sister on stage....
me 2
+yixing park me too.. that was so sad, this poor guy!! I really hope they find her and reunite them! How can we help to of that??
+ali alghamdi It's sad if you consider the possibility that they never made it to China in the first place.
+yixing park Funny....so did I..! That would have been perfect!!
+yixing park maybe that was his hope..
WE NEED TO FIND HIS SISTER FOR HIM PLEASE
Feuch M I agree! Petition for support groups to find his sister (or any information at all). Sadly because I am considered underaged, I cannot help but I can still hope :) I hope Joseph finds his family soon God bless him 💕
She maybe dead..
Feuch M I hope more than anything that his mum and sister are still alive for him
Nah fr we the public need to get on this. Their was a tweet that went viral of a girl who shared a picture of herself and another girl when they were little kids. They met on a cruise I think and she wanted social media to help her find the girl (its been about a decade) and social media actually found the girl 😭😭😭😭😭 I hope this happens with his sister
@@Jess-yp9fo Instagram?
The most overwhelming talk I've ever watched. People who never meet like this adversity and difficulty will never understand the pain. That kind of agonizing feeling is terrible. Hope we all live in a peaceful world.
I literally just found out about him and his story 😭😭😭 it made me look at refugees hella differently. North Korea is SICK man i talk ish about the US but reading about NK makes me really grateful to be an American 😭 This guy is more than incredible. God bless him. Learning a new language....escaping a dictatorship..risking his life... Homelessness...losing his sis and mom and dad...At the age of 16... I have no words man.
Guys, I feel so sick with myself. I complain about little things all the time, like my eggs are over cooked or I popped the yolk. I waste so much food. I never really thought about all the people who have no food and die of starvation while I eat a burger. I'm just here bawling because of how fortunate I am to not have been born on the "other side" (N.Korea) of S.Korea, or how I still have all my family members, or all the food in my fridge. Trust me, I'm a very fortunate person and I never really appreciated things till now. I think I can safely say videos like these make me see life in a new perspecitve. To not take things for granted, to not indulge so much with things I don't actually need.
I know. I was literally sitting here fretting over which hideously overpriced Lululemon jacket I wanted to buy. UGH.
Ember Castillo I know that I'm late, but your comment helped me realized too! I'm such a fool, I just bawled my eyes over how sad this story is but didn't seem to take the message seriously. I am not in a very rich family, but I have all of them still alive, food and good education. I will try to appreciate all of it that has been given to me. Thank you :)
Omg yesss I'm angry I can't buy a home for my son I'm like wait you have a place you have food you have clothes not beaten to death. Scared to talk
I know I need to be thank ful for the the stuff that I have
And here we are with people like the Kardashians all over the news instead of this.
I know, right?! It makes me sick that nothing is done, that we just "eat" all the bullshit that media and mags feed us and just get on with our meaningless lifes still complain about our phones and stuff...
+Barbara Wiborg live how you live and do what you earn
It makes me sick that ungrateful Leftists waste all of our time with their ridiculous bullshit, while we could use that energy to help other people. Leftists are disgusting and make this world a much worse place
So truuu 3 yrs late thoo
Yah big up to this Guy I respect the bravery he has&the Hope he kept..we need to hear more of this stories ..I'm touched
Such an amazing individual. As a person who was introduced to English language at his later teen years, his English is beyond good. From a F rated student back in NK to a Academic Excellence Award winner in US requires will, hard work and confidence .....well done brother. You have seen things in life as a child which even an adult shouldn't, you have been through times which are probably our worst nightmares.....but, you fought this through and am so happy to see you live a normal life now. Hearing your story gave me HOPE, made me realise that whatever petty issues/problems that we go through in life will end only if we decide to take our stand and act on it. Thank you brother....thank you for sharing your story with us. I really wish you reunite with your sister one day :) ................... Like i say..... "Keep your hope up high and your head down low".
When he said "thank you" at 11:00, I was wondering why there were still 3 minutes and 51 seconds left; I wasn't ready :(....
In case anyone is wondering: Adrian Hong, the man who appears at the end of Joseph's talk, is one of the co-founders of an organization that helped him called Liberty in North Korea. If you want to do something to help the North Korean people and make a real difference, please consider donating to their rescue efforts. I have done fundraising and awareness campaigns for LiNK for the better part of three years now, and they are an amazing organization staffed by incredible people whose hearts are too big to put into words. They do amazing work and I'm proud to associate with them. They've rescued almost 200 refugees and have funded the rescue of another 40+ in the last couple of months alone. They hope to fund another 40 by January. If Joseph's story inspires you to act, please consider helping them.
Thank you for the information...
I saw your comment few days ago and today I made a donation thanks to you. If I wouln’t saw this comment I would’t know about them so thanks.
Link pleasee
I first saw this story about Joseph a few years ago, have never forgotten about him, (now viewing it again in 2019, prompted by Trump's visit at DMZ with KJU).
I always wondered how he is doing, whether it's possible to get an update from your organization on how Joseph is doing in life, and has he united with Mom and sister? Hope there is a happy ending.
Please provide a link to your organization. Thank you.
15Patriot you can make a donation from this link www.libertyinnorthkorea.org/
When he was saying his message to his sister I just couldn't not cry
Agreed!!!
Izumi, I suppose you meant to say that you could not help crying and I felt the same way as well.
I still remember seeing this live and crying because it was so beautiful. I'm forever grateful.
I really appreciate this guy, and how open he is to talk about his past.
ELLEN FIND HIS SISTER
Ellen does anything for people to be happy and tears of joy
omg so true!
I feel extremely guilty when I compare my life with these people. Sometimes, we complain about unnecessary things when there are bigger issues in the world.
I was just complaining about the slow Wi-Fi connection 😭😭😭
That is human tendency... Nothing to blame or guilty about. It's inherent in us to want more
Brought me to absolute tears. What a beautiful story of hope, strength and courage. I pray he finds his sister and mother. The trials and tribulations for this young man have been nothing short of amazing. I hope he is able to have a fulfilling life.
the heck it made me cry, hopefully he will meet his sister and mom soon. wish you all the best . Godbless
Oh god, I can't hold back my tears anymore! The message to his sister and his mother just broke my heart. I hope that he and many others can reunite with their families.
they straight up abandoned him thou.....
Feels bad man
pp XVIII qq that's not necessary! I don't know what to think about his mother, but I'm sure that his sister tried really hard and was really hoping to come back and bring him food... I know some other refugees who's parents used to travel back and forth between North Korea and China to bring food to their children, until they reached a point where they decided to escape... But I also know many refugees who's parents or other relatives tried to do the same but got caught in China... For example, when Yeonmi Park her parents travelled to China they received a treatment that none of them was expecting, and for a long time they struggled with Chinese soldiers... We can say the same for Yeonmi's sister, who travelled to China before her family and couldn't reunite with them for many years... Joseph's sister might have been captured by Chinese soldiers, or even worst, but honestly I want to not believe it...
pp XVIII qq They didn't. I'm sure his sister had every intention on coming back.
Now that is what i call masterpiece of propaganda.
So disgusting to us whoo have diferent (uncensored) sources of information and actuly whent to that country.
His english is just
BRILIANT!!
brilliant*
Julie Sprik what more do you expect with a username like “Get Rekt 69”
Yes.
And to those who think it's okay to embarrass someone for missing an L, which can easily be a typo, I'll remind you that at least he's being a nice and positive person instead of sitting and trolling others.
I cant stop my tears after the message he gave to his sister hoping he would see her again. Its so heartbreaking.
Listening to his story just making me cry. I can't imagine that kind of life. I can feel the sadness on his face.
I have seen the Berlin wall come down during my life and i hope to see Koreans united too.
It will happen. Every year more and more north Koreans escape, and the ones that haven't are realizing whats actually is happening because of Kim jong un. They are smuggling films, news and cellphones in there. It's only a matter of time before Kimmy is assassinated or the people rebels.
GOD BLESS U!
@@miccalito that won't be for a loooong time tbh. We still have racism in the US and complete ignorance about minoritys bc we arent taught about them in school. Only taught what they wanted us to know. Now that more and more people are becoming aware via social media we still have debates about certain cultural issues. So imagine the millions in NK waking up without the freedom of the internet or Google like how we have in the West. It's gonna be tough but I pray they'll get there one day
@@miccalito I can't wait for the "Korean Spring." Hopefully, it won't be as violent as the Arab Spring.
For the people wondering, the latest thing I've heard (from Joseph himself, at the Liberty In North Korea Summit) is that he hasn't found his sister yet, but he is still looking.
Any updates 4 years later?
Yes, any updates?
Any updates?
As of an article in 2023, he still has not found her.
This got me crying within three minutes 😭😭😭
His story, even though I haven't finished it, is very emotional and touching. God bless this man!
Truly an inspiration and also a really sad story. I cried like a child watching this story . Very touching
I had the utmost privilege to meet this man a few days ago. I interned as a lobbyist for the Korean Church Coalition, am organization that fight for human rights in North Korea, and he came as a guest speaker in our conferences. His testimony is powerful and amazing. Such a kind hearted and loving man.
Has he found his sister yet?
I wish I could tell you but I have not heard any news :( We just have to keep praying and hope that he does
noahsupernobah okay thanks! Yeah I hope he does :/
noahsupernobah: How can we help you and those in North Korea ?
Thank you for commenting this.
6:37 "you're not my son anymore."
Though amazingly his father must've sacrificed his own life to have starved to death and for his children to not. He clearly did not give up on Joseph, and gave him and his sister as much as he could before dying.
Oh, he mentioned that later on. I thought he might.
I think that asian especially Korean parents say a lot of strict things which may give us westerners the idea that they are crueler to their children, but I think they love their children just as much as any other parent, and only say things like that because they want their child to succeed.
SooDoneWithYou ...or they just want them to survive
No, I mean in general, not just poor parents.
Ooff don't make me cry :(
I couldn't help crying hearing his story and listening to his sister and mother message :'( I hope he found them and I hope he is happy now. He went through so many hard times that I wish he has a beautiful life today. He deserves it ....
This melts my heart..I hope one day you will be united with your family.. Thanks for your great message of hope. God bless you.
Man I cried when he got to the Chicken Wing
i read chicken wong and had to laugh out loud.. damn
... ummmm
😂😂
It's devastating that a country can cause such distress to its people and tear families apart like that. Such an inspirational and moving talk
And the US doesnt do the same for other countries when it is bombing them?
@@RussiaGoodFantastic oh and I suppose Russia is sending rockets of candy to Syria. Can you name a single country Russia helped out of poverty?
communism/socialism
I live in South Korea. I didn't know North Korea was that devastating.
Ood
It rips my heart and mind apart to try to even comprehend the pain and suffering he and other refuges have been through. I send him so much love ans thanks for sharing his story.
I moved to tears when he sent mesage to his mom and sister. Blood relationship is very great. I hope his close relatives will have happy life as him. Best regards to them.
Wish you, your sister and your mother all the best sincerely.
From South korea,
Joseph Kim if you are reading this, I just want to say that you are such an inspiration. Your courage, bravery and determination is amazing. Also, you made me cry like a baby with your speech lol.
Agreed! He is a true inspiration!
What an extraordinary and inspiring young man. He is the epitome of genuine strength, hope, kindness, compassion and perseverance. I'm so grateful to have watched this video of his story!
I hope there's been an update with finding his mother and sister after all this time, though such information is very tricky to track down. Many prayers for him, absolute respect!
Tears!! Especially at the end. Just.. tears. What a sweet sweet man who deserves only the best in life.
Michael Patrick Strahan Amen
All those were able to successfully escape NK are the instruments of GOD to.let.those world leaders and powerful countries open their.hearts.that life.is the.greatest gift from God. God is life.
To all Americans: PAY ATTENTION and STOP THROWING FOOD AWAY. The dishes here are so ridiculously exaggerated...Thousands of TONS of foods end up in the trash......
Maybe not just americans, how about everybody?
Tatiana Costantinni don't worry about the food, worry about the people who are still there.
Yes, but as someone who lives in America, it has been proven that we waste and eat a lot more food than other countries as well as throw away tons of garbage while other european countries (i cant remember which one exactly) have a recycling system that's almost perfection.
Germany
This deserves so many thumbs up, I wish I could give more than one! He is so inspiring and courageous to talk about something so personal in front of so many people...
God bless you man, I pray your life is beautiful wherever you are.
"I promise I will not cry again" Oh my goodness I just wanted to hug him. What a beautiful human being I hope he finds his sister.
When Joseph starts making his message to his older sister I teared up right when he said, "Noona,.." :) :,(
Omo me too I was like nope I can't :(
You humble me to this day. Thank you for sharing so many peoples story.
This video makes me think of the smallest thing that I should be grateful of, the way he talks about hope, a very simple philosophy but he makes me believe that hope could bring you anywhere and positivity in your life when you're feeling down
When he said he hoped the next trash can would have bread, I cried.
"Under the Same Sky: From Starvation in North Korea to Salvation in America" - the whole book about him and his heartbreaking, shocking story. Im here, watching this video because of that book, I still cant belive in things I read there. I really reccomend it.
I didn't know there was a book. Thank you, Im going to search for it and read.
Thank you.
Me too...loved the book
Thank you
Do you perhaps know where I can find the book?
Hope is a powerful thing. It pushes a person to keep moving forward.. Thank you for sharing this message. I know it wasn’t easy and I pray you will find peace one day...
YOUR MASSAGE to your Mom and Sister just broke my heart, I was in tear, connot control my self!! I loved your way of life, even though the life is difficult and full of pain but that HOPE make you keep to go ahead!!
so many tears coming out of my eyes right now..
No joke. I'm crying a waterfall
+Sam Taylor The message was emotional and all (I know, honestly I'm crying right now for the first time in...) but.. he should have made the message in Korean so it could actually reach his mother and sister..
The last part I thought the host was going to bring his sister out on stage. It made me teared up so much. So inspirational
AriaLynn Saddly, this is not TV....it's real life u.u
A heartfelt message for everyone. A little act of love will make a big change in one’s life. Help one another.
This is truly heartbreaking, this poor boy, I am so upset I want to hug him x
I'm not crying you're crying
no! you are crying! not me (lies) I'm not crying (more lies)
SystemCurse dude, tears just fell in my face! I was sitting there watching this video not crying and poof, just fell in my face. They came from nowhere.
Yes I’m crying
I fr had to go to the bathroom just to cry
May you be reunited with your mom and sister again Joseph.
This video was 6 years ago and I just discovered it on 2019 because of my sudden interest with NK survivors. However among all of the videos I've watched, he literally make me cry the moment he said "noona". I wonder how he is right now. Did he found his sister? His words touched me. His beautiful mind and spirit wanting to survive despite the unimaginable hardships is one of my source of to keep on going as well. My hope for him is that he will reunite with his omma & noona again. God is always be with you young man. Thank you for the sharing.
This made me tear up... I hope from the bottom of my heart that finds his mom and sister back 😢😢
Okay I lost it when I heard he hadn't seen her since he was 15 or 16, but once he started the letter to her,, I LOST ALL MY WILL TO HOLD BACK MY TEARS DEAR GOD
Whole video I was tasting my tears
People are suffering around the world and here I am, laying down in my comfortable bed wishing to not go to school... Joseph Kim, you have changed me for the better.
🤗get up son! And me in sitting in Focus UA-camr luv yah ❤️I'm 50s
Ooh ,tears are falling from eyes.. 😭
He told the true definition of hunger😢
Thank you for this video. Such value to life he gives. He's so wise! Greetings to Joseph from Brazil!
I shouldve said thanks to and sorry for my grand parents before they passed away...who escaped to S.Korea and left members of family in the North during the Korean war 1950....
My grandfather used to cry when things like this was on TV. back then i couldnt understand cuz i was too young to understand different ideology and what horrible things happend to N.Korea....
Hopefully he will find his missing sis and mom soon
never give up and wish the best luck to you
Please Chinese people help defectors or refugees from N. Korea
+Jinsu Kim a Korean is asking Chinese to help N Korean like none of his business clap clap clap
my grandparents are also escapees from North Korea during the Korean war. it's hard to see your grandparents tearing up remembering their families that they had to leave behind
I was able to hold my crying during the whole speech until he said "Noona", I bursted out crying, I really hope that he will reunite with his sister and his mother some day!
Nelly Bergström Same here
An incredible story. The world needs to hear these stories.
Thank you so much for your dad but beautiful & meaningful testimony, hope you'll meet your sister & mom
what an amazing human being. i wish him the best.
what a change between the comments on this video and the speech with the female north korean. Mainly because the comments are not about his looks, but what he spoke about.
This is so overwhelming, I am crying. Such a sad reminder to be grateful for the abundance in our lives and that we must change the world.
Sending you and your family so many prayers and that you all unite again soon. You're so brave 🙏🏿💙
As soon as he said "Noona" (Older sister in korean) I lost my fight and the tears just started falling. Such an amazing story.
I really hope that he finds his family.
What a sweet boy. I pray he finds his family. Sending you love, sweet boy. 💖💖💖
My god, I just started and this guy has been through it. Im already crying. Really hit me hard
omg i feel like a gluttonous freak. We definitely take food for granted. This was a great talk.
Definitely! I look at how much food we have here, yet in other countries they have nothing, and are starving to death everyday. It changes your life!
I wish I could take him out for dinner and be friends with him. Seriously I want some more interesting friends with amazing stories.
oh my, this made me cry for him, i will try to be more thankful and not complain about anything, God bless you Joseph and i hope you'll find your sister and see your mom again. love you!
Thats so emotional, it makes me think how life can be hard for so many people and yet we sometimes argue or become sad over petty things.
I really hope that u meet up with your family 🤞😊